Runney Donel Patterson, Sr. was born to Irene Patterson in Houston, Mississippi and reared by his grandmother, Lorine Patterson, in McCondy, Mississippi. His grandmother taught him the bible, carried him to church and introduced him to the Lord at the age of six. After his baptism, Runney united with the Union Baptist Church in Prairie, Mississippi where he served as a choir member, an usher, a Sunday School teacher, Bible Class Teacher and a Deacon. He is presently a member of Zion Gate Missionary Baptist Church, Columbus, Mississippi.

Runney Donel Patterson, Sr. was educated in the Houston, Mississippi Public Schools, where he graduated in May 1984. He was a member of the BETA Club, the Student Body Government, the Topper newspaper staff, the basketball team, and the track team.

Runney Donel Patterson, Sr. surrendered to the call of the ministry on March 5, 1988, preaching his first public sermon on March 26, 1988. He was ordained for the work of the ministry on October 23, 1988. Rev. Patterson not only accepted the call to preach but also the call of preparation. He is a graduate of Ministerial Institute and College in West Point, Mississippi where he received a Diploma of Christian Education in May 1992 and a Bachelor of Theology Degree in May 1995.

Rev. Dr. Patterson is a much-sought evangelist for revivals nation-wide, week after week. He has a great love and concern for God’s people and freely gives in to the opportunity to preach and teach whenever he’s called upon.

Rev. Dr. Patterson has been involved with many religious and civic affiliations throughout his preaching and pastoral career at the district, state, and national levels in Mississippi. And He is now an active member of the National Baptist Convention USA. He previously served from 2010 – 2016 as the former President of the St. Paul Black Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and continues to serve as the Treasurer within the SPBIMA. Pastor Patterson is also the Vice President At-Large of the Minnesota State Baptist Convention from 2016 – 2021. As of March of 2021 Pastor Patterson was elected President of the Minnesota State Baptist Convention.

Rev. Dr. Patterson accepted the call to lead New Hope Baptist Church of St. Paul, MN on July 11, 2004, where he is currently the Pastor which is in his fourth pastorate position. He has served as pastor of Town Creek M. B. Church, West Point, MS from November 1988 to May 1991; Friendship M. B. Church, Columbus, MS from June 1991 to January 1998; Rising Star M.B. Church, Tupelo, MS from January 1998 to September 2004.

Rev. Dr. Patterson is married to Hope LeShone Patterson. They are the proud parents of two fine sons, Runney, Jr. (RJ), Justin Jamaal (JJ), and four beautiful daughters Hannah, Artra, Ava, and Rylee, three granddaughters Jayla, Amber and Karter-Grace; three grandsons Runney III, Issac and Cees. When Rev. Patterson is not in revival or fulfilling his pastoral duties, he enjoys sharing time with his family.