Senior Pastor, Darrin Phelps, is the son of Thomas and Sally Phelps. Thomas Phelps is a prominent mixed- media, visual artist, who loves and serves the Lord. Sally Phelps is a retired school teacher and entrepreneur, who also loves and serves the Lord. As devout, born again Christians, they raised their three children in church, from birth, under the leadership of Bishop Dr. Jasper and Dr. Bullah k. Phillips, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Senior Pastor Darrin Phelps received the gift of the Holy Spirit on August 22, 1982 at First Apostolic Church of Inglewood, under Elder Davis. While involved in spiritual training, he spent considerable time doing evangelistic work; leading many people to Christ. He was often told by Christian leaders that the call of leadership was on his life.
Senior Pastor Darrin Phelps, after a military stint, work and college married Annette in 1992. This union produced two wonderful children; Aliyah and Justin Phelps.
Senior Pastor Darrin Phelps is an entrepreneur at heart. Therefore, with his vision to open a child care center, he and his wife forged ahead and established one. Through this work many relationships were forged, 
people were helped and Christ was glorified. Later, with a passion for food and a vision to take advantage of their gifts of food preparation, he and his wife opened a restaurant in the West End in Cincinnati, Ohio. There they had the wonderful opportunity to employ members of there church as well as others in the community.
During this time Senior Pastor Darrin also created a delicious Barbeque Sauce that he still has an interest in selling locally and nationwide. Those who work with them and taste their food often say, (in seriousness and in good fun), that they could be the next Neely’s of Cincinnati. The restaurant later evolved into a catering company (DAP Catering); which specializes in soul food cuisine, but also offers a number of other very tasty dishes, as well. Senior Pastor Darrin formerly instructed and mentored in the public school system. Currently, he manages real estate, and is seeking a Masters in Theology as he deals with the constant challenges of public ministry.
Senior Pastor Darrin Phelps, (affectionately known as Pastor D.), became the Senior Pastor of St. James Church in 2000, along with his wife, Co-Pastor Annette; establishing DAP ministries. He has been anointed and used by God to:
• Shepherd God’s people, beginning in October, 2000.
• Teach God’s word.
• Preach God’s word.
• Prophesy (Foretell future events).
• Heal the sick.
• Encourage God’s people.
• Help others learn of and use spiritual gifts.
• Help others to consistently experience God’s joy and peace.
• Pray with faith, (without ceasing), until something happens.
• Love God and all others, (especially the saints), with God’s love, at all times.
• Bless the poor and needy.
• Mature and strengthen fellow believers in Christ.
• Truly live by faith; (not by what is seen), but what is believed.
• Win souls for Christ.
Most cherished Achievements:
• SALVATION (Accepting Christ as Lord and Savior).
•TRANSFORMATION (Continuous evolution into Christ-likeness).
•JUSTIFICATION (The reality of being made righteous and acceptable to God, through Christ).
•GLORIFICATION (The future promise of incorruptibility and immortality).
•Having God by His Spirit, literally, live inside of me.
•Continuously developing my relationship with the Lord.
•Finding and enjoying the fellowship of those who truly love the Lord Jesus Christ.
•Finding, possessing and experiencing the true riches of life.
•Having the great privilege to live a life that brings glory and honor to the Lord!
Senior Pastor Darrin is known for powerful preaching, excellent teaching and a great sense of humor. He has a passion for not only empowering others through Christ, but also, helping the hurting and the needy; which is reflected in his diligence with those in his community and beyond. This also includes the sacrifices he makes each year in oversees charity work.