Donearl is a Navy veteran, child welfare advocate, and the lead pastor of LifeChurch Auburn Hills. He is currently a member of the Avondale School Board, and has been married to his wife Jenetta for 22 years. They have four children.

Donearl grew up in a Christ-centered family and has had a desire to start a church for most of his adult life. After a long career in the Navy and working with an adoption and foster care agency, Donearl and his wife Jenetta decided to take the steps to launch LifeChurch Auburn Hills in fall of 2017. After a one year residency with LifeChurch Southfield in 2018, Donearl became the full time pastor of LifeChurch Auburn Hills in January 2019.

One of Donearl’s favorite bible verses is Revelation 7:9-10, which holds special meaning for LifeChurch Auburn Hills: After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:  “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Donearl longs to see this same unity described in Revelation here on earth, with people from all backgrounds following Jesus in unity.