Deacon Reginald W. Lyles has been teaching Old Testament I and Old Testament II at the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple (LIAT) since 2013. His courses provide students with a strong foundation in biblical studies, focusing on the historical, cultural, and theological dimensions of the Hebrew scriptures.
Deacon Lyles holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a Master's degree in Community Leadership. His academic training, combined with his extensive career in law enforcement and community service, brings a unique perspective to his teaching that bridges theological concepts with practical social application.
Before focusing on education and ministry, Deacon Lyles served in law enforcement, progressing through the ranks from police officer to sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. This background informs his approach to justice-oriented initiatives and community engagement. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively in police reform and various justice initiatives, advocating for systemic change and community empowerment.
Deacon Lyles approaches the Old Testament from the perspective of the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), teaching about Jesus Christ and His crucifixion through this foundational lens. He is a proponent of liberation theology, which emphasizes compassion, justice, mercy, and tolerance for all people. This theological framework aligns with his professional commitment to social justice and community transformation.
What Deacon Lyles finds most rewarding about teaching at LIAT is the opportunity to encourage students to have confidence, give their best, and recognize their unique contributions to God's glory. He reminds students that they are guided in their pursuits by an omniscient and loving God, fostering both spiritual growth and practical application of biblical principles.
His favorite Bible verse is 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind."
Hon. Rev. Diana Becton is a pioneering legal professional, theologian, and educator who has taught Christian Theology and Black Theology at the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple (LIAT) since 2015. She stands among the elite as one of the 1% of African American women currently serving as district attorney nationwide.
Rev. Becton earned her Master's in Theological Studies from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California in 2015. Her legal education includes a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Golden Gate University School of Law (1984) and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from San Francisco State University. A native of California, she is a product of Oakland Public Schools.
In 2017, Diana Becton was sworn in as the 25th District Attorney for Contra Costa County. Following her appointment from the Board of Supervisors, she was elected to the position in June 2018 and re-elected in June 2022. She currently leads a prosecutorial office of approximately 230 lawyers, investigators, and staff. District Attorney Becton has made history as the first woman, the first African American, and the first person of color to serve as Contra Costa District Attorney since the office was established in 1850.
Prior to her role as District Attorney, she served for 22 years as a judge in Contra Costa County, where she was elected as Presiding Judge. She is the Past President of the National Association of Women Judges and Past Chair of the State Bar Council on Access and Fairness.
Rev. Becton's teaching approach focuses on empowering students to connect learning to their lived experiences, emphasizing critical reading of Biblical texts, and promoting thoughtful engagement with social justice issues. She finds deep satisfaction in witnessing student growth throughout their educational journey at LIAT.
District Attorney Becton serves on the California Victim Compensation Board and the Judicial Selection Advisory Committee by appointment of Governor Newsom. She is also on the Board of Directors for The Family Justice Center, the West Contra Costa Youth Services Bureau, and the Castlemont High School Alumni Association.
Her extensive community work and professional excellence have earned her numerous honors, including the 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Visionary Leadership Award, the 2023 Woman of the Year for the 8th Congressional District, and the 2021 Charles Houston Bar Association Justice Clinton White Advocacy Award, among many others.
When not working, Rev. Becton enjoys travel, reading, golf, and cooking. She is married and has two adult sons. Her guiding scriptures are Luke 4:18 and Micah 6:8
Luke 4:18 Micah 6-8
Paula Taylor is a passionate educator, coach, and spiritual leader dedicated to empowering individuals and ministry leaders to discover their divine potential. She currently teaches Goal-Oriented Leadership at the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple (LIAT), where she's serving in her first year as faculty.
Paula holds professional certifications as a Life Coach and Informed Trauma Coach from Life Impact LLC. Her academic background includes studies in Behavioral Health at Arizona Christian University, Ministry Leadership at Vision International University, and Conflict Resolution at the University of California, Berkeley.
Paula's teaching approach integrates holistic support, spiritual guidance, and personal empowerment. She views education as a harmonious blend of mind, body, and spirit, nurturing all aspects of individuals and leaders. Through prayer, compassion, and purpose-driven coaching, Paula helps leaders align their personal, spiritual, and professional goals while fostering deep self-awareness and faith.
