Dr. Gaidi K. Burgess hails from Flint, Michigan. He received his early education from the Flint Community Schools. He subsequently attended Prairie View A&M University to pursue an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering. Although he worked briefly in the engineering profession, God changed his major. After he joined the Jordan Grove Baptist church of Houston, God called him to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biblical Studies (B.S.B.S.) from the College at Southwestern (Texas Baptist College) and a Master of Divinity degree (M.Div.) with a double concentration in Preaching and New Testament from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He also earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) from the School of Theology at Southwestern with an emphasis in Preaching and a minor in Pastoral Studies. His research interests include sacred rhetoric; Christ-centered preaching; doctrinally sound, text-driven preaching that leads to culturally relevant application; and church revitalization through the medium of “redemptive preaching.”

Dr. Burgess serves as Assistant Professor of Christian Studies. He teaches courses on preaching, spiritual formation, and pastoral leadership. His primary goal in the classroom is to demonstrate to his students the nexus of the academy and the church through expositional preaching and intentional pastoral care.

Since 2005, he has been the lead pastor of the historic Greater Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Houston, Texas. Through his visionary leadership, he is leading Greater Mount Zion to experience true revival. New ministry opportunities such as R.E.M.A.I.N. (Recognizing Each Member’s Area of Input and Needs) allow members to serve God in their area of giftedness. Dr. Burgess has a passion for youth and children. He encourages spiritual, academic, and social excellence, especially for those who historically have been marginalized and underrepresented.

Dr. Burgess is married to WaWinta. They are the blessed parents of one son, Gaidi II and one daughter, Genesis. Next to his family, his greatest joy is to be used by God to spread His good news of salvation. He believes it is the efficacy and power of God’s Word that enables all of God’s people to live purpose-filled lives and to experience victory in Jesus.