Senior Pastor Dale Brooks grew up in a Christian home in Guilford County, North Carolina, the second of four children, and received Christ at 8 years of age. He felt God’s call to the ministry and began to preach in area churches when he was 17. He has served in the pastorate for more than 30 years and has ministered at Grove Park Chapel since 1990. He earned a Bachelor of Theology degree at Piedmont Baptist College in Winston-Salem and a Master of Theology degree at Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana. In addition, he has completed all the class work toward a Doctor of Ministry degree at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest. He lives in Durham and has been happily married to Karen since 1980. They are the proud parents of three grown children, Melody, Travis, and Courtney. Dale’s ministry for his Lord centers on prayer and biblical expository preaching and teaching, and he is currently leading the congregation on a journey chapter-by-chapter through the entire Bible. He is also heavily involved in all the other responsibilities of the pastoral ministry and serves on the elder board of the church. He has served as a clinic teacher/trainer with Evangelism Explosion. He loves studying and teaching the Bible, and also enjoys sports, hunting, fishing, gardening, reading, and spending time with his family.

Chris Shumate wears two hats here at GPC, he is our music leader as well as our youth minister. He grew up in Greeneville, Tennessee and accepted Christ as a child. He graduated from East Tennessee State University and is currently studying Christian Apologetics at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. His interests include music, sports, and outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. Chris has a passion for youth ministry and loves teaching students about the truth of God and His Word! He is also very talented musically as well and leads our worship on Sunday mornings while playing his guitar. We are blessed to have Chris in our congregation, as he brings his skills together in both areas to glorify God and minister to others.

Robin Pate is our church secretary, originally from Kentucky. She handles all things clerical and then some that aren't! She wears many hats and is wonderful about filling in when there is a need. She teaches Awana, Children’s Church and Sunday School.  as well as volunteers for the nursery and sings in the choir. With truly a servant's heart, Robin keeps the wheels turning and everything working smoothly. We couldn't do it without you!

Sandi Wheelis is our preschool director. Sandi is heading up an integral ministry at Grove Park Chapel, children are so important to us! Sandi has a BS in Psychology from Virginia Tech and a MS in Criminal Justice from NCCU. She has worked as a Juvenile Counselor and as a Financial Analyst. Sandi has been involved with GPC preschool since 2004 when her children started attending the preschool. She has been invaluable in growing the ministry, keeping everything running well and accomplishing the goals that maintain the growth of our preschool. Thank you Sandi!