Meet Our Team
The DBA has a team that loves serving the Lord and loves serving God's people. Mrs. Christy Pledge is our Ministry Assistant, Dr. Anthony Rhodes serves as our Associational Missions Strategist and Drew Bentley serves as our Baptist Collegiate Director and Next Generation Specialist.
Associational Missions Strategist
Dr. Anthony Rhodes
Dr. Anthony Rhodes serves as the Association Mission Strategist for the Dyer Baptist Association, where he is committed to helping churches grow healthier, stronger, and more effective in making disciples who make disciples. Drawing from more than three decades of ministry across the Southeast, he loves coming alongside pastors and congregations to help them Love God, Love People, Make Disciples, and Help Strengthen Their Churches to make an Impact in their Communities.
Anthony came to faith in Christ in 1989 and answered God’s call to ministry while he was a college student at Jacksonville State University in 1994, a moment that completely changed the direction of his life and ministry. Since then, Matthew 6:33 has shaped his heartbeat and priorities as he seeks, day by day, to put the Kingdom of God first and help others do the same in their own lives and churches. He is a lifelong learner who believes that strong biblical foundations matter for healthy leaders and healthy churches.
Anthony holds a Doctor of Ministry in Expository Preaching and Discipleship/Church Revitalization/Renewal from Liberty University’s Rawlings School of Divinity, a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a Communications minor from Jacksonville State University.
Over the years, he has served as Senior Pastor of Union Baptist Church in Lexington, Tennessee, and Calvary Baptist Church in Wetumpka, Alabama, as well as in several associate pastor roles in worship, students, and adult ministries in Arkansas, Alabama, and Mississippi. In each place, his focus has been to preach and teach God’s Word, build a disciple-making culture, develop leaders, and help churches organize their ministries through tools such as Acts 1:8 mission strategies, bylaws, operations manuals, and new member processes.
Beyond the local church, Anthony has invested deeply in missions and leadership development through World Changers Student Missions, serving as national staff and project coordinator to help mobilize students and churches to serve families in need. He also teaches through Samford University’s Ministry Training Institute, has had the privilege of training pastors and church leaders across the United States and internationally, and serves on the Board of Directors for the National Disciple Leaders Network.
Anthony was licensed by Sardis Baptist Church, Boaz, Alabama, and ordained to the Gospel ministry by Life Line Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, and is grateful for the call God has placed on his life.
He and his wife, Marcia, have been married since 1996 and have two grown sons, Dawson (married to Hannah) and Jarrett (married to Hailey). In August, they are expecting their first grandbaby as Dawson & Hannah are expecting their first child. He enjoys family time, cooking, grilling/smoking meats, hunting, fishing, golf, music, Auburn Tigers Sports, Atlanta Braves Baseball, and simply being with people.
How I Can Help You:
Encouraging pastors, strengthening churches through discipleship, and walking alongside leaders as they develop healthy, mission-focused ministries.
Drew Bentley
Baptist Collegiate Ministry Director
Drew Bentley is the new BCM Director as of December 2025! Drew has been serving in ministry for about three years and has a deep passion for teaching others about the love of Christ. He is committed to building meaningful relationships, fostering authentic community, and equipping students to grow in their faith. Drew brings a warm, approachable leadership style and a heart for discipleship, encouraging students to discover their purpose and live boldly for Jesus. He’s excited to step into this new role and continue investing in the next generation of Christian leaders.
Drew is a dedicated member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church, where he serves faithfully as a youth leader. His heart for ministry extends beyond the local church, Drew has spent time serving in Guatemala, an experience that deepened his passion for missions and sharing the hope of Christ across cultures. He carries a strong desire to see others grow in their faith, both at home and around the world, and is committed to living out the Great Commission in every area of his life.
Christy Pledge
Ministry Assistant
Christy Pledge currently serves as the Dyer Baptist Associations Ministry Assistant, Financial Secretary and Clerk, a position she has held since 2022. Christy manages the Dyer Baptist Association office and assists churches with a variety of needs. She leads an associational Bible Study, serves on the Youth/Children's Ministry Team, and the Women's Ministry Team.
Christy came to know Christ as her Savior at 15years of age. It wasn't until she was an adult that she made him Lord of her Life. Since then, she leans upon the promises of God. She loves to read books that help her learn more about our Lord.
Christy serves at her home church First Baptist Church Newbern during Sunday School in the Nursery, helps with the After-School Program and is a part of the Women's Ministry.
Christy and her husband, Steven, have three children. Isaac who is a Diesel Mechanic, Drives a 18-wheeler for Pam Enterprises and married to Torri, Eli who is studying Music Ministry in Nashville, Hope who is Studying Nursing at Austin Peavy. They have been married for 28yrs on May 16, 2026. In her free time, she enjoys when her Children are home, crafting with the Cricut, reading, going on cruises, relaxing at any beach.