Pastor Darnell Antoine Manuel, the firstborn of twins, was born April 11, 1975, in Oakland, CA, to the late Pastor Jordan J. Manuel and the late Carol Manuel.
Pastor Manuel accepted Christ at six and was baptized by his grandfather, Pastor Nelson Davis of the Greater New Mt. Hermon Baptist Church in Berkeley, CA. Pastor Manuel received his formal education in the Oakland Unified School District and the West Contra Costa Unified School District, graduating from El Cerrito High School. He furthered his studies and graduated from The Master’s University in Newhall, CA, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries. He has received his Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from The Master’s University, a fully accredited institution. Pastor Manuel is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Leadership Journey at Anderson University, where he is scheduled to complete it in 2025.
Pastor Manuel is a recording artist, prolific songwriter, and anointed psalmist, having co-produced and been a featured soloist on his first recorded CD, "Tell It," with Infinite Praise in 1993. He also served as the Minister of Music for the New Ark Baptist Church under the leadership of his father.
Pastor Manuel answered the call to the ministry in June of 1993. He preached his first sermon at the New Ark Baptist Church, where he served as associate minister under the tutelage of his father.
It was after the untimely death of his father, Pastor Jordan J. Manuel, that Pastor Darnell Manuel was given the awesome privilege of picking up the mantle left by his father. He was installed as pastor of the New Ark Baptist Church in March of 2002. He served faithfully as pastor, ministering to the people of God in excellence until July 2011.
On July 24, 2011, Pastor Darnell A. Manuel transitioned to Los Angeles, CA, after being summoned by God to pastor the Carver Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Manuel has been preaching the uncompromised gospel, and Carver experienced phenomenal growth during his pastorate. Pastor Manuel led Carver with excellence and unwavering faith during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.
Pastor Manuel has also made an impact throughout the state. He is the past president of the Young Adult Auxiliary of the California State Baptist Convention, the largest convention in the country. He also served as Minister’s Lyceum President for the California State Baptist Young Adult Convention.
On August 18, 2023, Pastor Manuel answered the call of God and returned home to lead the Union Baptist Church of Vallejo, CA. God has displayed his favor on both pastor and people. He has declared that Union is Union Strong!!
Pastor Manuel is a gifted preacher and teacher of the gospel. He continues to work to hone his craft as a communicator of the Gospel. Pastor Manuel gives God all he has every time he is blessed with an opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Manuel is a family man. He is married to the love of his life, Kiara Manuel. They have five children: Ethan Michael, Jordyn Rose, Malia Hannah, and twin girls Kayla Grace and Kyla Faith.
Pastor Manuel carries himself with style and grace and has dedicated himself to the Lord. He remains humble, self-sacrificing, and well-respected in the community. Pastor Manuel‘s favorite scripture is Galatians 6:9, which states, "Let us not be weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap and faint not."