Dr. Anthony Rhodes is a pastor, teacher, and disciple-maker with a lifelong passion for helping people grow in a genuine, life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. After coming to faith in 1989, he sensed God’s call to ministry and fully surrendered to that calling in 1994. Since then, his life and leadership have been shaped by a simple commitment drawn from Matthew 6:33 — to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness in every area of ministry and life.
With more than two decades of pastoral and ministry experience, Dr. Rhodes has served in a variety of roles including worship pastor, associate pastor, and senior pastor. He currently serves as Senior Pastor of Union Baptist Church in Lexington, Tennessee. Throughout his ministry, he has helped churches strengthen their biblical foundation, develop healthy leadership structures, and cultivate disciple-making cultures that reflect the heart of Christ.
Dr. Rhodes holds a Doctor of Ministry in Expository Preaching with an emphasis in Discipleship and Church Growth from Liberty University. His doctoral work focused on revitalizing churches through the intentional discipling of leaders. He also earned a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a minor in Communications from Jacksonville State University. His preaching and teaching are grounded in Scripture, shaped by pastoral experience, and driven by a desire to see churches rediscover clarity, health, and mission.
Beyond the local church, Dr. Rhodes has invested deeply in leadership development and missions. He serves on the national staff of World Changers Student Missions, teaches through the Samford University Ministry Training Institute (including instruction within correctional facilities), and serves on the Board of Directors for the National Disciple Leaders Network. His ministry has taken him across the United States and internationally, where he has trained pastors, equipped leaders, and preached to believers from many nations. He has also assisted churches with leadership development, disciple-making systems, bylaws, operational manuals, conflict resolution, and mission strategy, while continuing to serve in disaster relief leadership and volunteer training.
Dr. Rhodes is married to his wife, Marcia, and together they have two adult sons. Their oldest son, Dawson, is married to Hannah and serves in ministry in Mobile, Alabama. Their youngest son, Jarrett, is married to Hailey and works as a commercial electrician in Auburn, Alabama. Family is a treasured gift to Dr. Rhodes, and he is grateful for the way the Lord continues to work through each of their lives and callings.
At the heart of everything he does is a deeply held conviction: healthy churches are built by healthy, discipled leaders who are faithfully following Jesus. Whether preaching, mentoring pastors, teaching in correctional settings, training leaders, or serving through missions and disaster relief, Dr. Rhodes’ desire remains the same — to make disciples who make disciples and to help the church reflect the hope, truth, and heart of Jesus Christ.
Anthony Rhodes 