Dr. A Reginald Best
Brings more than 20 years of faithful leadership, shaped by a profound calling to serve both God and community, and distinguished by his deep devotion to the urban church development and his thoughtful engagement with the spiritual, social, and cultural needs of those he serves. Now in his 17th year as Minister of the Elmwood Park Church of Christ in Detroit, Michigan, he has cultivated a legacy of transformative community engagement.
Through a wide range of initiatives—including public forums that engage critical societal concerns impacting individual and community development, such as Crisis Among Black Males, and practical outreach efforts like the DTE Energy Forum, which was hosted to assist individuals struggling to pay their utility bills—Dr. Best has championed collaborative efforts between the church and the broader community. His passion for empowering youth is reflected in the employment fairs, basketball camps, and mentorship programs he has organized and hosted at the Elmwood Park Church, all designed to nurture the next generation.
He holds a doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Northwestern University’s Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and has been recognized as an Executive Scholar by the Kellogg School of Nonprofit Management at Northwestern University for his continued studies in leadership and executive education. He also earned a Master of Religious Education from Rochester University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Wayne State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Wayne State University.
Dr. Best’s leadership philosophy is guided by his belief that he is a servant leader,
“dedicated to empowering social justice and fostering emotional transformation for the betterment of our community and the greater good of all. I lead with unwavering compassion and integrity, recognizing that individual and collective growth is essential for meaningful progress.”
He has been happily married to his wife, Chera, for over 27 years, and together they are the proud parents of two adult children.