Gary Dawkins is a pastor, public communicator, and community leader who earned his MBA degree in 2013 from Syracuse University and Masters of Communications Management from Morgan State University in 2001. He currently serves as Lead Pastor of the Mercy Vineyard Church in Minneapolis, MN.

He is also passionate about justice for the marginalized and uplifting his community. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he partnered with the Sankofa Wellness Center to supply fresh groceries to the Southside of Syracuse, a food desert. He has also worked with Freedom Commons which provides housing and services for justice-involved individuals and their families in an effort to reduce recidivism and improve public safety, Tomorrow’s Neighborhoods Today’s economic development committee, and he served as a board member for Hopeprint, a refugee resettlement organization that focuses on unifying diverse communities rich in culture and connectedness to prosper in place. Gary cares and wants to see the marginalized flourishing in every area of life all across the globe.

Gary is a former media professional and educator, who is now captivated by helping people grow in their faith and relationships. He is especially passionate about developing a lasting discipleship culture and working to educate people on issues of social justice and cultural competency.

He is the husband of the beautiful LeKita Scott Dawkins and father to the brilliant Grace. They love cooking together and playing Monopoly. Game on!