David Parks

David Parks serves as Director of the Global Center and Contextual Learning at Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, where he teaches Introduction to Christian Missions and oversees the Cross-Cultural Ministry Practicum. As leader of the missions certificate program, he trains students called to various missionary vocations while raising campus awareness of global missions through the weekly Global Voices event.

Parks holds a PhD in Missions from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, an MDiv from Beeson Divinity School, and a BA from Samford University. Prior to joining Beeson, he lived in Southeast Asia serving with the International Mission Board and Youth Ministry International, where he started a student ministry and led a youth ministry major at a Baptist seminary.

His research focuses on missiological approaches to cross-cultural ministry, with particular interest in shame/honor gospel frameworks, worldview analysis, and Iranian church growth. Parks has led student mission trips to Tanzania, Indonesia, New York City, Malaysia, London, India and Rwanda, emphasizing experiential learning alongside academic instruction.

Parks' publications reveal a consistent thread connecting missiological theory with practical application across diverse cultural contexts. His work addresses contemporary challenges including digital ethics in mission work, indigenous leadership development, and cross-cultural communication strategies that honor local worldviews while presenting the Christian message.

Through the Birmingham Internationals Ministry Network, Parks connects local evangelicals reaching out to internationals, extending his cross-cultural ministry beyond the classroom. He has also taken students on numerous international trips and continues cross-cultural outreach through church volunteer positions with his wife Jenn.

The Global Center under Parks' leadership serves as both academic program and practical training ground, integrating classroom learning with real-world mission experience. His approach combines scholarly rigor with hands-on ministry, preparing students for effective cross-cultural engagement in diverse global contexts.