Presiding Prelate of the Piedmont Episcopal Area -
Bishop Darryl B. Starnes
Born in Hampton, Virginia, but raised primarily in Knoxville, TN, Bishop Darryl B Starnes was greatly impacted by the Christian nurture of his grandfather, the late Rev. Dr. J.A. Babington- Johnson and the First AME Zion Church, Knoxville, where his grandfather was the organizing pastor. He gave his life to Christ at the age of 15. Two years later, after excelling in academics and athletics (football, basketball, baseball, and track), he graduated from Fulton High School and entered the ministry. He received the Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Livingstone College, Salisbury, NC in 1979, the Master of Divinity Degree from Hood Theological Seminary, Salisbury in 1982, and the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Beeson Divinity School, Birmingham, AL IN 1998. He was ordained a deacon in 1977, an elder in 1979, and was consecrated a bishop in 2008. His ministry has concentrated in six areas: pastoring, evangelism, teaching. Community outreach, the episcopacy, and writing. Pastorates included: Mt Moriah/ Mt Ararat Circuit, Richburg and Bascomville, SC; Greater Warner Tabernacle, Knoxville, TN; Thompkins Metropolitan, Chattanooga, TN; Spottswood, New Britain, CT; Metropolitan, Birmingham, AL; Evans Metropolitan, Bennettsville, SC; and Wesley, Harrisburg, NC, where he was organizing pastor. Evangelism: He has served as Director of Evangelism for the Knoxville District, the Tennessee Conference, the Alabama/ Florida Episcopal District, and The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church for twelve years. He has served as the Vice-President of the Evangelism Program Ministries Unit of the National Council of Churches of Christ and Is presently the chairman of the Wesleyan Commission on Evangelism and the Secretary of Evangelism for North America for the World Methodist Evangelism. Teaching: He has lectured at workshops, institutes, conventions, and retreats throughout the country and overseas. He has served as an instructor at the Unity Theological Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee; as the Dean of the Hartford District School in New Britain, Connecticut, as an Adjunct Professor at the Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama; and as an Adjunct Professor at Hood Seminary in Salisbury, NC. Community Outreach: He has served as a board member, Eastside YMCA, Knoxville, TN; vice-chairman, Board of Directors, Urban Services YMCA, Chattanooga, TN; Interim- Director, Inner City Ministries, Chattanooga, TN; VICE-CHAIRMAN, Board of Directors, OIC, New Britain, CT; board member, Friendship Homeless Shelter, New Britain, CT; Incorporator, Wheeler Clinic, Plainville, CT; member, Christian Coalition of Connecticut; chaplain, Connecticut Department of Corrections; consultant, Black Family Ministries Project; and trustee, Lomax-Hannon Junior College, Greenville, AL; Livingstone College, Salisbury, NC; Hood Theological Seminary, Salisbury, NC. Episcopacy: In 2008, he was consecrated the 96th Bishop in the line of succession; and for four years served as the Presiding Prelate of the Southwestern Delta Episcopal District, which comprises Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, South Mississippi, Texas, and West Tennessee- Mississippi Conferences. In 2012, he became the Presiding Prelate of the Mid-West Episcopal District, which comprises Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Tennessee, and Trinidad- Tobago Conferences. He also served as Presiding Prelate of the Mid-West Administrative Boards: The American Bible Society, Health and Social Concerns, Public Relations and Historical Society, Worship and Ritual, and Growth and Church Growth and North American Officer to the World Methodist Council Steering Committee for the 2016-2021 quinquennium. Writing: He has authored several books. His most recent books include the following: Not Ashamed of the Gospel; An Evangelism Training Manual (2009); 21st Century Christians Under Construction: A Discipleship Training Manuel (2011); and For the Perfecting of the Saint: A Handbook on Small Group Discipleship (2013). Family: He is married to Sis. Camille Cullom Starnes, who is the daughter of an AME Zion Pastor, a native of Knoxville, a local preacher, and a graduate of Livingstone College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religious Studies. She served in the Church School Literature Department for eleven years, before becoming a Missionary Supervisor. Hey are the proud parents of tree beautiful children; Rev. Alicia Courtney, Millicent, and Darryl Jr. and seven adorable grandchildren, Mya, Malachi, Kaiyon, Benjamin, Caleb, Jayelle, and Chloe.
