SYNERGY - Juneteenth 2022

GEORGE DIX, JR.

Story By: Erin Butts

In life there are people who radiate joy. Like a beacon, their light points to something greater than themselves, and they challenge individuals to live meaningful lives. George Dix, Jr. is one of those people.

Dix is a pastor, visionary, and a man of faith. At 63 years old, and in spite of the challenges he has faced throughout his life, he continues to dream big and serve others in bold ways. Dix grew up in a loving home in Gainesville, Florida with his father, mother, and two sisters. His family was very poor, but as a child he did not know it.

“I vividly remember during the winter months my mom would go to rummage sales, ” he shared, “It was basically where they go to get secondhand or used clothing for children. She would come back home with these big brown sacks of clothes. I mean, my two sisters and I as kids you know, it was like going to Macys or some large department store.”

When Dix’s father passed away about twenty years ago, he said his whole world changed. “I never saw the world without my father,” he said. “We were so tight and I loved him so much, and I still love him today.” Dix’s father was his role model and mentor. He taught him how to be a man, leader, follower, and responsible father, both in word and action.

His father was also a pastor, and after his death Dix followed a similar route. “I believe that the Lord knew that I never would have heard His voice and the call on my life if my father were still living, because I had no desire whatsoever to part from my father. I always saw myself being under him, working with him, following his vision.”

Dix served in his father’s church, which was now being pastored by a friend of the father, for two years as a minister and deacon. Eventually he left to start PASSAGE Ministries with his wife Michele Dix. PASSAGE Ministries consist of churches, various community outreach ministries, and educational schools.

On March 3, 2002 he had his first service. 50 friends and family members came, and twelve people joined the ministry. The best way to describe his journey surrounding PASSAGE Mministries, is miraculous. Dix recounted several times where he experienced divine encounters and miraculous provision.

For example, before starting PASSAGE ministries, he and his wife had not saved up any money to launch the ministry. After only seven months they were able to sign a leaseto-own contract for a 700 seat facility that had offices, a multipurpose room, a balcony, and upstairs rehearsal space.