Pastor David Bragg was saved as a young man and called to preach soon after. He attended Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga and while a student, he began serving faithfully in Lakewood Baptist Church as the music director, a Sunday school teacher, and the teen leader.

After the departure of Pastor Bruce Lackey, he served as interim pastor, and in March of 1981 David Bragg was elected as the pastor of Lakewood Baptist Church. He served faithfully in that role for 32 years from 1981-2013 when he retired from the pastorate.

Pastor Bragg’s passions are missions and evangelism. Also, it was Pastor Bragg’s persistence and forethought (along with much prayer on the part of the membership) that enabled Lakewood Baptist Church to purchase its property debt free in 2009. One of the final accomplishments of Pastor Bragg was the construction of the Bragg Ministry Center, a beautiful facility alongside the church which is a center for fellowship and the home of Faith Bible Institute. For many years while pastoring Lakewood Baptist Church, David Bragg also served as Director of Camp Joy, located across the street.