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Presiding Elder- Statesville District -
Rev. Dr. David R. Baker
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Pastor -
Rev. Dr. Patricia A.G. Gaither
(704) 872-1159
Rev. Dr. Patricia A.G. Gaither stands as a trailblazing leader, an extraordinary preacher, and a force of divine inspiration whose ministry transcends boundaries and transforms lives. Heralded as a woman after God's own heart, she has been anointed for this generation to bring deliverance, healing, and wholeness to people around the world. Pastor G (as she is affectionately known) is not just a pastor or speaker—she is a movement.
A native of Greensboro, North Carolina, she draws from her rich heritage as the eldest daughter of the late Patrick and Willie Mae Gainer and granddaughter of the late Mack J. and Hattie B. Gainer. Raised by her grandparents in a home rooted in faith and love, Dr. Gaither experienced a profound encounter with the Lord at the tender age of twelve that set her on a lifelong path of ministry and service.
A dynamic preacher and prolific orator, Dr. Gaither proclaims the Gospel with unmatched authority and grace, captivating audiences with her passion, depth, and authenticity. Her sermons are not simply messages, they are experiences that challenge the soul, renew the spirit, and inspire lasting transformation. Known for her ability to discern hidden potential, she has made it her mission to cultivate the gifts and callings of those around her, ensuring they rise to their God-ordained destinies. Her philosophy is simple: every person has a purpose, and she is committed to helping them maximize their full potential in Christ.
As a classically trained and accomplished vocalist, Pastor G has shared her gift on stages alongside some of the greatest names in gospel music, including Luther Barnes, James Hall, the late Melvin and Tunesha Crispell, and the late Lecresia Campbell. Her voice carries an anointing that ushers people into the presence of God, bringing healing, deliverance, and restoration to countless lives.
Dr. Gaither's academic and ministerial accomplishments further cement her as a leader of extraordinary caliber. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from North Carolina A&T State University, a second Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Guilford College, and a Master of Divinity from Hood Theological Seminary. In May 2021, she earned her Doctor of Ministry degree with high honors, presenting her groundbreaking project, A Biblical Literacy Model for Equipping a 21st Century Rural Congregation: Zion Grove AME Zion Church, Rutherfordton, North Carolina. She is currently pursuing a Master of Education in College Counseling and Student Development at North Carolina State University, demonstrating her relentless commitment to growth, scholarship, and excellence.
Dr. Gaither's pastoral leadership began in 2016 when she was entrusted with her first charge at Savannah AME Zion Church. She later served as pastor of Zion Grove AME Zion Church, where her visionary leadership resulted in remarkable achievements, including the elimination of the church mortgage, the acquisition of critical ministry resources, and significant facility renovations. She currently serves as the proud pastor of the historic Shiloh AME Zion Church, where she continues to build a legacy of faith, innovation, biblical teaching, and community transformation.
In addition to her pastoral ministry, Dr. Gaither embodies the calling of bi-vocational ministry. She serves as the Assistant Director of Community Standards at High Point University, where she helps students navigate healthy decision-making while cultivating integrity, accountability, and personal growth. Through her work in higher education, she empowers students to develop a stronger awareness of their moral compass and to build upon their intrinsic values. This professional role beautifully complements her pastoral calling and reflects her unwavering commitment to equipping people to thrive spiritually, personally, and professionally.
A proud member of the Greensboro Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Dr. Gaither embodies the principles of sisterhood, scholarship, and service. Her heart for God's people compels her to invest deeply in the lives of others, inspiring them to flourish in their gifts and walk boldly in their divine calling. She believes that recognizing potential is a sacred responsibility and has dedicated her life to helping others discover the greatness God has placed within them.
