Leading Our Flock with Faith and Grace

Meet Our Pastor: Reverend Douglas Banks

Reverend Douglas "Doug" Banks is the proud 23rd pastor of Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church in Flint, Michigan. Appointed to lead the congregation in 2018, Pastor Banks brings a dynamic preaching style and a deep commitment to community outreach. His guiding pastoral philosophy is rooted in the mission of the A.M.E. Church: to minister to the social, spiritual, and physical development of all people. Under his leadership, Vernon Chapel continues its 100-year legacy of seeking to "heal the hurt of the world and meet the needs of the community around us."

Early Life & Military Service Born and raised in the great city of Detroit, Michigan, Pastor Banks is a proud graduate of Cass Technical High School. Before entering full-time ministry, he served his country in the United States Army and was decorated for his service during Operation Desert Storm.

Education & Theological Training Pastor Banks holds a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy from Siena Heights University. Answering the call to ministry, he went on to earn his Master of Divinity with a concentration in Church History from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. During his time at the seminary, he demonstrated his leadership abilities by serving as a chairperson for the Garrett-Evangelical Black Seminarians Student organization.

Ministry & Leadership Ordained as an Itinerant Elder in the A.M.E. Church in 2010 by Bishop John R. Bryant, Pastor Banks has a rich history of serving congregations across the Midwest.

Before coming to Vernon Chapel, his impactful ministry included:

• Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church (Battle Creek, MI): Served as Senior Pastor, where his steadfast leadership helped the congregation pay off their church's mortgage note several years early.

• Oak Grove A.M.E. Church: Served as an Associate Minister and the Director of Evangelism & Outreach Ministries.

• Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church (Chicago, IL): Served as the Ministerial Chief of Staff and Director of Evangelism/Membership Ministries.

• Hyde Park A.M.E. Church (Chicago, IL): Served as the Supply Pastor in 2009.

Whether he is delivering a powerful Sunday message—such as his memorable sermons "Outgrowing our Arrested Development" and "Desperate to Fulfill My Destiny"—or actively working to bridge the gap between the church and the Flint community, Pastor Banks is a leader deeply invested in the spiritual growth of his congregation.

Family Pastor Banks shares his life and love for ministry with his wife, the Reverend Tammy Harris-Banks, who serves as the pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Detroit.

Experience Pastoral Fellowship This Sunday

Whether you are seeking a spiritual home, prayer guidance, or a welcoming community in Flint, Pastor invites you to worship with us.