J.D. Davis

James David (JD) Davis, Lead Pastor of Dublin Baptist Church, is a born teacher and preacher who leads the church with empathy, transparency, drive, and strategy. Born in Troy, Ohio, JD spent most of his youth in Metropolis, Illinois. Throughout his young adult life, he relocated six times to attend college/seminary or to accept a new Lead Pastoral position.

Pastor JD earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Belmont College (Nashville, TN), Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisville, KY), and his PhD in Expository Preaching and Pulpit Community from Trinity Seminary (Evansville, IN). Additionally, Pastor JD is both a Certified Transformational Church Consultant and Certified Kingdom Focused Church Consultant.

In 1995, Pastor JD began his career behind the pulpit as a Youth Pastor at Park Avenue Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee. From there, his pastoral journey meandered through Missouri, Georgia, and back to Tennessee prior to his acceptance as the Lead Pastor at Dublin Baptist Church in 2014.

“I am exactly where I should be and mentoring International Pastors as well as young disciples who are interested in pursuing their calling into ministry. I am inspired and excited when I am able to pour into those who have a heart to serve and want to begin their growth process to discover how to utilize their gifts from God.”

Dublin Baptist Church was launched in 1978, as Dublin was lacking a Southern Baptist Church in the area. The residential developer at the time wanted to anchor the residential subdivision with two churches. Dublin Baptist was formed with congregational support from Lane Avenue Baptist.

Today, Dublin Baptist Church serves thousands per year through its vast programs, services, and community outreach.

“It is unique to find a church which executes and connects both International Ministry and Discipleship together under one roof. We work alongside six International Pastors, offer a three-level Conversational English Course, as well as a four-level English Language Learners Course. Collectively, we proudly serve between 150–200 individuals per semester through our ESL Curriculum.”

Sunday worship, connect classes, a part-time daycare (aka Mother’s Day Out), and a robust missionary program are also found within Dublin Baptist.

“We know who we are and our traditional services are perfect for those who want to know what it means to follow Christ and to seek a deep relationship with Him. Our desire is to invest in people and come alongside them as they discover their giftings and who God made them to be.”

In addition to teaching, preaching, discipleship, leadership development, vision casting, and strategic planning, Pastor JD finds time to be a member of Metro Columbus Baptist Association, The State Conference of Baptists in Ohio, and to serve as a Trustee on the Ethics Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Pastor JD Davis finds joy in his everyday walk alongside others so they can discover who they are in Christ.

“I will listen, provide a safe and trusted place where one can be heard, offer my wisdom and counsel, and then step out of the way as one discovers their own path. When I witness their ‘light bulb moment’ and see they are positioned for success, I truly feel blessed to have been part of their evolution, growth, and journey. I would not find fulfillment and joy doing anything else…but this!”