Pastor

Dr. Anthony E. Darrington

Dr. Anthony E. Darrington has pastored the Jerusalem Baptist Church (Jerusalem), since April 1, 2008. Dr. Darrington is a native of historic Selma, Alabama. He is a 1982 graduate of Selma High School. He is also a former United States Marine. Dr. Darrington is a well-decorated combat veteran to include the Purple Heart Medal for injuries sustained during the bombing of the Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon in 1983.

Dr. Darrington earned a BA in Religion/Church Ministries with a minor in Elementary Education from Averett University (formerly Averett College) in Danville, Virginia. He then earned a second BA in Religion with a concentration in evangelism/non-profit institutions from Piedmont Theological Seminary. He holds dual Master's degrees in Divinity and Theology with a concentration in human development and Religious Family Therapy and Biblical Counseling. Dr. Darrington earned a Doctor of Ministry degree in Church Administration and Management in 2000 from Piedmont Theological Seminary. Finally, he earned a Doctor of Theology degree from Slidell Baptist Seminary in 2003 with a concentration in Black Religious Thought and Process.

He has studied human development and religious family therapy extensively, and is considered an authority on the issues facing the Black American family and community.

In his endeavor to continue evolving into a well rounded pastor and preacher, Dr. Darrington has also studied at the graduate level at Samuel D. Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, Richmond Virginia Seminary, Virginia University of Lynchburg (Formerly Virginia Seminary and College), and Easton Theological Seminary. He is currently applying to several Ph. D. programs in Clinical Pschology and Human Services.

Dr. Darrington has an extensive background in homeostasis, systemic patterns, adult learning theory, relational codependence, and family therapy. He serves as John Henry Williams professor of Black Theology, Biblical Studies, and Afro-centric Preaching at the Greenville, South Carolina extension of Piedmont Theological Seminary. He is noted for building preachers, and his undying love for the preaching craft. He is called upon for counsel by pastors across the nation. He has been called a young man, but an old preacher. He is a member of the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors (NANC). He blends the scientific, psychological, and sociological aspects of therapy with the theological principles of the Bible and religiosity to obtain and maintain a sense of solidarity in the midst of modernity. He is also a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC).