Church Leadership & Ministry Leads
Digital Ministry
Rev. EVELYN JEAN-FRANÇOIS, LEAD
Rev. Evelyn Jean-François is a first-generation Haitian-American from Brooklyn, New York. She is a creative entrepreneur who is passionate about sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ through interceding prayer, popular Black culture & community organizing.
Rev. JALESHA BASS
Rev. Jalesha Bass is holds a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, with a concentration Religion & The Black Experience. Rev. Jalesha is exploring how God can communicate with people through technology. She recently served as a fellow with the RISE Together Mentorship Network.
Prayer Ministry
DR. SHANAÉ BURCH, LEAD
Deacon Dr. Shanaé Burch believes in the power of storytelling to revive health and reconcile hearts. As a public health creative and culture worker, she holds a lecturer position at Rutgers Arts Online and is journeying with ON/OP's Arts for Every Body campaign as a postdoctoral research associate for the University of Florida's Center for Arts in Medicine. She coordinates DLE's Wednesday Noon Day Prayer (NDP).
REV. DR. KELLY u. FARROW
Rev. Dr. Kelly U. Farrow is known in her community as Preacher, Educator, Lecturer, Mentor, Social Justice Advocate, Political Voice, and Businesswoman. Dr. Farrow’s interdisciplinary womanist ethic is engaged with all things Business and Theology.
As a womanist theologian and CEO of The Kelly U. Farrow Institute for Black Preaching & Circle of SacredFire, she eloquently bridges Womanist Ethics, organizational leadership, ministry development, and education.
To keep up with Dr. Farrow's work and ministry connect with her on her socials—ImtheFirewithin— or visit her website at www.DrKellyFarrow.org.
Rev. RYAN LINDSAY ARRENDELL
Rev. Ryan Lindsay Arrendell is a preacher, Emmy-award winning journalist, writer & entrepreneur. She believes in storytelling as a powerful tool for healing & change. Rev. Ryan is a contributing writer for The Christian Citizen.
Whether she’s in the pulpit, the streets, the classroom or on the stage, Rev. Ryan leads with love to connect with those around her.
Rev. Ryan is a graduate of Yale Divinity School, UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism & Northwestern University. She is a certified abortion doula who is currently creating a curriculum, spiritual care guide & pastoral care guide for women who’ve experienced abortions. Rev. Ryan is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
YOUNG LOVE CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
KRISTIN BENNETT, CO-LEAD
Kristin Bennett is a higher education professional in the NYC area. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree, while being a wife & mom of one. Kristin is passionate about helping others excel in every aspect of life. She brings that zeal to everything she does.
MARK BENNETT, CO-LEAD
Rev. APHIA “FEE” SYLVESTER
Rev. Fee Sylvester devotes her life to supporting people in their spiritual & natural growth. Professionally, she is a learning & leadership development executive with over 15 years of experience.
Rev. Fee’s deepest passion is being a vessel for the transformative presence of God. She’s served in ministry for over 25 years & considers her greatest honor to be walking alongside God’s people as they walk toward Christ.
MINISTER JALESHA BASS
MUSIC MINISTRY
MALIK HAMMOND, MINISTER OF MUSIC
Born & raised in Brooklyn, NY, Malik Hammond is an actor, singer, dancer & dedicated pianist & organist. Growing up in the Pentecostal church shaped his skills & instilled a great discipline he’d later take on in the arts. After H.S, Malik focused on becoming a professional musician & producer.
Attending Full Sail University as a Recording Arts major made it easy for Malik to develop his network of well-known musicians & producers. He’s worked with Jekalyn Carr, Tye Tribbett, Miranda Curits, Mr. TalkBoxMiranda, Joey Badass & others.
DLE BOOK CLUB
Brian WILLIAMS, Lead
Deacon Brian Williams is a Flatbush native who enjoys biking & exploring music. He is a co-founder of Breaux Capital, a membership-based organization for Black men that focuses on thriving personally & financially. He believes community is a spiritual pathway to wellness. Reading provides an avenue for Brian. to journey, imagine, critique, escape & build Reading while building community simultaneously inspires Brian & brings him joy. Brian also enjoys playing & venturing with his two dogs Brodie & Teddy.