Dr. Gary Banks
About Our Pastor
Dr. Gary Banks spent his formative years growing up in Southern New Jersey about 20 miles east of Philadelphia. The youngest of five children, he remembers spending summer days working with his father on construction sites, playing sports, and trying to satisfy his inquisitive mind. As a product of Christian Education—nearly all of his education has occurred in the Adventist school system from junior academy, boarding academy, Oakwood University as well as completing his graduate and doctoral studies at Andrews University in urban ministry.
For over 25 years, Dr. Banks has served the Seventh-day Adventist Church in youth and pastoral ministry. He has demonstrated his leadership as pastor in Salem, NJ; Glassboro, NJ; Teaneck, NJ; Norfolk, VA; Pine Forge Academy, Philadelphia, PA and Chesapeake, VA.
Dr. Banks is an author, a builder, an aspiring preacher/evangelist, and a strong supporter of Christian education. He testifies of the goodness of God’s guidance as he led his congregation in Teaneck to start a new school, the Wilbert F. Mays Seventh-day Adventist School. As a builder, he gives God praise for leading his congregation in completely refurbishing the existing church and constructing an addition for a new sanctuary in Norfolk, VA. As an evangelist, he is praying that God reveals revolutionary methods to reach people with the gospel here in the Capital City of Richmond, VA.
Dr. Banks is married to his college sweetheart—the former Robin L. Myles of Washington D.C. Robin is an educator who serves as the principal of Tidewater Adventist Academy in Chesapeake, VA—together they have three sons: Gelani (25), Kalen (23), and Diallo (17).
Dr. Banks holds dearly the words of the prayer of Jesus recorded in the gospel of John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
His ministry objective can be summed up in the following words:
To create and implement a relevant process for church growth that is biblically authentic, innovative, and sustainable.
Pastor Banks believes none of his degrees or accomplishments could ever overshadow the privilege of being recognized as A CHILD OF GOD.