DR. L. DAVID PUNCH

   Rev. L. David Punch is the proud Pastor of the historic Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Houston’s Third Ward Community. Rev. Punch is the eighth pastor in the church’s 140-year history. He is a third generation gospel preacher/pastor and a member of Houston’s legendary Fifth Ward Clan; which has produced some of Houston’s finest educators, community activists and religious leaders.

Rev. Punch confessed his calling into the gospel ministry at the age of 19 on September 21, 1986 at the Trinity Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of his grandfather the late Rev. Jonas E. Punch. Later he served as Associate Minister and Associate Pastor of Trinity Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of his father, the Rev. James E. Punch.

   He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Prairie View A&M University, a Master of Public Administration degree from Texas Southern University and a Doctor of Humane Letter from United Theological Seminary and Bible College. He’s currently the President and CEO of Re-Ward Third Ward Community Development Corporation. Rev. Punch in 17 years has been responsible for over $17 million dollars in equity brought to Northern Third Ward through multifamily Tax Credit Developments. He has worked for both the public and private sector. He’s worked as a Project Manager for Harris County Housing and Community Development Agency; Grant Consultant for Third Ward Redevelopment Council and Managing Director of the Acres Home Citizens Chamber of Commerce. He currently holds local, state and national denominational offices. He is the proud father of two sons, Caleb Daniel Punch and Jacob Lacy Punch.