Dennis Baker, an Oregon native, graduated from Biola University and took graduate degrees from Western Seminary (M.Div.), Denver Seminary (M.A.) and the Talbot School of Theology (D. Min). He has also completed additional doctoral work at Bethel Theological Seminary.
Ordained in 1972, he recently celebrated his 37th wedding anniversary with his wife, Lynette, who is a registered nurse. They have three adult children: Suzanne Baker, Rachelle (and son-in-law David) Trigueros, and Meredith (and son-in-law Tom) Wilson.

Dennis served his first ten years of ministry as an Associate Pastor of Christian Education and Youth Ministry in Oregon, Colorado and Massachusetts. The second decade of his ministry was as a Senior Pastor in Minnesota.

From 1987-1993, he was the Regional Executive Director for a church association in Southern California.

He ministered as the General Director of CBAmerica, a national association of 1200 churches, from 1993-1997.

He serves as a Consulting Editor with Leadership Journal. Dr. Baker, the author of a widely used Pastoral Search Manual, is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and The American Society for Church Growth. He was elected to Outstanding Young Men in America and has been listed in Who’s Who in Religion.

Presently he is involved with pastoral placement, church transitions, ministry consulting and coaching for churches, Christian leaders and Christian organizations. He serves on the EFCA West Team as Director of Placement, Transitions and Coaching.