Our Pastor
Our Pastor
Rev. Dr. John A. Dawkins III
Rev. Dr. John A. Dawkins III was elected as the 12th Pastor of Pinn Memorial Baptist Church on October 28, 2023.
He is a third generation Preacher who allows God to use him in ways to recapture, reframe, and reinvest the hearts and minds of those who believe in God and in the power of His might.
As a preacher, he is committed to being biblically faithful, creative, and inspiring in his presentation of God’s word. In his short time thus far at Pinn Memorial, worshippers who have experienced Pastor Dawkins’ homiletical gifts have been left informed, equipped, and encouraged by his maturity, calm demeanor, enthusiasm, and unifying persona. There is a renewed level of excitement at Pinn Memorial as Pastor Dawkins leads us into a new era of hope and promise.
Pastor Dawkins’ educational background includes multiple earned degrees. He holds an Associate Degree in Chemical Engineering Technology from Temple University, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Science Education from West Chester University, a Master of Science Degree in Secondary Education, Counseling and Psychology from West Chester University, a Master of Divinity Degree from Palmer Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Palmer Theological Seminary in Leadership and Church Renewal.
In addition to his spiritual calling, Pastor Dawkins brings a wealth of business acumen to his role. He and his wife, Barbara, have owned and operated 17 restaurants in the Delaware Valley.
He is a respected local small business owner who will bring a balanced approach to his pastorate at Pinn Memorial, prioritizing spiritual growth while responsibly using his business training skills to problem solving and strategic planning. Pinn Memorial is excited about how he will approach congregational leadership with the same level of spirituality and organizational effectiveness.
Pastor Dawkins is married to Mrs. Barbara A. Dawkins, affectionately known at Pinn Memorial as “Lady B”. They have a grown daughter, Danielle Dawkins-Alston, who with her husband have three daughters, Madison, MacKenzie and Milan, who are active in the lives of the Dawkins family. Pastor and Mrs. Dawkins also run a Teen Fellowship Missionary Breakfast program through their restaurants which combines food, Bible study and fellowship exposing more than 100 teens to the message of Christ.
Pastor Dawkins is a leader. His experiences demonstrate his ability to look for new approaches to old concerns. He is the kind of leader who is willing to ask hard questions and has the courage to take the risk to try new ways. Many churches today grapple with how they can serve God in new ways. Pastor Dawkins shows the ability to think “outside the box” and Pinn Memorial couldn’t be more pleased to have him leading our congregation.
Pastor Dawkins has a natural love for people and making others feel welcome. This ability will help Pinn Memorial grow stronger and strengthen our witness in the wider community. His vision is that Pinn Memorial will be a body of Christ that encompasses our members and the community, all for kingdom building. He understands that Pinn Memorial’s ministry goes beyond its campus. We have to develop a strategy to keep us visible and relevant in the community 10, 20, 30 years from now. Pinn Memorial is well on its way to realizing this objective under his leadership.
Pastor Dawkins’ spiritual outlook stems from Philippians 4:13 and he believes that anyone “can do all things through Christ who strengthens them.”
A favorite expression of Pastor Dawkins is – “There are no problems in life, only challenges to solutions.”
Pinn Memorial Baptist Church proudly welcomes our 12th Pastor and his family to our congregation.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
To God Be The Glory!
