PASTOR DARIUS CURTIS

The Reverend Darius Thomas Curtis is an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a pastor, preacher, teacher, and servant leader committed to biblical faithfulness, Christian discipleship, leadership development, and community transformation.
Called to ministry at fifteen, Rev. Curtis was licensed to preach at Saint Stephen AME Church in Chicago under the leadership of the Reverend Dr. Albert D. Tyson III. He was ordained an Itinerant Deacon in October 2003 by Bishop Phillip R. Cousin and an Itinerant Elder in September 2025 by Bishop Frederick Alan Wright, both at sessions of the Chicago Annual Conference.

His academic preparation includes studies at Wilberforce University, Yale University, and the School of Theology at Virginia Union University, as well as a certificate from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

For nearly twelve years, Rev. Curtis served at The Greater Allen AME Cathedral of New York under the mentorship of the Reverend Doctors Floyd and Elaine Flake. His leadership assignments included Executive Minister to Youth and Minister of Discipleship and New Member Assimilation. His responsibilities encompassed leadership development, ministry formation, curriculum development, church-wide Bible study, conference and retreat planning, and regular pulpit ministry.

Appointed by Bishop John Richard Bryant in October 2014, Rev. Curtis currently serves as pastor of Brown Chapel AME Church of Joliet, Illinois. Under his leadership, the congregation paid off its mortgage thirteen years ahead of schedule, established new ministries, expanded community outreach, and strengthened intergenerational participation in worship and congregational life.

Rev. Curtis believes the Church must unite faithful proclamation of the Gospel with meaningful engagement in the communal, civic, political, and social realities. His approach to ministry integrates theological reflection, practical leadership, intentional discipleship, and a commitment to serving God's people with simplicity, integrity, and sincerity.

Above all his professional and ministerial accomplishments, Rev. Curtis treasures his role as a father to his three sons: Darius Thomas Jr., Kaleb Lamont, and Y'lo Aman Curtis