Pastor Deric J. Hawkins is a licensed and ordained minister, retired U.S. Army officer, and global servant leader called to shepherd God’s people with vision, compassion, and unwavering faith. As the Senior Pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church, he brings a unique combination of spiritual depth, strategic leadership, and global perspective to guide the church into a new season of purpose and growth.
With more than 20 years of military and ministry experience, Pastor Hawkins is known for building mission-driven teams, nurturing discipleship, and creating spiritually vibrant communities. He has a deep passion for empowering people to live out their God-given purpose through intentional leadership, sound biblical teaching, and holistic development.
The Hawkins family resides in San Antonio, Texas, where they actively serve the community and model a Christ-centered household. Pastor Hawkins envisions St. Paul Baptist Church as a place where families thrive, children develop their faith, and every member feels spiritually supported and connected.
– Pastor of Memorial Chapel, Camp Casey, South Korea
– Pastor of Faith Chapel, Spin Boldak, Afghanistan
His commitment to preaching the Word of God, developing leaders, and fostering community unity has remained the foundation of his ministry.
Key Assignments:
– Armor Platoon Leader and Company Commander, Camp Casey, Korea
– Reconnaissance Platoon Leader, 10th U.S. Cavalry, Iraq
– Company Executive Officer, 1-38 Infantry Regiment
– Inspector General, Third U.S. Army/ARCENT
– Operations roles at U.S. Embassies in Amman, Jordan; Kabul, Afghanistan; and Islamabad, Pakistan
Overseas Tours:
– Three tours in South Korea, totaling six years
– Iraq, Afghanistan, Jordan, Pakistan, Kuwait, Egypt, Djibouti
-U.S. Army Joint Staff Badge
– Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Economic Development & Planning, Albany State University Albany, Ga
– Master of International Strategic Affairs, National Defense University
– Master of Jurisprudence in Business Management and Cybersecurity, St. Mary’s Law School
Military Education:
– Armor Officer Basic Course, Infantry Officer Advanced Course, U.S. Army Inspector General Course
– U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Defense Language Institute (Pashto Certification)
Pastor Hawkins is Chairman of the Board for Wells for Kenya under Carlos D. Coleman Ministries. For over a decade, he has led efforts to provide clean water and education in Kisumu, Kenya. He and his wife sponsor two young girls at the AGI School.
He is a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., serving as Vice Polemarch and Charter Member of the New Braunfels Alumni Chapter.
Affiliations:
– NAACP, The ROCKS, Inc., Wounded Warrior Project (10-Year Member), Kappas on Capitol Hill (2014)
Pastor Hawkins leads St. Paul Baptist Church with a servant’s heart, a soldier’s discipline, and a shepherd’s care. His vision is to cultivate a thriving, Spirit-led church that champions family, fosters discipleship, empowers leaders, and changes lives—locally and globally—for the glory of God.
