BIO

Rev. Dr. Ambrose Carroll, Sr. is one of the nation’s leading Practical Theologians, combining faith, ecology, and social justice to inspire transformative action. A native of Oakland, CA, he graduated from Oakland High School in 1987 and pursued higher education across the country, earning:

• A Bachelor’s degree from Florida Memorial College, Miami, FL

• A Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Morehouse School of Religion, Atlanta, GA

• A Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, OH

• A Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Golden Gate University, San Francisco, CA

Dr. Carroll was licensed to Gospel ministry at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in 1989 and ordained at Beth Eden Baptist Church in 1994. His pastoral journey includes leadership roles at Third Baptist Church in San Francisco, Rising Star Baptist Church in Oakland, St. Paul Tabernacle Baptist Church in San Francisco, New Hope Baptist Church in Denver, CO, and the founding of Renewal Worship Center Christian Church in Denver, CO. Under his leadership, Renewal Worship Center became one of the nation’s first environmentally friendly “Green” Churches, earning recognition from Fast Company Magazine and CNN in 2011 for innovative faith-based initiatives, including green job training and placement.

Dr. Carroll’s commitment to creation care inspired him to launch Green The Church, a national nonprofit mobilizing Black churches to lead in sustainability and environmental justice. This groundbreaking initiative has been featured by CNN.com, Jet Magazine, and HuffPost, highlighting its mission to combat climate change, pollution, and create energy-efficient church buildings.

A visionary and advocate, Dr. Carroll was invited by Congresswoman Maxine Waters to the Senate Chambers during the 2017 confirmation hearings for then-Attorney General nominee Jeff Sessions. He joined other prominent clergy leaders, including Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown, Rev. Shane Scott, Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes III, and Rev. Dr. Delman Coates, in representing progressive voices of faith.

Dr. Carroll also serves as:

• A leader in the Home & Foreign Mission District Association, supporting approximately 15 churches under the Berkeley Black Ecumenical Ministers Alliance (BBEMA).

• A member of the Steering Committee for California Interfaith Power and Light (CIPL).

• An affiliate of the California State Baptist Convention.

• The National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC)

A U.S. Navy veteran, Dr. Carroll’s commitment to service extends beyond the pulpit. He is married to the former Miss Katresa Williams, and they have three children: Amber Marie, Ambrose Jr., and Amani Nicole.