Her philosophy centers on empowering people to live authentically, guided by biblical values and purpose. Paula provides practical tools for emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, equipping leaders to navigate challenges with resilience, clarity, and confidence.
As CEO and Founder of Above Adequate LLC, Paula mentors and coaches ministry and organizational leaders. She serves as an Associate Mentor and Trainer with Life Impact LLC and leads the Black Women's Sanctuary Community Women's Group as Lead Facilitator.
Paula co-authored "Unleashing the Power of Her: From Overcoming Stuck to Creating Legacy." She specializes in Ministry Leadership Coaching and Training and works as an Emotional Intelligence and DISC Personality Trainer and Presenter.
Paula finds deep fulfillment in facilitating growth for ministry leaders, watching them discover more about themselves and embrace their God-assigned purpose. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and discovering new cultures and communities. Her favorite scripture passage is Psalm 91.
Rev. Brian D. Hunter is a dynamic and engaging minister whose teaching style is described as relevant, practical, and humorous. A third-generation preacher who began his ministry journey at age 19, he brings over two decades of Senior Pastoral experience to his educational work.
Rev. Hunter earned his Bachelor of Theology degree from Sacramento Bible College and Seminary and a Master of Practical Theology from Winebrenner Theological Seminary. He is currently a doctoral candidate at Talbot Theological Seminary, continuing to deepen his theological knowledge and practical ministry skills.
Rev. Hunter joined the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple in 2024, where he teaches New Testament I & II. His teaching portfolio also includes Christian Ethics, Homiletics, Biblical Hermeneutics, and Contemporary Apologetics.
His educational philosophy aims to engage and expand students' learning through scholarly concepts from the academy while applying that knowledge to engage the larger world in practical and relevant ways. He appreciates how the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple allows him to achieve this balanced approach to theological education.
Drawing on his extensive pastoral experience, Rev. Hunter mentors and coaches pastors across the country in both structured and informal settings. He actively serves in the Christian Education department of his local and national denominational affiliations. Additionally, he is a certified Church Planter Coach and Pastors Coach with Converge PacWest.
Rev. Hunter is the author of "Illustrations That Connect" and the "Transformation Planner," resources that reflect his commitment to practical and transformative ministry.
Outside of his professional life, he is a consummate movie buff who enjoys comedy shows and harbors a future aspiration to perform a comedy set himself.
His favorite scripture is Isaiah 50:4 “The Lord had given me the tongue of the learned that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary . . .” Rev. Hunter believes his life's calling is to guide the restoration and transformational process by bridging the gap between the person one may have become and the person they are created and destined to be through transformational content and teaching.
Rev. Dr. Alvin C. Bernstine is a seasoned educator and spiritual leader who has been teaching at the Leadership Institute for Academic Training (LIAT) for 12 years. He currently teaches Preaching Sermons that Matter, Preaching on Liberation, and Prophetic Preaching.
Rev. Dr. Bernstine holds a Doctor of Divinity from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. His academic journey includes a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, Tennessee, focusing on Preaching and Biblical Studies; a Master of Science in Community Mental Health from California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco; and a Bachelor of Arts in Religion & Philosophy from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas. He has also earned a Certificate in Life Coaching from Above Adequate, LLC in Oakland, California.
Rev. Dr. Bernstine's teaching approach integrates theology, psychology, and the lived experiences of African American communities. He emphasizes understanding the human condition through both spiritual and psychological lenses, fostering healing, empowerment, and liberation. His instruction focuses on the intersection of faith, identity, and social justice, encouraging critical thinking, self-awareness, and communal responsibility.
Grounded in Scripture and informed by psychological insights, he equips individuals to navigate personal and systemic challenges while cultivating deeper relationships with God and commitment to transformative action.
As Dean of the Preaching Academy, Rev. Dr. Bernstine provides leadership, coaching, and mentorship. He has authored over ten books addressing Christian education, preaching, and Family Ministry. What he finds most rewarding about teaching at LIAT is how it situates quality learning opportunities within marginalized communities, enabling students and communities to embrace theologically-based studies as a means toward individual and community empowerment.
