The Top 10 Most Influential Black Ministers

Loop 21 lists those serving their communities at large

For centuries, the black church, although not monolithic, has been the hub of the community. From serving as a gathering place to providing food, clothes and financial needs to it’s parishioners, the church has been more than just preaching, singing and paying tithes and offering.

There are thousands of preachers who preach, but only a few who truly minister to serve their community, locally and globally. Loop 21 looked coast to coast to find the top ministers who can not only hoop in the pulplit, but serve their communities to meet their needs.

Dr. Freddie Haynes, Friendship-West Baptist, Dallas, Texas

For more than 28 years, Pastor Freddie Haynes has been serving the Dallas area through his church Friendship-West Baptist. Growing his ministry to over 12,000 members, Dr. Haynes believes in intertwining theology with sociology to meet the needs of his members. Not only that, he shares his words of wisdom every morning of the nationally syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Show, where millions are blessed by his words.

Dr. Raphael Warnock, Ebenezer Baptist, Atlanta, Georgia

Since 2005, Dr. Raphael Warnock has been the spiritual leader of Ebenezer Baptist Church, the same church where Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King served. Still, that’s not what makes Dr. Warnock special. His specialty is going beyond the four walls of the church to serve the people. From a barbershop ministry called “Cutting Thru Crisis” to leading a “Freedom Caravan” to help Katrina evacuees gain voting freedoms in the State of Louisiana. He also provides ongoing financial support for young people and ministries that help people living with HIV/AIDS.

Archbishop Alfred Owens and Co-pastor Susie Owens, Greater Mount Calvary, Washington, DC

Archbishop Alfred Owens along with his wife Evangelist Susie Owens have been serving the Washington, DC community since 1966, growing their church from seven members to 7,000 today. Along with ministries including an alcohol/drug abuse program called Calvary's Alternative to Alcohol and Drug Abuse (CATAADA HOUSE) and running and clothing and food bank, outside of the church the Owens have served as foster parent to 16 sons and daughters.

Dr. Floyd Flake, Greater Allen A.M.E., Queens, New York

A former U.S. Congressman, Pastor Flake, along with his wife co-pastor Elaine Flake, service Greater Allen A.M.E. Church’s over 20,000 members in Queens, New York. The church, which has a net worth of $100 million according to the church’s Web site, has over 100 ministries including the “Angel-Tree Prison Ministry,” “Grief Share Support Group” and “Elder Care Support” to name a few. Along with church ministries, Dr. Flake leads the Greater Allen Development Corporation, a development project that aims to provide affordable housing and financial services to members.

Dr. Cynthia Hale, Ray of Hope Christian Church, Decatur, Georgia