Dr. Bishop T. Keith Hicks was born in Marion, South Carolina, and is the son of James Thomas Hicks and the late Willa Dean (Moore) Hicks. He is the third of five siblings—two older siblings, Paula Dean and Ira Howard, and two younger siblings, Priscilla Dawn and David Brain. Raised in a family deeply rooted in the Church of God, Dr. Hicks comes from a rich legacy of ministry. His great-grandfather, great-uncle, and uncle all served as pastors, instilling in him a strong sense of divine calling from an early age.

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Dr. Hicks first recognized his call to ministry during his kindergarten years at Easterling Elementary School. After hearing God’s voice for the first time, he excitedly ran home to tell his grandmother, who lovingly affirmed that she already knew God had called him.

In 1994, Dr. Hicks married his lifelong partner, Gloria Kaye (Sasser) Hicks, and together they have built a loving family for more than 30 years. They are blessed with three biological children—Caleb Stuart, MaKayla Dawn, and Kayse Dianne—and an adopted daughter, Hillary, who joined the family in 2007. Their children and their spouses actively serve in ministry, continuing a beautiful legacy of faith. Dr. and Mrs. Hicks are also proud grandparents to nine grandchildren: Mason Stuart, Gavin Cole, Aria Dean, Moeslee Kaye, Braylee Dawn, Sasser Brian, Jayden, Jaxtyn, and Josiah. In the spirit of Scripture, they hold fast to the promise, “Blessed is the man whose quiver is full.”

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Dr. Hicks has pastored multiple churches across South Carolina and faithfully served for more than 26 years within the Church of God denomination. He was the longest-tenured pastor at Bennettsville Church of God, where he demonstrated a deep commitment to serving both God and the local community. In October 2025, at the age of 50, Dr. Hicks stepped away from the denomination after a season of fasting, prayer, and seeking God’s will. Though he knew his assignment in Bennettsville was not finished, he waited faithfully for divine direction.

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In November 2025, with the support of his wife, children, and many believers, Dr. Hicks planted GraceLife Community Church in Bennettsville, South Carolina, where he currently serves as pastor. The church began with 24 people at its initial service and grew to 54 at its first outdoor service held in his father-in-law’s yard. Dr. Hicks remains committed to growing GraceLife Community Church and working toward establishing a permanent home for the ministry.

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In addition to his pastoral calling, Dr. Hicks has served as a fifth-grade teacher at Scotland Christian Academy since 2021. His passion for education intensified following the passing of his mother, whose death motivated him to pursue higher education as a means of healing and honoring her legacy. In 2022, he earned a double bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with concentrations in Crisis Counseling and Christian Counseling. He completed a Master of Education in Higher Education and Educational Leadership in 2023, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision in 2024.

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Dr. Hicks attributes every achievement to the unwavering support of his wife, Kaye, and their children. Above all, he gives glory and honor to God for granting him the strength to accomplish these milestones before the age of 50. While he deeply regrets that his mother was not able to witness these accomplishments, her influence and faith continue to guide his life and ministry.

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As he looks to the future, Dr. Hicks plans to continue teaching at Scotland Christian Academy while faithfully pastoring GraceLife Community Church. His life stands as a testimony to faith, family, obedience, and perseverance, inspiring others to pursue God’s calling with courage and conviction.