Meet Pastor Don Winters
and His Wife Lena
We are immensely grateful to have Pastor Don as the leader of our church family with his vast experience and knowledge. Whether you’re a lifelong believer or newly exploring your faith, know that you have a place here at Sugar Grove and are sure to grow in your walk with God during this season of your life!
Welcome to our church!
Meet Pastor Don Winters and His Wife Lena
We are immensely grateful to have Pastor Don as a part of our church family and excited for the incredible journey ahead. Whether you’re a lifelong believer or newly exploring your faith, know that you have a place here at Sugar Grove and a wise, warm friend in Pastor Don!
Welcome to our church!
The Man Behind the Pulpit
In the Beginning
Pastor Don found his calling early in life when he had a spiritual reawakening in his early twenties that set him on the path to ministry. From that pivotal moment, he began an awe-inspiring journey of spiritual discovery and pastoral service that has continued over four decades. He’s a devoted husband to Lena, a proud father of three, and a doting grandfather to ten amazing grandchildren.
Education & Qualifications
Pastor Don believes in marrying academic rigor with the Spirit’s guidance. Education has always been a cornerstone of his ministry.
- He graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Carson-Newman Baptist College, majoring in Bible and ancient history.
-His scholarly pursuits took them to Jerusalem University College and Hebrew University for graduate studies and research in Biblical archaeology and Old Testament interpretation.
-Not stopping there, he achieved his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, graduating on the Dean’s List.
-Pastor Don also holds a Ph.D. from St. Petersburg Theological Seminary. His diverse studies give him a rich, well-rounded theological perspective.
A Life of Travel & Diverse Ministry
Don and Lena’s ministry experiences are as broad as their travel passports!
Starting as an Interim Pastor at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Elk Park, NC, in 1982, to Don’s current senior pastoral role at Sugar Grove Baptist Church, they have a zest for life that has led them around the globe.
He’s pastored churches in North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida, and even took his love for teaching to Bethlehem Bible College in Israel! Their overseas missions have made an eternal impact, from working with Arab communities in Palestine, to leading trips of students to the ancient city of Petra, as well as conducting pastoral training and teaching in the Caribbean Islands.
Beyond the Altar
Before answering God's call to ministry, Don owned several construction companies. With those skills, he was able to support his family and serve small, bi-vocational churches. His construction background has provided numerous opportunities to help those in need through building projects at home and abroad. Also an outdoors enthusiast, Don loves hiking, fishing, and scuba diving.
Doctrine & Grace
Although raised in Baptist Churches and endorsing the “Baptist Faith and Message,” Pastor Don believes in the Holy Spirit's transformative power and in the inclusivity of the Christian community with faith extending beyond denominational boundaries.
A Man of Deep Faith
Above all, Pastor Don is a man deeply rooted in the love of God. His faith is his compass, guiding him through a life that reflects the fullness of God's mercy and the breadth of His love. His favorite scripture, Ephesians 3:20-21, perfectly encapsulates his life’s mission:
“To Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
Don is amazed by God's grace and the diversity of experiences that have enriched his life and ministry.
The Man Behind the Pulpit
In the Beginning
Pastor Don found his calling early in life when he had a spiritual reawakening in his early twenties that set him on the path to ministry. From that pivotal moment, he began an awe-inspiring journey of spiritual discovery and pastoral service that has continued over four decades. He’s a devoted husband to Lena, a proud father of three, and a doting grandfather to ten amazing grandchildren.
Education & Qualifications
Pastor Don believes in marrying academic rigor with the Spirit’s guidance. Education has always been a cornerstone of his ministry.
- He graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Carson-Newman Baptist College, majoring in Bible and ancient history.
-His scholarly pursuits took them to Jerusalem University College and Hebrew University for graduate studies and research in Biblical archaeology and Old Testament interpretation.
-Not stopping there, he achieved his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, graduating on the Dean’s List.
-Pastor Don also holds a Ph.D. from St. Petersburg Theological Seminary. His diverse studies give him a rich, well-rounded theological perspective.
A Life of Travel & Diverse Ministry
Don and Lena’s ministry experiences are as broad as their travel passports!
Starting as an Interim Pastor at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Elk Park, NC, in 1982, to Don’s current senior pastoral role at Sugar Grove Baptist Church, they have a zest for life that has led them around the globe.
He’s pastored churches in North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida, and even took his love for teaching to Bethlehem Bible College in Israel! Their overseas missions have made an eternal impact, from working with Arab communities in Palestine, to leading trips of students to the ancient city of Petra, as well as conducting pastoral training and teaching in the Caribbean Islands.
Beyond the Altar
Before answering God's call to ministry, Don owned several construction companies. With those skills, he was able to support his family and serve small, bi-vocational churches. His construction background has provided numerous opportunities to help those in need through building projects at home and abroad. Also an outdoors enthusiast, Don loves hiking, fishing, and scuba diving.
Doctrine & Grace
Although raised in Baptist Churches and endorsing the “Baptist Faith and Message,” Pastor Don believes in the Holy Spirit's transformative power and in the inclusivity of the Christian community with faith extending beyond denominational boundaries.
A Man of Deep Faith
Above all, Pastor Don is a man deeply rooted in the love of God. His faith is his compass, guiding him through a life that reflects the fullness of God's mercy and the breadth of His love. His favorite scripture, Ephesians 3:20-21, perfectly encapsulates his life’s mission:
“To Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
Don is amazed by God's grace and the diversity of experiences that have enriched his life and ministry.
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Copyright © 2023 Sugar Grove Baptist Church - All Rights Reserved.
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We can’t wait to connect with you!
Copyright © 2025 Sugar Grove Baptist Church - All Rights Reserved.