Dr. Gaidi K. Burgess hails from Flint, Michigan. He received his early education from the Flint Community Schools. He attended Prairie View A&M University to pursue an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering. Working briefly in the engineering profession, God had other plans for him. Pastor Burgess 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 Christ-centered preaching; doctrinally sound, text-driven preaching that leads to culturally sensitive application; and church revitalization through the medium of redemptive preaching.
In September 2005, he accepted the call to be the ninth pastor of Greater Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Houston, Texas. Through his visionary leadership, Pastor Burgess 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. In 2017, Pastor Burgess led the church to relocate 8.2 miles from its previous location to purchase a church campus that includes a sanctuary, multiple classrooms, and full gymnasium. The campus is suited for ministerial expansion.
In addition to pastoral ministry, Dr. Burgess serves as Assistant Professor of Homiletics and Pastoral Ministry and Chief Academic Officer at Southern Reformed College and Seminary in Houston. 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. He also serves on the inaugural faculty of the historic and prestigious Hampton University’s newly established School of Religion. He designs courses for the Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs.
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 being 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 Christ.