J. D. Greear Biography: Age, Church Leadership, Family, Salary, Net Worth & More (2025) in 2025

J. D. Greear is a prominent American pastor, theologian, and author, best known for his leadership as the senior pastor of The Summit Church in Durham, North Carolina, and his service as the 62nd president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Renowned for his dynamic preaching, innovative church growth strategies, and influential voice in evangelical circles, Greear has shaped contemporary Christian thought in the United States and beyond.

Quick Facts

Full Name	James David Greear
Nickname	J. D. Greear
Profession / Occupation	Pastor, Author, Speaker
Birth Date	May 1, 1973
Age	52 (as of October 2025)
Birth Place	Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
Nationality	American
Famous For	Senior Pastor of The Summit Church, former SBC President
Known For	Evangelical leadership, church growth, Christian authorship
Ethnicity	White
Zodiac Sign	Taurus
Height & Weight	5 ft 10 in (178 cm) / Approx. 165 lbs (75 kg)
Hair Color	Brown
Eye Color	Blue
Education	Campbell University (B.A.), Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (Ph.D.)
Religion	Christianity (Baptist)
Marital Status/Spouse	Married to Veronica Greear
Children	Four
Relatives	Private
Hobbies	Reading, traveling, basketball, mentoring young leaders
Employer/Organization	The Summit Church
Years Active	2002–present
Net Worth (Estimated)	$3–5 million (2025 estimate)

Early Life & Education

James David Greear was born on May 1, 1973, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Raised in a devout Christian family, Greear developed a strong faith foundation from a young age. He attended Campbell University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, before pursuing advanced theological studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. There, he completed both his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees, focusing on Christian theology and missiology. Greear’s early interests included reading, sports, and participating in church activities, all of which shaped his future calling to ministry.

Career Journey

Beginnings in Ministry

J. D. Greear’s ministry journey began with international mission work in Southeast Asia, where he spent two years engaging in evangelism and church planting. This formative experience ignited his passion for global missions and shaped his pastoral vision.

Leadership at The Summit Church

In 2002, Greear became the senior pastor of The Summit Church in Durham, North Carolina. Under his leadership, the church grew from a few hundred members to over 12,000 weekly attendees across multiple campuses by 2025. Greear implemented a vision for gospel-centered growth, emphasizing church planting, community outreach, and discipleship.

Expanded The Summit Church to multiple campuses in the Raleigh-Durham area.
Launched over 400 church plants, both nationally and internationally.
Developed a robust leadership pipeline for young pastors and missionaries.

Presidency of the Southern Baptist Convention

Greear served as the 62nd president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) from 2018 to 2021. During his tenure, he focused on issues such as racial reconciliation, sexual abuse prevention, and revitalizing evangelism within the denomination.

Promoted diversity and inclusion within the SBC.
Advocated for reforms in church safety and abuse prevention policies.
Strengthened international mission partnerships.

Recent Activity & Current Position

As of 2025, Greear continues as senior pastor at The Summit Church, hosts the Ask Me Anything podcast, and writes extensively on topics of faith, leadership, and culture. He remains a sought-after conference speaker and has authored several influential books, including Gaining By Losing and Above All.

Personal Life

Marriage & Family
J. D. Greear is married to Veronica Greear. The couple has four children and resides in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. Veronica is actively involved in church ministry and women’s discipleship initiatives.

Hobbies & Interests
Greear enjoys reading, traveling, playing basketball, and mentoring emerging church leaders. He is known for his approachable personality and commitment to his family and community.

Awards & Achievements

Served as President of the Southern Baptist Convention (2018–2021)
Recipient of multiple Christian leadership and preaching awards
Recognized as one of the most influential evangelical leaders in America
Published best-selling Christian books and resources

Physical Statistics

Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight: Approx. 165 lbs (75 kg)
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Brown
Sexuality: Straight

Quotes

“The gospel is not just the diving board off which you jump into Christianity; it’s the pool itself.”

“You can’t out-sin the grace of God.”

“Every believer is sent, every member is a missionary.”

Controversies

J. D. Greear has been involved in several high-profile debates within the Southern Baptist Convention, particularly regarding church responses to abuse allegations and efforts to increase diversity. While some have criticized his progressive stance on certain issues, Greear has remained committed to transparency, accountability, and biblical fidelity.

Favorites

Book: “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis
Sport: Basketball
Hobby: Reading, mentoring
Scripture: Romans 8

Salary & Net Worth

As of 2025, J. D. Greear’s estimated annual salary as senior pastor of The Summit Church is between $200,000 and $300,000, based on industry benchmarks for large American megachurches. His total net worth is estimated at $3–5 million, including income from book royalties, speaking engagements, and leadership roles.

Interesting Facts

J. D. Greear spent two years as a missionary in Southeast Asia before becoming a pastor.
He has authored over 10 books on Christian living and theology.
The Summit Church has sent more than 1,500 members to serve in church plants worldwide.
Greear is an avid basketball fan and often uses sports analogies in his sermons.

Social Media Links

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is J. D. Greear in 2025?
J. D. Greear is 52 years old as of October 2025.
Who is J. D. Greear’s wife?
He is married to Veronica Greear, who is actively involved in ministry at The Summit Church.
What is J. D. Greear best known for?
He is known for being the senior pastor of The Summit Church and a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention.
How many children does J. D. Greear have?
He has four children.
What is J. D. Greear’s net worth?
His estimated net worth in 2025 is between $3 million and $5 million.
Where is The Summit Church located?
The Summit Church is located in Durham, North Carolina, with multiple campuses across the Raleigh-Durham area.

Conclusion

J. D. Greear’s impact as a pastor, author, and leader continues to resonate across the Christian world. Through his dedication to church growth, missions, and gospel-centered living, he remains a guiding voice for many. Share this biography if you found it helpful or inspiring!

Sources: The Summit Church official website, Southern Baptist Convention, Christianity Today, Baptist Press, Religion News Service, Outreach Magazine.