Reverend W. Douglas Banks

The Reverend W. Douglas Banks is a dynamic leader who serves as Pastor, Professor, and Protagonist of Diversity Education. Recently called to lead the St. Luke’s Fellowship Church in suburban Philadelphia, Reverend Banks brings his passion for transformation and reconciliation to a homogeneous congregation eager to grow in faith and impact. This is coupled with his seminal work as Senior Pastor of The Church of Transformation, where he inspires believers to embrace differences, foster equity, and address systemic challenges through faith-based initiatives that promote personal and community renewal.

In his role as an Adjunct Professor at Thomas Jefferson University, Reverend Banks uses his unique heritage and life experiences to teach courses on diversity, equity, and racial justice. As the 5th great-grandson of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, he leverages his family history to spark critical conversations about identity, history, and the ongoing pursuit of justice. For over 25 years, he has shared his story nationally as a featured speaker on television and media platforms, offering a message of hope and reconciliation.

Reverend Banks is also a dedicated advocate for mental wellness in the African American community, creating programs to destigmatize therapeutic support, particularly for Black men. This commitment has caused him to lead anti-gun violence initiatives in Germantown, Philadelphia, where he works to reduce violence through community engagement and neighborhood beautification.

A devoted husband to Tesemma and father to five sons, Reverend Banks is committed to raising a family grounded in faith, justice, and leadership. A proud alumnus of THE Ohio State University, he is continuing to pursue his graduate studies at the United Lutheran Seminary. His multifaceted ministry, teaching, and advocacy reflect his lifelong dedication to fostering transformation and equity in every sphere he serves.