
PASTOR CLIFFORD D. BARNETT, SR.
*Pastor, Community Leader, City Council Member*
Rev. Dr. Clifford D. Barnett, Sr. currently serves as the pastor of Warner Temple AME Zion Church in Wilmington, North Carolina. A dedicated pastor, community organizer, and advocate for social change, Rev. Dr. Barnett has a deep passion for connecting individuals and families with the resources they need to thrive.
Since his appointment to Warner Temple in 2009, Rev. Dr. Barnett has played a pivotal role in shaping community initiatives across the region. He serves as co-chair of the New Hanover County Community Resilience Task Force, He is an active member of the Cape Fear Coalition for a Drug-Free Tomorrow, and sits on the Board of Advisors for the D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy, where he also mentors young boys weekly.
In addition, he is a member of the Board of Directors for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is the visionary behind Wilmington’s Annual First 2000 Days Summit, held each Presidents’ Day to support early childhood development and education.

Pastor Barnett began his pastoral journey in 1979 and has served congregations in Kingstree and Rock Hill, South Carolina; Indianapolis, Indiana; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Portsmouth, Virginia. His ministry is marked by a commitment to faith, service, and leadership.
In 2017, he was elected to the Wilmington City Council, where he continues to serve, bringing a compassionate and community-focused perspective to local government.
Pastor Barnett is married to the former Waltrina White of Rock Hill, SC. They are the proud parents of three children: Clifford Jr., (Rosalyn), Walter, (Nook), and Helen.
LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
BOARD OF STEWARDS
Margaret Clemmons, Chairman
Fredrick Green
Sonja Bull Green
Audrey James
Broderick Josey
Larry Josey
Lloyd Mitchell
Melvin Shaw
Jeremiah Troy
Delores J. Kaham. Chairman
Allen Bernard
Alan Bowden
James Dempsey
Terri Hall
Emmanuel Harris
Sheron Howard
Joe Stanley
Mary Thomas
Shirley Wooten
PRESIDING ELDER
Wilmington District

Rev. Dr. Alexander L. Jones, Sr.
PRESIDING BISHOP
Eastern NC Episcopal District
Cape Fear Conference
