Rev. Brian Dunks, Pastor

Brian Dunks came to us from First Baptist Church of Salado, Texas, where he served as pastor for eleven years. He is married to Janet, and they have two children, Bryce and Kalyn.

Prior to his tenure in Salado, Brian served for four years as pastor of the Eastwood Baptist Church in Gatesville, Texas (1992-1996). He also pastored the Levita Baptist Church in Levita, Texas (1990-1992) and the New Salem Baptist Church in Rosebud, Texas (1989-1990). During his third semester at Baylor University in 1989, Brian was a staff intern here at Columbus Avenue under the guidance of David Johnson. His ministry experience includes one summer serving as the Associate Youth Minister at Southern Hills Baptist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and another summer serving in the same capacity at the First Baptist Church of Lamesa, Texas.

Brian was licensed to the gospel ministry by the First Baptist Church in Lamesa, Texas, in July of 1988 and ordained to the ministry by the same church in March of 1990.

Brian graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, with his Master of Divinity degree in May of 1995. He also received his Bachelor of Arts in Religion degree from Baylor University in May of 1991 and graduated from Temple High School in Temple, Texas, in May of 1987. Born and raised in a Christian home, Brian is a PK (Preacher Kid). His parents, Darryle and Brenda Dunks reside in Chandler, Texas. His father has served as pastor of Baptist churches all over Texas and currently serves as the Minister to Senior Adults at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas. Brian is also part MK (Missionary Kid), having served with his parents at age seven as missionaries in Tanzania and Kenya, East Africa. Brian came to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior at age six during Vacation Bible School at the University Heights Baptist Church in Huntsville, Texas, where his dad served as pastor.

Brian and Janet met for the first time during the summer of 1982 when Brian’s dad was called to pastor Immanuel Baptist Church in Temple, Texas. Janet was raised in Temple by her parents Lee and Regina Lundy, along with her one brother and four sisters. Her family attended Immanuel and even today her parents are faithful in attendance and teach Sunday School at the church. Brian and Janet were best friends all through high school, engaged while at Baylor University and married June 9, 1990.