Rev. Alvin C. Bernstine

The Rev. Dr. Alvin C. Bernstine is a fourth-generation Baptist preacher, scholar, and community leader with more than 40 years of ministry. A graduate of Bishop College, Vanderbilt Divinity School, and United Theological Seminary, he also holds a Psychology and Counseling degree from the California Institute of Integral Studies and is a Certified Life Coach. His preaching and scholarship center liberation, family, and faith formation—grounded in his doctoral work on “Preaching that Enhances the African American Family”—and extend to books including Preaching Sermons that Matter, Give Power to the People, and When Mary Finds Us (with Rev. Diana Becton). He has served as senior pastor in Nashville, Brooklyn, and Oakland, strengthening families and advancing women in ministry; founded the Bay Area Academy of Responsible Preaching, recipient of a $1.25M Lilly Endowment grant; and now leads The Preaching Coach to equip transformative preachers. Honored by Morehouse College and the City of Richmond, he enjoys golf, bass guitar, chess, and time with his grandchildren and wife, Rev. Diana Becton.

Back to Elder Listening Session No. 3 page