Meet our Pastor
Pastor Darlene L. Williams is a wife, mother, student, and servant dedicated to God, family, and community. She is the Senior Pastor of The Vibrant City Church, Inc., and has served since 2013. Her vibrant personality and jovial characteristics were in the forefront when choosing a name for the church.
Pastor Darlene was born and raised in Bakersfield and is the tenth child born in a family of twelve. At an early age, she developed a love for reading. Her favorite books were Children’s Bible stories and books by American writer, Laura Ingalls Wilder. She could be found reading for hours on end. Her father attached a light to her headboard so that she could read at night before she fell asleep.
A first generation Apostolic, and proud of it, Pastor Darlene’s greatest ambition is to color outside of societal and denominational lines, by taking the LOVE message of Jesus to the marginalized and the ostracized in our world, city and community.
Pastor Williams’ presentation of scripture and her ability to give the audience “a visual” of the events taking place, has blessed, encouraged, and enlightened those who have heard her speak. Her servant’s heart has placed her in numerous areas of ministry including: Sunday school teacher, youth Leader, praise and worship leader, altar worker, Pastor’s Aide committee, baptismal worker, Missionary Department, program coordinator, kitchen supervisor and any other vacant area where help was needed.
Pastor “D” also serves as a Board of Directors member and the Vice-Chair of Faith in The Valley (FIV), “A faith-based grassroots community organization in California’s Central Valley representing families in Fresno, Kern, Merced, Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties”. She also serves on the FIV Steering Committee Board (Kern County). After making the decision to leave her job of almost 30-years as a Transportation Coordinator, Pastor Williams returned to college and became a full-time student at Bakersfield Community College. She graduated with honors in Communication and is a continuing student at California State University Bakersfield where she majors in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations. She aspires to seek higher education in Theological Seminary.
Whenever she can catch a break from serving, Pastor Darlene loves: fishing, cooking, reading, sewing, crocheting, watching documentaries, and having a good laugh. Pastor Darlene has been married to her soul-mate, boyfriend, greatest supporter, and fellow-laborer, William, for 29 years. They are gifted with a daughter, Austyn—the epitome of exuberance.
The first man & Austyn
