Meet OUR PASTOR

Rocky Vasquez

Rocky Vasquez, Calvary Lakeside Church’s lead pastor in Dallas, Texas, brings the legitimacy of a changed life and new creation in Christ. Pastor Rocky’s disciplining mentorship for all church members is a church in the community where all God’s children have a place to belong. Pastor Rocky knows all too well what it feels like not knowing your place at our Lord’s table. Pastor Rocky grew up on the southwest side of Chicago, where drugs and gangs ran rampant. Growing up with a mother who couldn’t always be around. She was busy working hard to support him and his siblings. Pastor Rocky knows the meaning of the absence of a father in the home and its importance. Pastor Rocky became the poster child for “youth at risk.” At the age of 12, young Rocky became one of the leaders of a gang. At age 13, he was introduced to the jail system. By 16, young Rocky was deliberately challenging the judicial system. He arrived in Dallas, Texas, in 2001 to pursue a Christian education. This is when younger Rocky acknowledged God’s call on his life and began to turn his life around Pastor Rocky attended Criswell College from 2001-2008 and graduated with a B.A. in Pastoral Ministry.

While attending Criswell College, Pastor Rocky became the Youth Pastor for Iglesia Ebenezer, speaking in public schools, alternative schools, and colleges in the DFW area. He was also a chaplain for Dallas County. His love for youth flourished, and he used his personal experiences and lack of what he needed in his young life to reach the younger generation. One of his earlier recognitions came from the juvenile facility, where he was awarded Volunteer Group of the Year (gangs4Christ) and Volunteer of the Year in 2008. Pastor Rocky also served as a keynote speaker to TYC (Texas Youth Commission). He surrendered to the pastoral role in 2008 and became a Mission Pastor at First Baptist Dallas Mission churches in the Dallas area. Pastor Rocky’s love for the word called him in 2014 to continue his studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Pastor Rocky graduated with a Masters of Theological Studies in 2017, pursued a Masters of Divinity, and graduated in 2021. Now working on his D. Min. Doctorate at Dallas Theological Seminary.

Pastor Rocky was called to Calvary Baptist Oak Cliff, now Calvary Lakeside, in 2014, where he began and continues to serve as the lead pastor. His love for God and people makes others want to know Christ and grow in their faith. Experiencing God’s forgiveness, love, grace, mercy, and Pastor Rocky’s obedience to God’s call is how this once broken young man gives all HONOR AND GLORY TO GOD in all he does. Pastor Rocky’s passion for sharing the Word of God shines a bright light of hope during darkness, leading God’s people back to his throne to continue building God’s kingdom one saved soul at a time.

Pastor Rocky surrendered his life to serve God sacrificially. He is supported in his ministry by his wife of 21 years, Frances, their five children, and seven grandchildren. Their faith as a family is how Pastor Rocky has remained encouraged to fulfill His will and purpose to God.