Darrin Patrick (December 4, 1970 – May 7, 2020) was an American evangelical pastor, church planter and author who played a prominent role in several contemporary Protestant networks. Born in Marion, Illinois, he rose to national attention as the founder and teaching pastor of a large St. Louis congregation and as a speaker and writer on discipleship and pastoral leadership.
Career and ministry
Patrick founded The Journey, a multi-site church in the St. Louis area, in 2002 and served there for many years. He was known for a high-energy preaching style, emphasis on pastoral mentoring, and a focus on church planting. He also taught at Seacoast Church in Charleston, South Carolina, and served as chaplain to the St. Louis Cardinals, bringing ministry into sports and civic life. His leadership extended into broader networks: he held a leadership post in the Acts 29 church-planting network and served on councils with other evangelical organizations.
Roles, writings and influence
Patrick wrote multiple books and numerous articles addressing discipleship, pastoral formation, and congregational health. His work was used by pastors and lay leaders seeking guidance on preaching, mentoring and building church communities. He is remembered for mentoring younger pastors and for advocating intentional gospel-centered ministry within evangelicalism.
Controversies and later developments
In the mid-2010s Patrick faced allegations of misconduct that led to disciplinary actions and the loss of some institutional roles. These events prompted discussions in evangelical circles about accountability, leadership failure and restoration. Responses from different organizations varied as leaders and congregations navigated investigation and pastoral care.
Death and legacy
Darrin Patrick died on May 7, 2020. Reports indicate his death involved a self-inflicted gunshot; media coverage and statements from those close to him reflected grief and concern for his family and congregation. His passing prompted reflection across evangelical networks about pastoral mental health, accountability, and the pressures of public ministry.
Notable facts
- Founder and long-time leader of The Journey, a large St. Louis-area congregation (The Journey).
- Served as a chaplain to the professional baseball team, the St. Louis Cardinals (St. Louis Cardinals).
- Active in national church networks and councils; his leadership roles included a vice-presidential post in a church-planting organization.
- His death in 2020 was widely reported and discussed in religious and secular media (news reports).
Patrick's career combined local pastoral work, national leadership and published teaching. His influence remains a subject of discussion in conversations about church leadership, accountability, and pastoral care within contemporary evangelicalism.