Dr. Betty Deas Clarke Biography
Dr. Betty Deas Clark is the newly appointed pastor of Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC. She believes in leading by example as a pastor, preacher, teacher, administrator, counselor, and most of all a “dedicated disciple”. Her holistic philosophy of ministry, beautiful nature and generous, selfless spirit are a source of constant amazement and encouragement to church, community, and family.
She has taken the words, “study to show thyself approved” seriously. In an effort to ensure continual learning, Dr. Clark regularly attends connectional meetings of the A.M.E. Church, Interdenominational Ministers Conferences and theological lectures/seminars. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Limestone College, was the first to graduate with a Master of Divinity degree from the Charleston Extension Program of Erskine Seminary, and obtained a Doctor of Ministry degree concentrating in personal and family spiritual renewal from Erskine Seminary, Due West, SC.
Prior to her most recent appointment, Rev. Dr. Betty Deas Clark pastored seven churches: Bethel AMEC, Lake City, SC; Pine Grove AMEC, Greeleyville, SC; Greater St. John AMEC, Johns Island, SC; Bishops Memorial AMEC, Columbia, SC; Greater Bethel AMEC, James Island, SC; Charity AMEC, Huger, SC; and, Mount Pisgah AMEC, Sumter, SC.
Dr. Clark has many firsts to her name: first female pastor of Pine Grove A.M.E. Church in Greeleyville in the Manning District, Greater St. John A.M.E. Church and Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church in the Edisto District, and Charity A.M.E. Church in the Mt. Pleasant District. Dr. Clark is the first known female to preach a cornerstone laying message at Greater Howard AMEC in the Mt. Pleasant District, and she served as the first female president of the Ministerial Alliance (Charleston and vicinity). Rev. Dr. Clark was the first African- American female to serve as Chair of the Board of Zoning Appeals for both the city and county of Sumter, South Carolina.
With all of these accomplishments, Dr. Clark was still able to serve as a workshop presenter in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina; a Bible study instructor for several retreats; and, a deliverer of the word of God/Hour of Power message in the 9th and 7th Episcopal Districts during annual conferences. Dr. Clark has served as: Chaplain - Allen University, Columbia, SC; Secretary, 2nd Vice-President and President - Ministerial Alliance (Charleston and vicinity); Interim Supervisor - Board of Examiners; 3rd Vice President, 2nd Vice-President and Worship Director, Women in Ministry (7th District, AMEC); and, Advocate/Sponsor, Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of HIV/AIDS (Balm In Gilead).
Rev. Dr. Clark is the daughter of the late Samuel (Sam) Deas and the late Rosa Kinlaw Deas. She is the wife of Karl Kenneth Clark and the mother of two. Dr. Clark is a native of Awendaw, South Carolina and currently resides in Charleston.