Born and raised in Idabel Oklahoma, David met and married his wife Barbara 44 years ago. He accepted the call into the ministry in May of 1990. He is a graduate of Andersonville Theological Seminary with a Bachelor's Degree in Pastoral Theology.  He is currently pursue a Master’s in Expository Preaching and Pulpit Communication, from Trinity Bible College and Seminary.  In 2001 he planted the first African-American Southern Baptist church in southeastern Oklahoma, Community Faith Fellowship Baptist Church.  Being led by God, he moved back to Oklahoma City in 2006.  In 2008 he began his pastorate here at Bryant Avenue Baptist Church where he has served as senior pastor for the past fourteen years.  Also he has served as moderator of the Capital Baptist Association, Second Vice President of the Oklahoma Baptist and President of the Oklahoma African-American Fellowship, SBC.  He has served on many teams and committees within the convention and within the association, and has worked diligently to assist in bringing about racial reconciliation within the body of Christ.  He has many loves in life, reading, writing, hunting and fishing. He and his wife share three children, and presently six grandchildren, and one great grandchild.. His favorite book is the next one he reads. His favorite song is the next one God uses to speak into his life.

Henry Newby was raised in Newalla Oklahoma. Henry comes from a household of humble beginnings and a strong sense of family. He attended Mcloud High School and graduated in 1982. He went on to attend Rose State College and then furthered his education at Oklahoma Baptist University. Henry Newby gave his life to Christ in 1995. Since then, henry has served in many different capacities in the church. He met the love of his life, Angela Lott-Newby in 1996 and they have been Married for 24 years. On September 26, 2021, Henry was Licensed as a minister under Pastor Martin David Hooks at Bryant Avenue Baptist church. Reverend Henry is the father of 3 biological children and blessed to raise five other children. Reverend Newby is looking forward to continuing to serve the people of Bryant Avenue as we all continue to grow together in the Lord.