Chadwick Pridgen serves as the Youth Pastor at Gospel Missionary Baptist Church, where he is passionate about leading young people into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. With a heart for ministry and a testimony shaped by God’s grace and redemption, Chadwick believes youth ministry isn’t just about events and activities—but about life change, spiritual growth, and preparing the next generation to boldly live for Christ.

Chadwick came to know the Lord at an early age. At just eight years old, he walked the aisle during a church service, gave his life to Christ, and was later baptized. He knew even then that he wanted to go to heaven—and he was 100% certain he didn’t want to go to hell. But like many young believers, as he entered his teenage years, the world began to creep in. He drifted from his faith, lost focus, and began living for himself instead of the Savior.

God, however, never stopped pursuing him.

Through a simple invitation to play church league softball from a lifelong friend, Chadwick began attending church again—right here at Gospel Missionary. It was there he sat under powerful, convicting preaching and realized he had been “playing church,” allowing sin and worldly distractions to take root. One Sunday morning at the age of 18, the Lord used a powerful sermon preached by Rev. Ronald Flood on the reality of hell and the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. That morning, Chadwick truly surrendered, rededicated his life, and committed to walk the narrow way with Christ.

In 2003, Chadwick began dating his wife, Karen. The two were married on August 14, 2004, and through their spiritual conversations together, Chadwick realized he needed to follow through with believer’s baptism. He was baptized again by Rev. Flood on August 29, 2004, saying with a smile, “Some of us bad kids have to get baptized twice.” That step of obedience marked the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with purpose, service, and a growing desire to follow God wholeheartedly.

Chadwick and Karen share a deep love for youth ministry. Together, they have served in many areas of the church, including Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and youth events. They spent 11 years serving as youth leaders at Oak View Baptist Church before the Lord called them back to Gospel Missionary during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In 2021, Chadwick answered the call to serve as Youth Pastor.

A turning point in Chadwick’s calling came during a youth rally at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Rhonda, NC. During that service, Bro. Sammy Lawson preached a message declaring that the first two letters of God's name are "Go!" That message struck a chord deep within Chadwick’s heart. He knew God was saying, "Go—accept the calling, trust Me, and serve." And that’s exactly what he did.

Chadwick and Karen are the proud parents of three amazing children: Hannah (20), Kaylee (17), and Chance (14). They also have three beloved dogs—Trigger (Chocolate Lab), Sadie (Yellow Lab), and Petey (Jack Russell/Lab mix).

In addition to ministry, Chadwick serves professionally in the field of health, safety, and emergency preparedness. He spent 15 years as a Firefighter/EMT with the City of Rocky Mount Fire Department, earning the rank of Captain in 2015. After sustaining a serious injury in 2017 while responding to a fire, he underwent knee surgery and transitioned out of active duty in 2019. God used that season of recovery to deepen his walk with Christ and redirect his focus toward leadership, teaching, and ministry. He later taught at the local fire academy and currently serves as Assistant Chief (volunteer) with the Sharpsburg Fire Department.

Outside of ministry and public service, Chadwick enjoys hunting, fishing, golf, softball, boating, beach trips, grilling, and creating fun, over-the-top games for the youth to enjoy.

His favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9:

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Chadwick’s mission remains rooted in Luke 10:37 –

“Go, and do thou likewise.”

He desires to live out the Gospel daily by showing mercy, living with integrity, and helping young people walk the narrow path that leads to life.