Interim Pastor, Rev. Dr. Dylon T. Young 

Dr. Young was selected as Interim Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, (Gum Springs) VA, in January 2025. He began his tenure as Interim Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Gum Springs, VA, in February 2025.  Reverend Dr. Dylon (Dee-lon) T. Young is a native of Chicago, IL, and a retired U.S. Air Force veteran. He accepted his call to the ministry in October 2000. He was licensed to preach in June 2003. His ordination was nationally recognized and accepted by the American Baptist Churches, USA, in December 2008.

Dr. Young served as Pastor of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Omaha, NE, in 2020 and continued until being reassigned to the Washington, DC, area in 2023.   Dr. Young’s tenure at St. Paul Missionary Baptist occurred during an unprecedented time in our nation’s history (COVID-19). Guided by the Holy Spirit and acting on the oft-quoted phrase, “Don’t waste a good crisis,” he recognized the opportunity to elevate the church’s technological footprint. He immediately increased the church’s social media presence, enacted virtual church business meetings, and launched the church’s first website in its 60+ year history. He continually explored ways to leverage technology to reach the global community with the gospel of Christ.  Dr. Young also led the church’s efforts in local outreach by hosting community events throughout the year.  From 2015-2020, Dr. Young served as the Director of Christian Education for King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church in Omaha, NE, where he worked effectively in the church’s teaching and preaching ministries.

Dr. Young served as the Chairperson of the Holy Week Services for the Baptist Pastors & Ministers Conference of Nebraska for 2023.  He orchestrated nightly services for the entire week for the New Era community of churches across the Omaha and Lincoln, NE metro area, culminating with the Good Friday service of the Seven Last Sayings of Christ.

Dr. Young served as the Pastor of Miracle Hills Community Baptist Church from 2011 – 2015.  Under his leadership at Miracle Hills, membership increased 110%.  Under his leadership, partnerships were formed with local apartment complexes to sponsor and conduct outreach events.   The youth ministry was bolstered by establishing “Youth Sundays,” “Teen-Nights,” and “Youth Lock-ins.” 

His previous ministries include serving as an Associate Pastor, Minister of Christian Education, and a Sunday School Teacher at Stranger’s Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Bellevue, NE;  serving as a Lay Minister with the Air Force Capehart Gospel Service in Bellevue, NE, and the Vogelweh Air Base Gospel Service in Ramstein, Germany; and serving as the Discipleship Outreach Coordinator at King Solomon Baptist Church in Colorado Springs, CO.   

Rev. Young earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management from Bellevue University, NE, and a Master of Public Administration Degree from The University of Oklahoma.  He also earned a Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies from Grace University in Omaha, NE.  He was conferred a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Pastoral Care at Sioux Falls Seminary in South Dakota. 

Dr. Young is excited about the ministry and the people.  He embraces the words of Jesus, “… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matt 25:40). With this in mind, he searches for opportunities to engage with the local community actively and to impact lives with the Gospel of Jesus Christ positively!

He is married to the former Kim Shadell, and they reside in Alexandria, VA.  They have three adult children. 

Download Bio: Rev Dr Young Bio 2025