Pastor Darryl Thompson Powell came to Bethany from the west coast of Michigan with his wife, Carla (who is also an ordained ELCA pastor) and their three beautiful and bright children, Dion, Maya, and Evan.
Pastor Powell received his bachelor's degree from Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH, and his master's from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, OH. He has served in various ways at congregations in Columbus, OH; Carson, CA; Detroit, MI; and Muskegon Heights, MI. He has also served on Anti-Racism, Environmental Stewardship, Communications and Outdoor Ministry committees on the synodical and national level, and served as co-chair of In the City for Good - Muskegon. Pastor Powell was also one of three writers for the Southeast Michigan Synod's African American Strategy.
Currently Pastor Powell serves on the Metro Chicago Synod's African American Strategy Team, Anti-Racism Team and Ministry Committee (which oversees the candidacy process). He’s also on the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago’s Diversity Team, and serves on the board of directors for the Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Center and the South East Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center as well as being an active member of the African American Lutheran Association - Chicago Chapter.
Pastor Powell takes seriously his call to preach and teach the Word of God and relies heavily on the Spirit's inspiration in his worship leadership. Self-identified as one who was "born and brainwashed Lutheran (but in a good way)," Pastor Powell seeks reformation in this church of the Reformation and tries to bring a message of relevance to the people of today.