David Dykes grew up in South Alabama where he came to know the Lord when he was nine years old. He started preaching at the age of 17. He is a graduate of Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama, having received a Bachelor of Arts degree. He received a Master of Divinity degree and the Doctor of Ministry degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. His doctoral emphasis was on evangelism and church growth.
Dr. Dykes has been preaching since 1970, and pastored churches in Alabama before coming to pastor Green Acres Baptist Church in 1991. Green Acres Baptist Church is recognized as one of the leading churches in America, in terms of missions and evangelism. The church has over 15,000 members and is known around the world for its emphasis on direct missions. Annually, Green Acres sends over 1,000 volunteer missionaries to various locations around the world. Green Acres invests over $3 million every year in global mission efforts. Dr. Dykes has personally led mission teams to twenty foreign countries.
Dr. Dykes is seen by millions of television viewers each week through the “Discover Life” broadcast. He is also heard weekly on Sirius satellite radio.
Dr. Dykes is a member of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention and is chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Baptist Child and Family Services Agency.
As an Associate Trainer for EQUIP, Dr. Dykes is training the next generation of International Christian leaders.
David has published articles in Moody Monthly, Church Administration and Guideposts. He is the author of nine books: Handling Life's Disappointments; Do Angels Really Exist?; Angels Really Do Exist: Signs of Heaven on Earth; The Spiritual Powerbook; Ten Requirements for America's Survival; Daring to be a Daniel: Character Out of Chaos; Celebrating God's Faithfulness; Finding Peace in Your Pain; and No, That’s NOT in the Bible.
David and Cindy have two married daughters and three grandchildren. Their older daughter, Jenni, is a dermatologist with Dermatology Associates and her husband, Jason, is an Internal Medicine/Pediatrics physician with Trinity Mother Frances Health Care System. Jenni and Jason live in Tyler with their two daughters, Lizzi and Caroline. Laura Grace, his younger daughter, is married to Jim Liner, and they have one daughter, Ada Rose.
In addition to ministry, David is an avid golfer, and is a multi-engine instrument rated pilot. He and Cindy enjoy traveling together, and have led eighteen trips to Israel.
photograph courtesy ©Portraits by Bryan
