The Rev. Dr. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr. is the current pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Yorba Linda, California. He took over the leadership role in 2013 after Bishop James D. Carrington, the church’s founding pastor, retired after 48 years. Under his leadership, Friendship has continued to thrive as one of the largest predominantly Black Baptist churches in North Orange County for over 60 years, with many congregants from surrounding areas joining the faith community, affectionately known as “the Ship.”

Pastor Kenneth’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Communications and a Master of Arts in Education from Oral Roberts University. In 2011, he earned his Master of Divinity from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (now Gateway Seminary), where he received the William O. Crews Presidential Leadership Award, the highest honor at the seminary. In 2025, Pastor Curry earned his Doctorate of Ministry in Advanced Biblical Preaching from Biola’s Talbot School of Theology. He continues his education and is working towards a Ph.D in Leadership Studies from California Baptist University.

Pastor Kenneth is dedicated to serving the Kingdom of God with excellence. Under his leadership, Friendship Baptist Church continues its mission to disciple fully, evangelize fruitfully, and serve faithfully in the community and beyond. He is married to Karima, and together, they have two adult sons, Daniel and Darnell, and a granddaughter, Annalise.