Bishop Starnes speaks for MLK Ministerial Commemorative Service

Bishop Darryl B. Starnes was the featured keynote speaker for the Union of Churches and Ministerial Alliance MLK Commemorative Worship Service on January 18, 2026.  The service was held at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Morristown, TN.  This is an annual service sponsored by the Hamblen County Ministerial Association.  Host pastor, Rev. Jesse Jones, presided.  Rev. H. Roger Mills Jr. is the UMCA president.

The presentation of the Bishop was by his daughter, Rev. Alisha Starnes, pastor of Young’s Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, New Market, TN.  Scripture was read by Rev. Bernice Osborne. pastor of Young’s Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, Morristown, TN.  Music was provided by the UCMA Gospel Choir, which consisted of members from the various churches in the area.  In attendance and supporting Bishop Starnes were his wife, Missionary Supervisor Sister Camille Starnes, Presiding Elder Dr. Herbert Grant, and Rev. and Mrs. James Boyce.

In his opening statement, the Bishop said, “We are never more beautiful than when we are praising the Lord”.  He began by listing the accomplishments of Dr. King, his life, ministry, and legacy.  Bishop Starnes delivered a most challenging and thought-provoking message on “Conquering Evil” (Romans 12:14-21).  The Bishop said, “MLK employed non-violent resistance.  As Christians and true disciples of Christ, our goal is not to fight evil but to conquer.”  He gave the 3 insights into conquering evil.

1. We conquer evil by being good to those who are bad to us.  This is only possible if we practice forgiveness, which keeps us from being mean and hateful.
2. We conquer by never paying back evil with more evil, by never taking revenge.   We can’t heal until we release our anger. Trust God to deal with those who have hurt us.  Enable those to see we are honest and honorable.  We must not respond by retaliating or redirecting our anger.
3. We conquer by doing good to our enemies.  Doing good is what sets us apart as mature Christians and faithful disciples of Christ.  Evil is real in our world.  Our job is not just to fight evil but to conquer. To conquer, you must be saved, have a genuine repentance, and want to change.  We have to recognize that we cannot change ourselves.  We must have a saving faith.”

Following the message, awards were presented to pastors and laity for outstanding and dedicated services.