Rev. Dr. Ralph E. Howard

Date of Birth: September 28, 1957
Called to Preach: March 31, 1972
Stanford University: BA, Economics
Fuller Seminary: Master of Theology
Sacramento Theological Seminary: Doctor of Theology

Married: Deborah Howard
Children: Nicole, Brandon
Grand Children: Daijah, Antonio, Jr.; Xavier (Ralph)

Dr. Ralph Howard is a Bay Area native who has been active in the community for many years. He began his ministry under the leadership of his father, Rev. Ray Howard at Paradise Baptist Church in San Francisco, where he served as Youth Pastor for over 15 years. He began his long standing commitment to community outreach and service early in his ministry by working with troubled youth in the ministerial program of the California Youth Authority. He also excelled with extensive experience serving as a counselor, instructor and lecturer in district and state denominational programs.

The history of Seed of Faith began in January 1993 when Pastor Howard was called to Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in San Francisco, California. Through his gifted leadership the church rebounded quickly, building on the legacy of the past while moving to grow its ministry in the community. He successfully directed the resources of the church by emphasizing its dual mission of providing spiritual hope and practical help to all in need. Through his dynamic leadership, Mt. Gilead successfully implemented a monthly community food distribution program providing needed groceries to local families, a foreign mission outreach providing food and clothing in African, and a hot meal program serving meals to over 200 needy individuals annually. As a visionary leader, Pastor Howard supported the development of a church sponsored drug rehabilitation program and worked to improve literacy among community children by developing a church based after school tutorial program for local youth.

Through the providence of God, Dr. Howard began to pastor Solomon Temple Baptist Church in Pittsburg, California in June 2002. His leadership increased membership to over 1,000 while implementing 26 new ministries. The vision which began over a decade ago now continues under the name Seed of Faith Christian Fellowship and is expanding to serve the needs of the people of Contra Costa County.

Pastor Howard is a dynamic and pragmatic leader who is a trained economist with a degree from Stanford University, a Master’s of Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Doctorate from Sacramento Theological Seminary. He is former Dean of Delta Bible College, has served as a Board Member for the Jefferson Union High School District, and is past president of the Bay Area Urban Bankers Association. His vision and leadership have been shaped by his deeply rooted faith in the power of the Holy Spirit to transform every believer into an instrument of God’s glory. He is a man fully dedicated to God and committed to God’s people; a man who makes things happen.

Contact the Pastor at Pastor@sofcf.org

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Meet the Pastor