J.D. Greear is a man with a passion for sharing the love and message of Jesus Christ with the world. As the pastor of The Summit Church in Durham, North Carolina, Greear has led his congregation to become one of the largest churches in the Southern Baptist Convention. He is also a well-respected author and theologian, with a deep understanding of Scripture and a heart for ministry. #JDGreear
J.D. Greear: The Pastor, Author, and Theologian Making a Difference
J.D. is short for his full name, which is David Jeremiah Greear. However, he typically goes by the name J.D. Greear.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1973 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, J.D. Greear grew up in a family of believers. His parents instilled in him a love for the Lord and a desire to serve Him with his life. As a teenager, Greear felt a calling to ministry and began to study theology and biblical studies in college.
He attended Campbell University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Master of Divinity. He later earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Theology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Ministry and Leadership
Greear began his ministry at the age of 22, serving as a youth pastor at Open Door Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. He later became a church planter and launched The Summit Church in Durham in 2002. Under his leadership, the church has grown to become one of the largest and fastest-growing churches in the Southern Baptist Convention, with multiple locations and over 10,000 members.
As a pastor, Greear is known for his dynamic preaching style, his commitment to teaching the Word of God, and his heart for the lost. He has a passion for missions and evangelism and has led his congregation to be actively involved in sharing the Gospel both locally and globally.
In addition to his work as a pastor, Greear is a respected author and theologian. He has written several books, including “Gaining by Losing: Why the Future Belongs to Churches that Send” and “Jesus, Continued: Why the Spirit Inside You is Better than Jesus Beside You”. He is also a sought-after speaker and has spoken at conferences and events around the world.
Southern Baptist Convention Presidency
In 2018, Greear was elected as the president of the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination in the United States. As president, he has focused on issues such as racial reconciliation, sexual abuse, and the need for evangelism and missions. He has encouraged Southern Baptists to focus on reaching the lost and making disciples of all nations.
Greear’s presidency has been marked by a commitment to unity and a desire to see the Southern Baptist Convention become a more diverse and inclusive organization. He has encouraged Southern Baptists to listen to one another and to work together for the sake of the Gospel.
Books
J.D. Greear has written several books. Some of his most popular titles include:
- “Gaining by Losing: Why the Future Belongs to Churches that Send”
- “Jesus, Continued: Why the Spirit Inside You is Better than Jesus Beside You”
- “Not God Enough: Why Your Small God Leads to Big Problems”
- “Stop Asking Jesus into Your Heart: How to Know for Sure You Are Saved”
- “Above All: The Gospel is the Source of the Church’s Renewal”
He has also contributed to several other books and publications and is a sought-after speaker and teacher on the subjects of theology, church leadership, and evangelism.
Conclusion
J.D. Greear is a pastor, author, and theologian who is making a significant impact in the world of ministry. His commitment to sharing the love and message of Jesus Christ with the world has led to the growth of one of the largest churches in the Southern Baptist Convention and has inspired countless believers to follow Jesus more closely.
Through his preaching, writing, and leadership, Greear has challenged Southern Baptists to focus on evangelism, missions, and unity. His presidency of the Southern Baptist Convention has been marked by a desire to see the denomination become more diverse and inclusive, with a renewed emphasis on reaching the lost and making disciples.
Overall, J.D. Greear is a leader who is passionate about the Gospel and committed to seeing lives transformed by the power of Christ. His impact on the world of ministry is significant, and his example serves as an inspiration to believers everywhere. Whether through his preaching, writing, or leadership, J.D. Greear is making a difference in the world, and his work will undoubtedly continue to impact generations to come.
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