Wade Akins was born in Bastrop, Louisiana. He was saved at age six called into ministry at 15. Wade earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Louisiana College and a Masters of Theology from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He went on to earn a Doctor of Ministry in missions from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Wade is married to wife Barbara; they have three children and seven grandchildren.

Wade has served as a missionary, evangelist, and discipleship trainer for 50 years.

Served in Vietnam 1968-1970
Served in Washington, D.C. 1971-1982
Served in Brazil 1982-2000
Served as a worldwide global church planter trainer 2000-2006
Serving with Pioneer Missions Global 2006-present

Wade founded the Pioneer Evangelism (P.E.) Strategy, a discipleship training ministry that is based on the ministry of Jesus. Jesus did three things: He formed a team, trained His team, and sent them out. He has taught this method to over 60,000 pastors and leaders in 67 countries.