Dr. Jerry Vines is a native of Carrollton, Georgia. He was educated at Mercer University (B.A.), New Orleans Theological Seminary (B.D.), and Luther Rice Seminary (Th.D.).

He was elected president of the Alabama Pastors’ Conference in 1976, and president of the Southern Baptist Convention Pastors’ Conference for 1976–77. In addition, he served two terms as president of the Southern Baptist Convention, 1988–90.

Dr. Vines has written numerous books on understanding God’s Word and Christian living. His latest book, Power in the Pulpit: How to Prepare and Deliver Expository Sermons, is particularly helpful to today’s pastor. Since 1982, he has served as the pastor of First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida.

Jerry and his wife Janet have four children and five grandchildren.