On May 22, 2026, Dr. Gaither married the love of her life, Bro. Bronson Gaither. Together, they are committed to serving God, strengthening His Kingdom, and modeling lives rooted in faith, purpose, and partnership in ministry. Their shared commitment to Christ continues to shape both their personal lives and their service to the Church.
Dr. Gaither's life is deeply rooted in her favorite scripture, Micah 6:8:
"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
This passage reflects her unwavering commitment to justice, compassion, humility, and faithful service. It guides her ministry, leadership, work in higher education, and every opportunity she has to impact the lives of others.
With over two decades of ministry, Rev. Dr. Patricia A.G. Gaither has become a respected voice in the faith community, a sought-after preacher, teacher, conference speaker, leadership strategist, and transformational leader whose influence continues to expand across churches, conferences, institutions, and global platforms. Her life's work is a testimony to her unwavering love for God, her passion for empowering people, and her relentless pursuit of excellence in every assignment entrusted to her.
Rev. Dr. Patricia A.G. Gaither—servant, pastor, educator, leader, mentor, global change agent, and vessel of God's glory. The stage is set, and the world is her platform.
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Preacher Steward -
Sis. Paulette Michelle Bailey
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Financial Secretary -
Ms. Anna O'Bryant
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Sis. April Gray -
Correspondence Secretary/ Scheduling
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Poor Steward (Ministry of Kindness) -
Sis. Ana Gracia Mayberry
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STEWARDS Preacher Steward (Steward Chair): Sis. Paulette Michele Bailey Bro. Bronson Gaither Sis. April Gray Sis. Nicho Lackey Anna O'Bryant Tony Steele Sis. Ana Gracia Mayberry Janice Hunt Saundra Summers
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TRUSTEES Trustee Chair: Kecia Brown Margaret Nelson Russell "Rusty" Lackey Jr. David Rucker Helen Gibbs Anthony "Tony" Williams Bro. Kendrick Mayberry
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SHILOH AME ZION- CLASS LEADERS Leader of Leaders: Mrs. Tonia Williams Class 1: Bro. Kendrick & Sis. Ana Gracia Mayberry Class 2: Sharon Brown Class 3: Cheryl Gray Class 4: Bro. Bronson Gaither Class 5: Bro. Samuel Allen Class 6: Sis. April Gray Class 7: Sis. Kehla Ellis (Ages 13-18 yrs.) Class 8: Sis. Marteka Anderson Allison (Cradle Roll) (0-12 years) Class 9: (Sick & Shut-In) Class: Sis. Michele Bailey & Sis. Nicho Lackey Class 10: Probation Members Class: Rev. Dr. Patricia A. Gainer
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DEACONESS MINISTRY
Deaconess President: Helen Gibbs Vice- President: Margaret Nelson Secretary: Shirley Hayden Assistant Secretary: Annie Eckles Anna O'Bryant Sharon Gaither Turner Clara Sigmon Doris Tucker Sis. Nicho Lackey Sadie King Tanis Dawkins
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Stewardess Board Sharon Brown Cheryl Gray Annie Eckles Ellen Bellamy Elaine Dalton Rubynel Holt Christine Johnson Margaret Nelson Sharon Gaither Turner Gwen Dobbins
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Christian Education Director (Co-Director) -
Ms. Kecia Brown
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Christian Education Director (Co-Director) -
Sis. Kehla Ellis
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Sunday School Superintendent -
Mrs. Christine Johnson
Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Shirley Hayden
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SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS Mrs. Christine Johnson Bro. Bronson Gaither Sis. Kehla Ellis Bro. Kendrick Mayberry Bro. Samuel Allen Sis. Ana Gracia Mayberry Mrs. Shirley Hayden Sis. Paulette Michele Bailey Sis. Nicho Lackey Sis. April Gray Sis. Marteka Anderson-Allison
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Men of Zion Men's Ministry -
Bro. Bronson Gaither (Ministry Liaison)
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Shiloh Women of HerStory -
Sis. April N. Gray
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Couple's Ministry -
Bro. Bronson & Rev. Dr. Patricia A.G. Gaither
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Senior's Ministry (Golden Agers) -
Helen Gibbs & Shirley Hayden
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