A Life Shaped by Grace
🕊️ Darrell Bailey
Darrell was born in Arab, Alabama, and raised in Tampa, Florida. He moved with his family to Georgia in 1969. In September 1972, at Blue Springs Baptist Church in Acworth, Georgia, he experienced God’s marvelous grace and accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.
In 1980, at just sixteen years old, he answered God’s call to preach and was licensed to the Gospel ministry at Rope Mill Baptist Church in Woodstock, Georgia. During his high school years, Pastor Bailey was a Junior DeMolay, working alongside the Masonic community in Cartersville to help the Scottish Rite Hospitals host events for children with disabilities. There, he often helped chaperone children to activities such as the Barnum & Bailey Circus—an early experience that shaped his compassion and lifelong call to serve others.
From 1980 to 1982, he served faithfully as Youth Minister before enlisting in the United States Army.
🇺🇸 Faith and Service ✝️
While serving in the military, Pastor Bailey studied through Central Texas College. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1986, he began his civilian career at Atlantic Steel in Atlanta. For more than eight years, he balanced a demanding work schedule while continuing his theological studies through Lee University and the Georgia Baptist Association.
During this time, the Lord brought into his life Lita, a wonderful woman from Hawaii. After dating for a year, Darrell proposed on October 1, 1988, and they were married on December 22, 1989. Together, they have served the Lord side by side in every area of ministry.
❤️ Serving the Church and the Community
Pastor Bailey’s heart for ministry led him to co-host The Bread of Life Broadcast on WYXL 1270 AM with Rev. David Bennett. He also ministered weekly at the Marietta High-Rise Apartments alongside Rev. Don Clayton and Rev. Keith Allen, bringing encouragement to those in need.
From 1990 to 2001, he and Lita served at Oakland Heights Baptist Church in Cartersville, Georgia—teaching a young married couples’ Sunday School class alongside Pastor Sammy Burgess and leading the Wednesday night children’s ministry together.
In 2000, he joined a mission trip with the Hands and Feet Ministry, helping to build church foundations in Mexico and mentoring teenagers serving on the mission field. Soon after, he became interim pastor at Peeples Valley Baptist Church, where he was officially called as pastor on January 13, 2002. He served faithfully for more than 22 years, shepherding the flock with compassion and steadfast love.
🌾 A New Chapter at Bethel Crossroads
In 2024, God led Pastor Bailey to accept the call to Bethel Crossroads Baptist Church. His vision is clear—to preach the unchanging Word of God, lead the church in Spirit-filled worship, and help believers grow deeper in faith and love.
“I look forward to spending my life serving this wonderful church family until Jesus comes back for His Church.”
— Pastor Darrell Bailey