He holds a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Bachelors degree from Samford University. Dudley's formal ministry began in college leading youth evangelism crusades. Sensing a need for discipleship training beyond the initial “sinner’s prayer” experience, he developed a follow-up program to citywide evangelistic crusades that touched thousands. He has helped plant churches throughout the United States and Africa and was a founder of the Emmaus Road Ministry School.