Dr. David A. Hasker came to First Baptist Melbourne as Worship Pastor in 2003 and had a vision for starting a Christian arts academy from the first time he set foot on the church campus. That vision became a reality in 2006 with the opening of Gateway Academy of the Arts. Pastor David holds a Bachelor’s in Sacred Music from Liberty University and the Master of Church Music from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served as a worship pastor at churches in five states. While serving in Virginia, he returned to the classroom to complete a Master of Arts in Religion from Liberty University and taught Church Music and Conducting as an adjunct professor. In 2010 he became the first graduate of the Doctor of Ministry in Worship Leadership from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.