Outside of his professional work, Rev. Dr. Bernstine enjoys world travel, reading great novels, playing golf and chess, and spending time with his wife and friends. His guiding principle in life is: “There are some really good people in the world, and I’m doing all I can to be one.”
Rev. Dr. Ovester Armstrong Jr. joined the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple (LIAT) as an instructor in January 2025, where he teaches Preaching that Reaches the NEXT Generation. His course equips seminary students with innovative approaches to connect with younger audiences while maintaining the depth and integrity of the Gospel message.
Dr. Armstrong's academic journey includes a Doctor of Ministry in Transformational Leadership from Boston University, where his dissertation "Unmasking the Black Pastoral Superman: Self-Care for Male Black Pastors Serving the Black Church" addressed critical wellness concerns for clergy. His educational background also includes a Master of Social Work and Master of Divinity from Loyola University Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications from Northern Illinois University.
Ordained as a Minister of the Gospel since July 2008, Dr. Armstrong has served as Senior Pastor in various urban communities, including Minneapolis, Minnesota; Hayward, California; and Richmond, California. His pastoral experience also includes serving as an Interim Pastor in Freeport, Illinois. In recognition of his impactful ministry, he was recently nominated for the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College.
Dr. Armstrong is actively involved in community service through his membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated (Kappa Omicron Lambda Chapter in Vallejo, California) and as a member of both the Hayward South Alameda and Oakland California Chapters of the NAACP. His community involvement reflects his commitment to advocacy in minority communities.
At LIAT, Dr. Armstrong finds fulfillment in facilitating seminary students' curriculum development and contributing to Christian Education, particularly in preaching, ministry, and interfaith relations. He values the opportunity to enlighten and participate in the ministry development of others.
Dr. Armstrong and his wife Stacey are the proud parents of four children: Zharia Armstrong, Rylee Armstrong, Anthony Higgins, and Symone Higgins.
Dr. Armstrong loves God, loves to serve, and is an advocate in the minority community. Dr. Armstrong’s favorite verse is Acts 1:8, which reads, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Rev. Winford Z. Horsley is a dedicated educator and minister who brings rich academic training and practical experience to his role at the Leadership Institute for Academic Training (LIAT). He currently teaches Introduction to Pastoral Care, having joined the LIAT faculty two semesters ago.
Rev. Horsley earned his Master's Degree in Divinity from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California in 2017. His earlier academic achievements include a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California (1977) and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (1975). He has completed the classroom requirements for his Doctor in Divinity program and will soon begin writing his dissertation.
Rev. Horsley creates learning environments that encourage students to freely participate in the educational process. His collaborative teaching approach is founded on the belief that everyone has something of value to share. This philosophy has proven to be an effective tool in making learning both enjoyable and memorable for his students.
Teaching is Rev. Horsley's passion. He plans to develop and teach an online course focused on the importance of practicing "Forgiveness" in late 2025 or early 2026. He values the diversity of students at LIAT, appreciating the wide variety of ages, faith traditions, and life experiences they bring to the classroom.
Rev. Horsley finds the collaborative learning environment at LIAT particularly rewarding, as it allows for meaningful exchanges of knowledge and perspective among participants from various backgrounds.
Outside of his academic work, Rev. Horsley enjoys cooking for his family. He believes that gathering around a table to enjoy good food and fellowship is an important family tradition worth maintaining.
His guiding principle is to treat people with respect, value what they stand for, and try your best to meet people where they are and not where you want them to be.
Dr. Tanisha Sparks is a dedicated preacher, educator, and advocate whose work bridges biblical scholarship, theological formation, and student-centered mentorship. She teaches Theology of Preaching at the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple (LIAT), where she has served for six years, including four with the Preaching Academy, equipping emerging leaders to proclaim the Gospel with clarity, compassion, and conviction.
Dr. Sparks earned her Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Interpretation and Proclamation from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. She also holds a Master of Divinity in Preaching and a Certificate in Black Church/Africana Studies from the American Baptist Seminary of the West and the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. Her academic foundation is further strengthened by both a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration in Leadership and Management from Holy Names University in Oakland.
