Pastor Darnisha Thomas was officially commissioned into ministry during a special worship service held on Sabbath, Oct. 26, 2024, at Southview Seventh-day Adventist Church, within the Minnesota Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Church leaders and ministry colleagues affirmed Thomas’ calling and recognized her leadership and service. Karen Lewis, ministerial director for the Minnesota Conference, praised Thomas’ faith and resilience. “I am truly grateful that Pastor Darnisha is part of our conference,” Lewis said. “She is a remarkable young woman whom God has gifted with wisdom, boldness, and spiritual maturity to minister effectively to both children and adults. She courageously walked through some of the most challenging seasons in Minneapolis—during Covid and the George Floyd riots—with dignity, strength, and grace. I remember thinking even then that God had further plans to use her mightily for His glory.”
During the commissioning, Dr. Vandeon D. Griffin, associate youth and young adult director for the North American Division, spoke about the meaning of pastoral ministry and the robe Thomas now wears.
“The reason why clergy wear robes is that it shifts the focus from the personality of the person to the person of God,” Griffin said. “Darnisha, I charge you in the wearing of this robe to always challenge the people you are called to serve to not look to you but to look to the one you look to—God.”
Speakers also thanked Thomas for being an inspiration to young women and girls. One tribute shared, “One day, young girls will say, ‘I want to be a pastor like Pastor Darnisha Thomas.’” The speaker added that this commissioning marks only the beginning of many chapters still to come in her ministry.
A special message was shared from Dr. Hyveth Williams, described as a trailblazer and longtime mentor in Thomas’ life. In her message, Dr. Williams congratulated her and said the commissioning reflects faith, wisdom, and perseverance.
She said Thomas is stepping into a legacy carried by generations of women of faith and encouraged her to lead with courage and grace.
In her own remarks, Thomas thanked Dr. Williams for her mentorship, especially during her early years after graduating from Oakwood University with a theology degree. She shared how seeing a woman pastor in seminary helped her understand how she could serve while remaining true to who God created her to be. She said being a woman pastor has not been easy, but she has worked to advocate for women and girls in ministry.
Another tribute came from Pastor Brenda Billingy, who shared that Thomas was the first young girl she met who later followed her into ministry. Billingy recalled beginning her own ministry journey when Thomas was about 10 years old and said God impressed on Thomas’ heart that what He was doing through Billingy, He would also do through her. Over the years, Billingy said Thomas repeatedly confirmed her desire to become a pastor.
“I am so grateful that I lived long enough to see God fulfill His word in your life,”
she said, congratulating Thomas and welcoming her into the growing legacy of women called by God to ministry.
Many friends and leaders were recognized for supporting her through school and ministry. She named teachers, pastors, and friends who stood by her during difficult seasons and encouraged her not to quit. She shared how friends pushed her to finish her Master Guide training when she wanted to walk away. Leaders from the Minnesota Conference were also thanked for their support and for sending others to help continue the work of ministry.
Special thanks were given to Pastor Sean Lee, the senior pastor she has worked with for five years. She shared that he supported her through moments of doubt, anxiety, and major ministry challenges. She said he encouraged her voice, celebrated her leadership, and spoke for her in rooms where she was not present.
Family members were also recognized during the service, including her parents, sister, and brother.
She shared that her father named her “Darnisha,” meaning worthy, even during seasons when she struggled with depression and questioned her value. She said her parents supported her through prayer and never stopped lifting her up.
Her sister Whitney was described as a spiritual rock, and her brother Kyle was thanked for standing by her during her early ministry years. She shared how she always made time for him after work, even when tired, to stay connected and present in his life.
A strong focus was placed on her ministry with children, teens, and young people. She thanked the youth of Southview and New Hope for loving her and walking with her in ministry. She said their support makes it easier for her to serve and that she is humbled by their trust.
She also spoke about her commitment to helping people who have experienced spiritual and religious trauma. With training through the Master of Social Work program at Andrews University, she said she is dedicated to helping people understand the difference between a counterfeit view of God and a God who is loving, kind, and willing to walk with them through pain.
Pastor Thomas is the first Black woman (African-American & Caribbean (Anguilla)) pastor in the Minnesota Conference to receive this honor. She stands on the shoulders of Pastor Kingoina who was the first black pastor in Minnesota. She said her prayer is that she will not be the last.
About Pastor Darnisha Thomas
Born in Silver Spring, Maryland, Pastor Darnisha Thomas felt a call to ministry at a young age. A product of Christian education, she attended George E. Peters SDA School and Takoma Academy, where she sensed God’s call to ministry at age 13. She became active in church leadership early, serving in children’s ministries, youth leadership, and Pathfinders.
Thomas earned a degree in Theology from Oakwood University and later a Master of Divinity from Andrews University. Her ministry experience includes serving in the Chesapeake Conference and later joining the Minnesota Conference in 2019 as associate pastor at Southview SDA Church and conference children’s ministries director. She is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work to better serve those impacted by spiritual and religious trauma.
