Eric L. Brown
Phenix City,AL
Summary
Dynamic Senior Pastor with a proven track record at Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church, enhancing worship experiences and increasing attendance by 50%. A great orator and critical thinker, I excel in collaborative leadership, overseeing a $1.7 million budget while fostering community outreach and spiritual growth.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Senior Pastor
Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church
Eufaula, Alabama
01.2024 - Current
- Directed congregation as Chief Spiritual Officer, fostering spiritual growth and community engagement.
- Served as Dean of the College of Ministers, mentoring and equipping Clergypersons in the Northeast Alabama Annual Conference.
- Organized and implemented policies and procedures to strengthen ministry operations at Mt. Moriah.
Adjunct Homiletics Faculty
Payne Theological Seminary
01.2012 - Current
- Served as adjunct homiletics faculty at Payne Theological Seminary, contributing to theological education.
- Instructed inaugural Master of Divinity class in Cape Town, South Africa, fostering cross-cultural learning.
- Developed class syllabus and provided academic support to students in the United States, enhancing their theological training.
Part-Time Chaplain
Genitival Hospice
Auburn, Alabama
06.2024 - 07.2025
- Provided active listening, spiritual support, and sacramental ministry to enhance well-being of patients and caregivers.
Senior Pastor
Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church
Cleveland, Ohio
10.2020 - 10.2023
- Led a congregation of nearly 1,000 persons in spiritual guidance as Chief Spiritual Officer.
- Lead this inner-city congregation through the pandemic successfully.
- Increased in person worship attendance by 50%.
- Created and executed innovative worship experiences that enhanced congregational participation and spiritual growth.
- Guided revitalization of aged facility to improve functionality and support spiritual formation.
- Developed community outreach initiatives that strengthened local connections and increased engagement.
- Managed a team of 15 employees to ensure smooth operations.
- Supervised a $1.7 million budget.
- Organized youth and senior activities to engage the congregation.
- Implemented a social media presence and added more than $150,000 in media equipment.
- Led the congregation in a season of renewal.
Presiding Elder
Allegheny Scranton District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
01.2004 - 01.2020
- Provide supervision and oversight to 27 churches and pastors representing 7,000 laypersons.
- Organize and direct training for pastors, laypersons, children and youth to enhance their spiritual growth and development.
- Mediate congregational conflict.
- Motivated team to achieve collective goals and enhance engagement. and fundraising.
- Oversaw a budget of $3 million annually.
Senior Pastor
St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Directed a congregation of nearly 1,000 persons as Chief Spiritual Officer.
- Crafted and executed innovative worship experiences that engaged and inspired the congregation.
- Led a team of 15 employees, fostering collaboration and ensuring operational effectiveness.
- Contributed to Conference-level leadership as Dean of the College of Preachers, Chairman of Finance Committee, and Trustee of St. James Deaconess (Personal Care) Home, Inc.
Chaplain and Facility Chaplaincy Program Director
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
01.1999 - 01.2002
- Led over 1,000 men to develop personal relationships with Jesus Christ.
- Initiated new programs and ministries to enhance the spiritual growth and development of the population.
- Supervised faith group personnel to ensure cohesive and effective spiritual support.
- Organized volunteer schedules and activities for community events.
- Developed administered and monitored the Department Operating budget in excess of $5 million.
Pastor
Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
01.1997 - 01.2002
- Led the congregation in relocating from a 3,000 square foot facility into a 16,000 square foot facility valued in excess of $1.5 million.
- Established outreach ministries enhancing community engagement and spiritual growth.
- Led worship and Bible study while managing organizational administration to support congregational needs.
- Provided spiritual direction for a congregation of 350, fostering community and individual faith development.
Pastored Student Churches
The A.M.E. Church
12.1991 - 12.1996
- Established outreach ministries funded by Centers for Disease Control, increasing community health awareness.
- Enhanced participation in stewardship programs, leading to increased active membership through targeted community engagement.
- Led congregations in dynamic worship experiences, taught Bible Study classes.
Education
Doctor of Ministry degree - thesis entitled A Paradigm for Lay Ministry
Ashland Theological Seminary
Ashland, Ohio01.2001
Master of Divinity degree - Homiletics
Payne Theological Seminary
Wilberforce, Ohio01.1996
Bachelor of Arts degree - Psychology and Religion
Wilberforce University
Wilberforce, Ohio01.1992
Skills
- Great Orator/Public Speaker
- Ecumenical
- Collaborative
- Critical Thinker
- Excellent Writer
References
- Henry F. Curtis, IV, 2261 E. 40th Street, Cleveland, OH, 44103, (216) 233-1724
- Dr. Kimberly Gordon Brooks, 901 S. Main Street, Urbana, OH, 43085, (937) 937-2299
- Mr. Michael Aldrich, 431 E. 9th Avenue, Munhall, PA, 15120, (412) 461-3400
Memberships And Affiliations
- Ordained Elder, in the African Methodist Episcopal Church
- Wilberforce University, Alumnae Association
- Payne Theological Seminary Alumnae Association
- Ashland Theological Seminary Alumnae Association
- Prince Hall Mason, Melita Lodge #117
- St. Cyprian Consistory #4, Past Commander in Chief
- Member of the United Supreme Council, N.J. 33rd
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
- Former Board Member and Secretary, Payne Theological Seminary
- United Pastor’s in Mission, Cleveland, Ohio
Honors And Awards
- The Religious Heritage of America’s Leadership Award (1991)
- Board Chairman of Hilltop Health Ministries Consortium (2000)
- President of the Pennsylvania Prison Chaplains Association (2002)
- Visiting Lecturer at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (2003)
- Living Witness Award, Third District Lay Organization (2003)
- Preached and Lectured at the National Baptist Convention of Germany in Wiesbaden (2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008)
- National Council of Churches, General Assembly (2004-2007)
- Member of the AME Churches Credentials Committee (2008)
- President of Christian Associates Board of Delegates (2006-2011)
- Delegate to the AME General Conference (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2021)
- Member of the AME Churches Preliminary Inquiry Committee (2016-2020)
- Member of the AME Churches General Conference Commission (2016-2020)
- President of the Greater Cleveland Methodist Minister’s Alliance (2021-2024)
Certification
C.P.R.
Affiliations
Love Jazz Music
Timeline
Part-Time Chaplain
Genitival Hospice
06.2024 - 07.2025
Senior Pastor
Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church
01.2024 - Current
Senior Pastor
Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church
10.2020 - 10.2023
Adjunct Homiletics Faculty
Payne Theological Seminary
01.2012 - Current
Presiding Elder
Allegheny Scranton District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
01.2004 - 01.2020
Senior Pastor
St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church
01.2002 - 01.2004
Chaplain and Facility Chaplaincy Program Director
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
01.1999 - 01.2002
Pastor
Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church
01.1997 - 01.2002
Pastored Student Churches
The A.M.E. Church
12.1991 - 12.1996
Doctor of Ministry degree - thesis entitled A Paradigm for Lay Ministry
Ashland Theological Seminary
Master of Divinity degree - Homiletics
Payne Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Arts degree - Psychology and Religion
Wilberforce University