Rooted in a holistic teaching philosophy, Dr. Sparks sees the classroom as a co-created space of belonging, where students are nurtured not only academically but also spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. She believes that learning flourishes in an environment shaped by mutual respect, clear expectations, and intentional invitation—where every voice is valued, and each participant can thrive.
Dr. Sparks finds her greatest joy at LIAT in engaging with students from diverse academic, cultural, and faith backgrounds. She is passionate about mentoring the next generation of faithful witnesses and Gospel preachers, and sees her role as both theological guide and spiritual encourager.
In addition to her work at LIAT, Dr. Sparks serves as Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at the University of the Pacific’s School of Health Sciences, where she also leads the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and advises the Student Association. She is an Associate Minister at Allen Temple Baptist Church and an active member of the NAACP.
Her scholarly contributions include her published work, “Sabbath Rest: A Theological Response to Self-Care for African American Clergy,” which explores holistic restoration within ministry leadership.
Outside of her academic and ministry roles, Dr. Sparks is a self-described sports fanatic who enjoys watching games, attending sporting events, golfing, and practicing martial arts. Her guiding quote comes from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Use me, God. Show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do, and use it for a purpose greater than myself.”
Rev. Warren Long brings nearly two decades of faithful service to his role as Registrar at the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple (LIAT). With 19 years of involvement in various volunteer capacities, he has been a consistent and dedicated presence in supporting the Institute’s mission to prepare leaders for the work and challenges of ministry.
Rev. Long considers it a deep honor to serve an institution that equips students to engage both spiritually and practically in advancing the Kingdom of God. He is committed to the success of each student, supporting their academic journey with integrity, clarity, and care.
In addition to his role at LIAT, Rev. Long has a long history of leadership at Allen Temple Baptist Church, where he previously served for 12 years as Administrative Manager. He currently serves as a Cluster Leader, New Members Ministry Class Coordinator, and member of the Global Ministries team. Beyond his church service, he also serves on the board of the THR Global Institute, continuing his commitment to ministry leadership on a broader scale.
Rev. Long’s guiding principle is drawn from Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before others… that they may glorify God.” This verse shapes his approach to service, encouraging others to lead with authenticity, humility, and faith.
Rev. Marcus Van Hook brings a deep passion for theological education and community empowerment to his role as Recruiter at the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple (LIAT). Since joining the team in 2023, he has dedicated himself to helping prospective students discern their call, develop their theology, and prepare to advance the work of God’s Kingdom beyond denominational boundaries.
Rev. Van Hook is a graduate of LIAT’s Certificate in Christian Ministry program as well as the Bay Area Academy of Responsible Preaching (BAARP). He holds a Master of Divinity from Berkeley School of Theology, equipping him with both scholarly depth and pastoral insight.
With a heart for ministry and mentorship, Rev. Van Hook finds great joy in encouraging students as they interpret Scripture and grow in confidence as emerging leaders. He views theological education as a liberating force—one that prepares individuals to serve with purpose and power, no matter their background or tradition.
In addition to his work at LIAT, Rev. Van Hook serves as Pastor of Parchester First Baptist Church in Richmond, California. He is also Moderator of the Progressive Baptist Missionary Educational District Association, where he helps shape leadership across a network of churches. Outside of his professional and ministry roles, he enjoys spending time on the golf course. His guiding conviction is simple and bold: God is a liberator of oppressed people.
Gregory Deon Samuel II serves as the Advancement Specialist at the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple (LIAT), where he brings energy, creativity, and a deep belief in the transformative power of education. Though new to the team, his commitment to LIAT’s mission—to impact lives through accessible, high-quality community programs—is already making a meaningful difference.
Gregory holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Oklahoma State University. His academic foundation fuels his passion for outreach, civic engagement, and the empowerment of underserved communities.
A gifted writer and storyteller, Gregory is the author of three published books—Love Revolt, Heroes, and In Black In White—each exploring themes of identity, justice, and the human experience. He recently began exploring screenwriting as a new avenue for storytelling and advocacy.
Outside of his work at LIAT, Gregory enjoys writing, traveling, and connecting with new cultures and perspectives. He is driven by the wisdom of 1 Timothy 4:12, which reminds him to lead with integrity, faith, and love—regardless of age or experience.
