Rev. Dr. George L. Parks Jr. is the seventh pastor in the 161-year legacy of The Historic
Metropolitan Baptist Church, formerly of Washington, DC, and now located in Largo, Maryland.
A dynamic preacher, thoughtful leader, and compassionate servant, Dr. Parks carries forward the
rich spiritual heritage of Metropolitan with a deep commitment to biblical integrity, community
impact, and Christ-centered ministry.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, to Rev. Dr. George L. Parks Sr. and Mrs. Kay Ramona Parks, his
formative years were shaped by faith and family in both Dayton and Cleveland, Ohio. Influenced
by the example of his father, Dr. Parks accepted his Call to preach on January 25, 1998, and he
delivered his initial sermon just two months later at Sacrificial Baptist Church in Cleveland,
where his father continues to serve as Pastor.

Dr. Parks earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Pastoral Studies from American Baptist
College in Nashville. Driven by a desire to grow in theological depth and spiritual maturity, he
earned his Master of Divinity from the Howard University School of Divinity, where he was
honored with the prestigious J.H. Jackson Award for Promise in Pastoral Excellence. He later
completed is Doctor of Ministry in Expository Preaching at Union University’s School of
Theology and Missions in Jackson, Tennessee.

Throughout his ministerial journey, Dr. Parks has served faithfully in a variety of pastoral and
leadership roles. He was licensed and ordained in 1998 and 2007, respectively, and has held key
positions at Watson Grove Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee; Meridian Hill Baptist Church
in Washington, DC; Riverside Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee; and most
recently New Hope Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he served as Senior Pastor
for eight years. On July 30, 2023, Dr. Parks was called to serve as the Senior Servant at
Metropolitan Baptist Church, where he continues to lead with conviction, compassion, and
clarity of vision.

Dr. Parks’ leadership extends beyond the local church. In 2020, he was inducted into the
prestigious Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College. He currently serves
as an adjunct professor at Philander Smith College; and in 2025, he was appointed Director of
Pastors and Ministers for the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. by president Dr. Boise
Kimber. He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and is widely recognized for
his dedication to outreach, mentorship, and equipping the next generation of faith leaders.

Dr. Parks is blessed to share life and ministry with his wife, the former Joy Marie Dailey.
Together, they are the proud parents of four children: George III (“Trey”), Genesis, and twins
Gabriel and Grayson.