Rev. Dr. Daphyne Brown is Senior Pastor of Mosswood Park Church of God. She is a woman of God, called to promote spiritual and psychological health and wholeness through praying, preaching counseling and teaching. Her purpose and passion lie in leading, inspiring, supporting and encouraging God’s people to discover and live in the purpose for which they exist. As the youngest daughter of the late Rev. Drs. Otis F. and Johnnie M. Brown, she is proud to come from a family called by God to spread the gospel. Her mother, an internationally renowned evangelist, along with her father pastored for more than 50 years within the Church of God. While on the Ministerial staff at Mosswood Park, Dr. Brown served as Associate Pastor of Landmark Ministries in Oakland, CA. Rev. Brown has also served on the ministerial staffs of Bethany Baptist Church and Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland, California. Dr. Brown is the founder of Center of Healing and Wholeness in Oakland, CA. COHAW is a faith based non-profit organization focused on the needs of the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. COHAW educates and supports the needs and concerns of women and families while encouraging them to find their voice, gifts, and purpose. Dr. Brown is a Pastoral Counselor and the Past Pacific Regional Chair for the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. In this position she joins an international organization in promoting and encouraging the integration of spirituality and psychology. Reverend Dr. Brown earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of San Francisco, a Master of Divinity degree from American Baptist Seminary of the West and a Doctor of Ministry degree with an emphasis in Pastoral Care and Counseling from San Francisco Theological Seminary. Daphyne believes that she can truly “do all thing through Christ who strengthens her,” and lives in that manner each day. I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] (Philippians 4:13 AMP)

Reverend Cleve Brown has been a member of Mosswood Park Church of God for 26 years. He has been preaching the gospel for 23 years. Raised in the Church of God he gave his heart to the Lord at a young age. Rev. Brown was ordained by Pastor Vernel Warren. Rev. Cleve has worked at Mosswood in outreach helping serve food in the community. Rev. Cleve also works in the church in any capacity were needed. Rev. Cleve is currently Pastoring, All Nations Church of God in Isleton. Rev. Cleve enjoys being able to give his testimony and share the word of God. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Rev. Cleve is married to Loretha Brown for 25 years and has 4 children and 6 grandchildren.

Pastor Warren was called to Pastor Mosswood Church of God in 1958. He moved from Portland, Oregon to Stockton California. He has lived and worked in the Mosswood community for more than 61 years. Over the years Pastor Warren has focused on outreach in the community through ministering at shelters and the local mission. Often, he drives to the shelter to pick up those who want to worship the Lord. As a shepherd he has always tried to encourage and support his congregation. When times have become difficult for the church he says, ”the Lord has always made a way.” He has served God and the Mosswood congregation with love, patience, and gratitude. He has performed many marriages, dedications and funerals. His preaching, teaching and the manner in which he lives his life has been a source of strength for many. Pastor Warren is well known for his sultry singing and playing the guitar. His servant leader attitude and deep faith in God has sustained him over the years. He is truly a shining light of God’s love for all of mankind. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) Pastor Warren is married to Sister Patricia Warren.

Reverend Dr. Tanisha L. Sparks is a graduate of the American Baptist Seminary of the West, a school of the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA where she received her Master of Divinity degree in Preaching and a Certificate in Black Church/Africana Studies in May 2012. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration degree in Leadership and Management, both obtained from Holy Names University, Oakland, CA. In addition, she holds a Certificate in Christian Ministry awarded by the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple. In January 2003, Dr. Sparks received her license to preach and ordination in March 2009 from Cosmopolitan Baptist Church, Oakland, CA. In November 2014, she received her denominational ordination by the American Baptist Churches, USA. She has held numerous ministerial positions throughout the Bay Area serving as Minister to Young Adults, Young Adult Pastor as well as Youth Pastor. Dr. Sparks is the 2011 L. Doward McBain Preaching Prize recipient for Outstanding Senior Sermon and the 2012 J. Alfred Smith, Sr. Award recipient for Outstanding Ministry in the Black Church, both awarded by the American Baptist Seminary of the West, Berkeley, CA. In May 2019, Dr. Sparks received her Doctor of Ministry degree in Biblical Interpretation and Proclamation from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. During Black History Month 2020, she received a Congressional Recognition Award from Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17), Santa Clara, CA for her commitment and dedication to the African American church and community in the Bay Area. In addition to serving as the Executive Pastor of Mosswood Park Church of God in Stockton, CA, Dr. Sparks also serves as an Associate Minister at the historic Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland, CA. Secularly, she has a background as a Director of Finance and Administration. She has also served at Santa Clara University and at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University as a guest preacher, as a guest lecturer on topics such as African American Spirituality, Black Christology and African and African American Liberation Theology. Because of her passion for faith, justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, Dr. Sparks has also served as an Inclusive Excellence Liaison to the Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at Santa Clara University; a Spiritual Advisor to the Beloved Community African American Student Group and as a Mentor for the Finding Affirmation and Meaning, Office of Multicultural Learning, both at Santa Clara University. Dr. Sparks unapologetically believes and accepts that God has called her to be a prophetic voice in this generation. As such, she exercises her calling through the preaching and teaching of God’s Word across generational, denominational and racial barriers.