Gary is senior pastor at Dawson Memorial Baptist in Birmingham, Alabama, where he has served since 1991. He earned his master of divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and his doctorate from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.
Gary has written articles for several publications, including Leadership Journal, Rev, and Proclaim. He also has written "Your Ministry's Next Chapter" for the Pastor's Soul Series and Good for Goodness' Sake. During his career, he has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board, and The Alabama Baptist (state Baptist paper), and he has spoken at numerous leadership and pastor conferences.
Gary and his wife, Alta Faye, have three children: Amy, Sara, and Leah.
