Reverend David L. Reaves, M.Div.
SENIOR PASTOR
David L. Reaves hails from the vibrant community of Greensboro, NC, where he was nurtured by the loving guidance of Lawrence and Pearl Reaves. Born on December 31, 1982, David's journey is marked by a profound dedication to both academic excellence and service to his country and community. A product of the esteemed James Benson Dudley High School, nestled in the heart of Guilford County, David's academic prowess shone brightly. His journey continued as he answered the call to serve his nation, joining the United States Army shortly after graduating. Stationed initially at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, David underwent rigorous training as an artilleryman, laying the foundation for his future endeavors.
Beyond his military service, David's spiritual calling beckoned, leading him to Shiloh Baptist Church in Tacoma, WA. Under the mentorship of Rev. Dr. Gregory Christopher, he embarked on a journey of ministry, honing his spiritual gifts and embracing his role as a servant leader. In 2004, David's path led him to Eastside Baptist Church in Tacoma, where he served as Youth Minister and Youth Outreach Worker, touching countless lives in the local community. In 2007 Reaves discovered love and companionship in his beloved wife, Tammica G. Reaves (nee Crosby). Throughout his journey, David's commitment to faith and service remained unwavering. Transitioning to New Beginnings Christian Fellowship in Renton, Washington as a Children and Youth Pastor. From there, his opportunities grew more robust when agreeing to serve the Mount Calvary Baptist Church, In Fairfield, California under the mentorship and tutelage of Dr. Claybon Lea Jr. David continued to inspire and uplift others, fostering spiritual growth and community engagement.
In 2014, driven by a heartfelt desire to care for his mother and deepen his ministry, David returned to his roots in North Carolina. At Ebenezer United Church of Christ, he embraced the role of Director of Ministries and Youth and Family Life Pastor, enriching the lives of congregants and strengthening familial bonds within the community. Dr. Larry Covington, who served as the Senior Pastor was instrumental in the initiation of Reaves, Pastoral ministry.
David's journey took yet another transformative turn in 2016 when he was called to lead Sweet Gum Grove Missionary Baptist Church as its Senior Pastor. His tenure was marked by profound growth and spiritual renewal, a testament to his visionary leadership and unwavering faith in God and His church. As a testament to his multifaceted talents, David seamlessly transitioned into the corporate sphere, assuming executive roles at Lenovo while continuing his ministerial duties at Reeder Memorial Baptist Church beyond his tenure at the Sweet Gum Grove Baptist Church which concluded during COVID, as Reaves made the tough decision of returning to tent making to ensure proper provision, stewardship and protection of his family remained priority.
Currently, as the Senior Pastor of New Life Baptist Church in Lacey, Washington, David continues to embody the spirit of excellence and service. A distinguished academic, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and a Master of Divinity Degree from The Faith Evangelical Lutheran Seminary & College, with aspirations of pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership. Beyond his pastoral duties, David is the esteemed lead and Principal Consultant of the TIG (The Invictus Group), a consultancy firm dedicated to empowering organizations around the world. His visionary approach and commitment to innovation have made him a sought-after resource for all Ministries and organizations seeking to thrive in the 21st century.
David's impact extends beyond the pulpit, as evidenced by his time and tenure as the Young Adult President of the California State Baptist Convention Inc. and his leadership within his fraternity, which is, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. A devoted family man, he finds solace and joy in the company of his beloved wife, Tam, and their three beautiful children, Sarai, Naomi, and David II (Deuce). In all facets of his life, David remains steadfast in his dedication to preaching, teaching, and motivating others to serve God and humanity with compassion and grace.
Beyond his military service, David's spiritual calling beckoned, leading him to Shiloh Baptist Church in Tacoma, WA. Under the mentorship of Rev. Dr. Gregory Christopher, he embarked on a journey of ministry, honing his spiritual gifts and embracing his role as a servant leader. In 2004, David's path led him to Eastside Baptist Church in Tacoma, where he served as Youth Minister and Youth Outreach Worker, touching countless lives in the local community. In 2007 Reaves discovered love and companionship in his beloved wife, Tammica G. Reaves (nee Crosby). Throughout his journey, David's commitment to faith and service remained unwavering. Transitioning to New Beginnings Christian Fellowship in Renton, Washington as a Children and Youth Pastor. From there, his opportunities grew more robust when agreeing to serve the Mount Calvary Baptist Church, In Fairfield, California under the mentorship and tutelage of Dr. Claybon Lea Jr. David continued to inspire and uplift others, fostering spiritual growth and community engagement.
In 2014, driven by a heartfelt desire to care for his mother and deepen his ministry, David returned to his roots in North Carolina. At Ebenezer United Church of Christ, he embraced the role of Director of Ministries and Youth and Family Life Pastor, enriching the lives of congregants and strengthening familial bonds within the community. Dr. Larry Covington, who served as the Senior Pastor was instrumental in the initiation of Reaves, Pastoral ministry.
David's journey took yet another transformative turn in 2016 when he was called to lead Sweet Gum Grove Missionary Baptist Church as its Senior Pastor. His tenure was marked by profound growth and spiritual renewal, a testament to his visionary leadership and unwavering faith in God and His church. As a testament to his multifaceted talents, David seamlessly transitioned into the corporate sphere, assuming executive roles at Lenovo while continuing his ministerial duties at Reeder Memorial Baptist Church beyond his tenure at the Sweet Gum Grove Baptist Church which concluded during COVID, as Reaves made the tough decision of returning to tent making to ensure proper provision, stewardship and protection of his family remained priority.
Currently, as the Senior Pastor of New Life Baptist Church in Lacey, Washington, David continues to embody the spirit of excellence and service. A distinguished academic, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and a Master of Divinity Degree from The Faith Evangelical Lutheran Seminary & College, with aspirations of pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership. Beyond his pastoral duties, David is the esteemed lead and Principal Consultant of the TIG (The Invictus Group), a consultancy firm dedicated to empowering organizations around the world. His visionary approach and commitment to innovation have made him a sought-after resource for all Ministries and organizations seeking to thrive in the 21st century.
David's impact extends beyond the pulpit, as evidenced by his time and tenure as the Young Adult President of the California State Baptist Convention Inc. and his leadership within his fraternity, which is, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. A devoted family man, he finds solace and joy in the company of his beloved wife, Tam, and their three beautiful children, Sarai, Naomi, and David II (Deuce). In all facets of his life, David remains steadfast in his dedication to preaching, teaching, and motivating others to serve God and humanity with compassion and grace.