Our Leadership
Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Sr.
Presiding Bishop
Piedmont Episcopal District
Reverend Dr. John A Butler
Presiding Elder
The Concord District
The Rev. James E. Stitt
Pastor
Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Sr.
Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Sr. is a distinguished leader in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, currently serving as Presiding Prelate of the Piedmont Episcopal District. A native of Hampton, Virginia, he accepted God's call to ministry at an early age and has devoted more than four decades to pastoral leadership, evangelism, discipleship, and church development.
A graduate of Livingstone College, Hood Theological Seminary, and Beeson Divinity School, Bishop Starnes was elected and consecrated as the 96th Bishop in the succession of the AME Zion Church in 2008. Throughout his ministry, he has faithfully served congregations and Episcopal Districts across the denomination while providing visionary leadership through numerous national and international religious organizations.
Known for his passionate preaching, commitment to biblical teaching, and emphasis on equipping believers for effective ministry, Bishop Starnes has also authored several books on evangelism, Christian leadership, and spiritual growth. His ministry continues to inspire clergy and laity alike to faithfully proclaim the Gospel and strengthen the Church for generations to come.
Reverend Dr. John A Butler
The Reverend Dr. John A. Butler serves as the Presiding Elder of the Concord District in the Western North Carolina Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. A native of Greensboro, North Carolina, he has dedicated his life to Christian ministry, pastoral leadership, and the advancement of the Church through faithful service and spiritual guidance.
Dr. Butler is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, Hood Theological Seminary, and Covington Theological Seminary. Throughout his ministry, he has served the AME Zion Church in numerous pastoral and connectional leadership capacities, earning a reputation as a gifted preacher, effective administrator, and compassionate servant leader.
In addition to his ministry within the Church, Dr. Butler has been actively engaged in civic and community leadership. His unwavering commitment to evangelism, discipleship, and the development of strong congregational and conference leadership continues to make a lasting impact throughout the AME Zion Church and the communities he serves.
The Rev. James E. Stitt
The Reverend James E. Stitt is the faithful Pastor of Brown Hill A.M.E. Zion Church, where he is committed to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, making disciples, and leading God's people with compassion, humility, and integrity. His ministry is centered on biblical teaching, spiritual growth, and fostering a welcoming church family where individuals are encouraged to deepen their relationship with Christ and actively serve their community.
Pastor Stitt is a graduate of Garinger High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, and continued his education at Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, North Carolina. Answering God's call to ministry, he furthered his theological education at Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury, North Carolina, where he was equipped for pastoral leadership and service within the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Throughout his ministry, he has remained devoted to preaching the Word of God, strengthening the Church, and encouraging believers to live lives that reflect Christ's love and grace.
He is married to the former Ms. Jacqueline Pittman, and together they faithfully serve God and His people through Christian leadership, ministry, and community engagement. Pastor Stitt is also the proud father of adult children, and he cherishes the blessings of family as an important part of his life and ministry. Their shared commitment to the Kingdom of God has been a source of encouragement and inspiration to many.
Under Pastor Stitt's leadership, Brown Hill A.M.E. Zion Church continues to embrace its mission of worship, discipleship, outreach, and service. He warmly welcomes all to Brown Hill A.M.E. Zion Church and extends an invitation to join the congregation as they worship God, grow in faith, build meaningful relationships, and share the love of Christ with the surrounding community.