Pastor David L. Bracken was born and raised in Reidsville, North Carolina. At the age of twelve, his family moved to Youngstowns, Ohio where he graduated from the Youngstowns Public School System. Pastor Bracken is a 1983 graduate of the University of Akron with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Marketing. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Shaw University Divinity School in May 2003. Pastor Bracken received his Doctor of Ministry at Drew University in May 2012.
He is active in the Reidsville community, volunteering to serve on various boards and civic organiations. Pastor Bracken is a memeber of the following organizations:
- Board of Directors Reidsvile Kiwanis Club
- Reidsville Ministerial Alliance
- National Baptist Conference and Convention U.S.A., Inc.
- General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, Inc.
Pastor Bracken was the former President of the Rockingham County Officials Association and served o the Board of Directors of the Reidsville YMCA. Pastor Bracken is the former Moderator of the Rowan Baptist Association. He is also the former Fire Chief for the City of Reidsville; having retired after 35 years of service.
In May 1997 Pastor Bracken accepted his call to the ministry and in November of 1997 was licensed to preach by Zion Baptist Church in Reidsville, North Carolina. He was ordained November 1998 by the Rowan Baptist Association. He served as interim pastor of Zion Baptist Church. In 2001, Pastor Bracken was called to pastor Jerusalem Baptist Church in Spencer, North Carolina. Under his leadership a new sanctuary was built, and the old church sanctuary was converted into a functional fellowship hall. He established the first JBC Tutorial Program and computer lab by securing a grant from Food Lion Inc.
Pastor Bracken is the son of Gladys Bracken and the late James and Ada Bracken of Reidsville, North Carolina. He is married to the former Jacqueline Louise Blackwell. They have two children, son Paul, daughter Charryse Jones, and one grandson, Titus.
Pastor Bracken refers to himself as a plain man who loves the Lord. He finds comfort and strength in Psalm 23, which simply and clearly expresses the role of God as our protector and provider in life. Pastor Bracken has a love for God, love for people, and a willingness to serve.
