David Parks is the new associate executive director of the church vitalization team of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. He began work Jan. 2.
David ParksHe is responsible for the work of the church vitalization team, which includes the childhood ministry group, youth ministry group, adult ministry office, worship and music office, church administration office, and revitalization office.
Parks will develop a comprehensive strategy to assist churches in vitalization and revitalization, and will work closely with directors of missions in accomplishing the goals set forth in the new statewide initiative, Experience Kingdom Life.
Ray Mims, pastor of Bellview Baptist Church, Woodruff, and chairman of the SCBC Executive Board search committee that unanimously recommended Parks for the job, noted his “heart for people, churches, and pastors.”
Parks said his move to this new position brought with it a “flood of thoughts and emotions.” “I am both excited about the opportunity for kingdom impact through the Experience Kingdom Life initiative and humbled with the privilege of working with Dr. Austin, the outstanding convention staff, and the fine churches of South Carolina,” he said.
Raised in North Carolina, Parks has served as executive pastor of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Colonial Heights, Va., since 2004. He also served on staff in churches in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina in outreach, youth, and young adult ministries. Prior to being ordained in 1987, he was a financial planner and stock broker in Charlotte, N.C. He is a published author and has held leadership positions in association and state Southern Baptist work.
He earned a doctorate in education leadership from Southern Baptist Seminary. He also holds a master of divinity degree in Christian education from Southeastern Seminary. Parks earned bachelor of arts degrees in business management and economics from North Carolina State University.
Parks and his wife, the former Tamela Lynn Geohagan of Lake Wylie, have three children.