Paul Simpson Duke is Co-Pastor of First Baptist Church and Campus Minister for the American Baptist Campus Foundation at the University of Michigan, along with his wife, Stacey. They began their ministry here together in January 2001.

Paul has had three previous pastorates. From 1986-1995 he served Kirkwood Baptist Church in St. Louis, Missouri. From 1982-1986 he served Highland Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. From 1977-1980 he served Burks Branch Baptist Church in Shelbyville, Kentucky. Prior to moving to Ann Arbor, Paul was Professor of New Testament, Preaching, and Worship at McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University, in Atlanta, Georgia. He has also taught various courses in preaching and oral communication at two other seminaries. He holds a Ph.D. in New Testament and an M.Div. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky. Originally ordained by a Southern Baptist church, Paul's ordination was recognized by the American Baptist Churches in January 2002.

Paul has written widely. His latest book, The Parables: A Preaching Commentary (Abingdon Press) was released in June, 2005. His other books include, Anguish and the Word: Preaching That Touches Pain, with David N. Duke (Smyth & Helwys, 1992), and Irony in the Fourth Gospel (John Knox Press, 1985). He has also written numerous articles and the texts for several hymns, anthems, and songs. He has been a guest lecturer at various seminaries, universities, colleges, and professional conferences.  Paul is an adjunct professor of New Testament at the Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit.

Paul and Stacey live in Ann Arbor with their toddler twin sons Rob and Charlie. Paul has two grown children by a previous marriage, Stephanie Duke Ezell, now of Union Point, Georgia, and Christopher Chandler Duke, a graduate student at Exeter University in England.

Paul can be e-mailed at: