Rev. Darryl Barnard Heath, Hon. D.D.

Rev. Darryl Barnard Heath serves as the devoted Pastor and Soul Watcher of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Sacramento, California. Called to the preaching ministry in 1985 and ordained in 1999, he faithfully assisted the late Dr. William E. Hights as Administrative Assistant for 13 years before accepting the mantle of leadership in 2000. Under his pastoral care, St. John has flourished spiritually and communally, marked by vibrant worship, dynamic ministries, expansive outreach, and the successful retirement of the church’s mortgage in just five years.

Rev. Heath is the visionary founder and CEO of the Repairing the Breach Neighborhood Project, a nonprofit committed to rebuilding broken lives and restoring communities. Through the “4th Street Manna” food program—serving 175 to 200 families monthly—and other empowerment initiatives, the organization uplifts students, seniors, first-time homebuyers, and those navigating life’s hardest valleys. A gifted communicator, Rev. Heath’s preaching is known for its theological depth, humor, and generational reach. His messages resonate with clarity and conviction, often highlighting grace, redemption, and the transformative power of faith. In recognition of his ministry and impact, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity in 2004.

His leadership extends far beyond the pulpit. Rev. Heath holds numerous roles within the California State Baptist Convention, Inc., including 2nd Vice President, and has served within the Sacramento & Vicinity Baptist Ministers’ Conference, the Northern District Baptist Association, and community-focused chaplaincies and advisory boards. His ministry and advocacy have intersected with city policy, education reform, and racial equity alongside Sacramento leaders, including former Mayor Kevin Johnson.

Rev. Heath is a founding member of Pastors Assisting Students to Succeed (P.A.S.S.), a founding organizer of IndiviZible, and an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. since 1981.

A native of Los Angeles, Darryl carries deep pride for his hometown roots, including a loyal passion for the L.A. Dodgers and L.A. Rams. He is married to his life partner and greatest encourager, Mrs. Arnet Rene’ Heath. Their enduring love, built on friendship, faith, and mutual respect, has been the steady foundation of his life and ministry since their union in 1986. Together, they have lovingly raised their niece and nephews and are the proud guardians of their great-nephews, Ja’lyn T. Wright (currently studying at UCLA) and DeMarion J. Wright-Boyd. Their home is joyfully shared with their animated Staffordshire Terrier/Australian Cattle Dog, “Lord Dawg Vader.” Rev. Heath finds joy in life’s simple pleasures—fishing, reading, bowling, movies, music, and even learning the violin. A firm believer in the strength of perseverance and hope, his life verse is Isaiah 40:31: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” His guiding convictions echo the bold truth of Sir Edmund Burke:
“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”

Whether on the platform or the pavement, Rev. Heath remains a compassionate voice for change, a champion of faith, and a fierce believer that everyone deserves the chance to rise into their God-given potential.

Arnet Rene Heath

A strong young Christian woman with a sincere love for her Lord. She was born and raised in Sacramento, CA. She grew up facing many challenges, but continued to forge ahead, keeping her faith in God to see her through. She has worked with many youth and young adults, sharing her story and educating them both spiritually and in general knowledge.

Mrs. Heath is the proud First Lady of the Historic St. John Missionary Baptist Church, where she and her husband, Rev. Darryl B. Heath work together in the care for God’s precious flock. Sis. Heath is the former Principal of the St. John Christian Academy, and was one of the original teachers when the Academy first opened for operations in January of 1987.