WHat  we

dream about

Our Mission

The road to 100

Maroon House is an urban pastor collective on a mission to address the real and difficult work of planting, pastoring, and leading urban churches by fostering soul care, curating community, and developing resources specifically designed for urban ministry. We are proud to serve ministry leaders across all denominations worldwide. 

Our organization executes this mission by helping our pastors, their partners, and Christian leaders rest, relate, and renew. We provide rest through our Breathe Retreat, a four-day restorative refuge in partnership with Church Creek. This retreat curates a safe space to unplug and unwind, coupled with connection, solidarity, and support. 

Following the retreat, we invite participants to relate through our Cohort Programs, which consists of monthly small group sessions that promote connection, accountability, growth, and encouragement. 

Whether it’s their day one or one day, we offer continuous opportunities to renew with access to affordable counseling and mentorship in partnership with The Full Strength Network and dynamic resources for education, thought leadership and inspiration. 

Our goal is to help 100 urban leaders live well and finish strong in their ministry by 2026. 

Our Impact

Since the Spring of 2021, Maroon House has served more than 30 pastors and leaders. Our retreats have left pastors refreshed and encouraged, connecting them with God and others.

Our community of leaders is collectively impacting over 10,000 individuals in underserved communities through our coaching and support, bringing hope, healing, and spiritual empowerment.

Over 75% of black and brown leaders we’ve supported have reported have reported increased confidence in their leadership abilities and effectiveness.

Since 2021, we have hosted over a dozen resilient visionaries for our annual Breathe Retreat, providing essential rest and space for growth.

In 2023, we extended our impact by hosting church planters’ wives at our annual Exhale Retreat fostering a supportive community of women focused on mutual growth and encouragement.

Our Hope for Maroon Leaders

Courage

Igniting the fearless spirit within planters and pastors to boldly embrace who they are and blaze new trails for positive change.

Clarity

Providing clarity of purpose, vision, and mission to empower leaders in making meaningful and intentional decisions.

Connection

Fostering authentic connections and communities that banish isolation, creating a network of support and collaboration among leaders.

Meet the Team

  • Charlie Mitchell

    CHARLIE MITCHELL

    FOUNDER

    Charlie gives vision and oversight to the mission of Maroon House. His passion is investing deeply and personally in the lives of leaders, church planters, and the organizations they lead. Charlie has been a trusted friend, guide, and mentor to church planters, non-profit leaders, and C-suite executives for decades. He is also a highly requested communicator and facilitator (executive leadership teams, retreats, etc.). He has an MAM in Church Planting, from Capital Seminary.

    Charlie’s experience in planting is what led him to start Maroon House. Married to Erin for 19 years, Charlie is the father of 3 children. Home for Charlie and his family is currently in Baltimore, MD.

  • R. DERRICK PARKS

    MAROON DIRECTOR

    Derrick has served the local church for more than two decades. Presently, he serves as the Senior Pastor and Founder of Epiphany Church in Wilmington, DE. Prior to his pastoral appointment, Derrick earned his degree in Christian Counseling at Philadelphia Biblical University and has been a certified counselor for many years, with thousands of hours of experience in individual, group, and marital counseling. Additionally, he has held leadership positions in various church planting networks and has used his coaching and assessment skills to assist church planters.

    Derrick has a passion for helping pastors thrive in their calling as shepherds by helping them manage the complexities of planting and pastoring in contemporary culture. He is uniquely gifted at building community and building bridges in the community so the church leaves an indelible mark in the city.

    Derrick has been married to Atyia for 15 years, and they have raised 3 beautiful children.

  • David Rosa Jr

    MAROON DIRECTOR

    For the past ten years Pastor D has been engaged in urban missions throughout the South Florida area —including work with illegal immigrant children & youth, Miami’s homeless population, people wrestling with addiction, at-risk youth, and more. After completing a dual church planting residency with Spanish River Church in Boca Raton, FL and Epiphany Camden in New Jersey pastor D launched Cruciform Church. Cruciform is a justice oriented, gospel centered, missional church seeking to “see the streets restored with wisdom, unity, and justice as our neighbors embrace and grow in worship of Christ.”

    Most recently, Pastor David has served on the City of Hollywood’s African American Advisory Council for the past five years.

    Pastor David also launched his company, On-Demand Chaplaincy & Performance Solutions, this year where they provide companies, small and large, with on-demand chaplaincy, conflict management, diversity training, and performance solutions so that they can function at optimal performance.