God’s predestinated purpose for District Bishop Darnell Larry Easton began on October 28, 1951, in Baltimore, Maryland, upon his birth.  He was often showered with much affection, being the youngest of nine children born to the late Deacon Joseph and Mother Viola Easton.  He grew up in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, where his humble beginnings were on a farm, which he diligently labored. He attended the public schools of Anne Arundel County, graduating from Southern Senior High School.  He went on to complete advance studies at Bowie State College, and obtained home study courses through The Washington Bible College.

Bishop Darnell was trained by his parents in the way a child should go.  At the early age of 10, he was a baptized believer, and was filled with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost at 13.  He loved church and carried zeal and devotion toward ministries in the church.  As years past, God continued to order the steps of Bishop Darnell, preparing him for a greater charge.  He faithfully served in many capacities, including but not limited to choir president and member, board member, groups and committees, all under the pastoral leadership of the late Bishop Jacob A. Green.  God equipped him to serve in whatever capacity that was called of him.  

As a young man, one of Bishop Darnell’s goals was to marry and have a family.  In 1971, God blessed him to meet his lovely wife, First Lady Margo Easton.  They were wedded on September 14, 1974.  Bishop Darnell and Sister Margo have an exquisite marriage relationship, one of love, trust, respect, and commitment to God and the marriage covenant.  From their union, they were blessed with three beautiful children: Shawn, Monica and Cherise.  Bishop Darnell cherishes his family and is grateful to God for the wonderful bond that they share.

It was in April 1975, when Bishop Darnell Easton was called into the ministry.  He answered the call and later preached his trial sermon in June 1977.  He was ordained a minister by the late Bishop Jacob A. Green.  One of Bishop Green’s favorite scriptures concerning Bishop Darnell’s life was – 2 Timothy 3:15 – “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”  Having served loyally, faithfully, and with integrity in his calling, in August 1996, God saw fit to elevate him to the ministry of an Elder.  Shortly thereafter, in July 2000, he was consecrated to the office of First Assistant Pastor, blessed to serve under his brother, the late Bishop Allen H. Easton, until the Lord called Bishop Allen home.  He executed his duties effectively, and met the demands and challenging responsibilities of his church family.  In January 2003, Bishop Darnell Easton was installed as Pastor of the Bethel Way of the Cross Church of Christ.  He had to undertake the charge of God, to activate the vision of Reaping the Harvest, Church Building Expansion, Community Relations and Out-Reach.  The changing of the guards occurred, fully sanctioned and concurred by the late Bishop Jacob A. Green, the Official Board and members of the Bethel Way of the Cross Church.  But more importantly, the Lord Jesus Christ himself put His stamp of approval, His anointing and blessings upon this change. In August 2005, Bishop Darnell was appointed District Elder.

Bishop Darnell has served and assisted in enhancing and developing many ministry curriculums.  He has taught the New Members Class, served as the Youth Department’s Advisor and Coordinator of the Prison Ministry.  He has been called upon to instruct and present many seminars.  In addition to his responsibilities and duties of a Pastor, he has had a strong involvement and leadership role in the Intercessory Prayer Ministry, Care Ministry and Trustee Board.  His commitment to the Pastoral Care of the Chaplin at the Calvert Memorial Hospital was one of his many services to the community.

Bishop Darnell is an anointed, effective and aspiring Man of God.  He gives life to one of his favorite scriptures, which is close to his heart – St. Luke 4:18-19 – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Bishop Darnell is a man of wisdom and good character with a strong love for people and their welfare.  He attracts the young people as well as seniors.  He has the God-given ability and is forever willing to reach people of all walks of life.  His desires are to do the will of God, to serve the community and the people of God, and to strengthen families so that they will be a positive influence in society. He proclaims and guides God’s people in defeating the enemy and declaring God to be victorious, at all cost.  He is an evangelist and an intercessor, whose gifts equip him for the great works of God.

A Family Man…Educator…Builder…Preacher…Counselor…

Entrepreneur…Teacher…Pastor and Friend…