The Rev. Leslie D. Callahan, PhD
Pastor, St. Paul's Baptist Church
The Rev. Dr. Callahan is a pastor, scholar, writer, and cultural critic. On May 17, 2009, she was called as the first female pastor of the historical 119-year old St. Paul's Baptist Church, located in the heart of Philadelphia.
A gifted professor, Dr. Callahan was a member of the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania as assistant professor of religious studies. She has also served as the Assistant Professor of Modern Church History and African American Studies at New York Theological Seminary.
A native of Gary, West Virginia, she experienced her first Christian education and formation at Apostolic Temple Church where she developed an enduring love for Jesus Christ and for Christ's body, the Church. Having experienced her call to ministry at an early age, Dr. Callahan began the public proclamation of the gospel at age 19.
Her formal education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Harvard/Radcliffe; a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York City; and a Doctor of Philosophy in Religion from Princeton University. Her research interests include religious history in the United States, particularly independent African American Christianity and Pentecostal studies.
Dr. Callahan was ordained in 1997 at Judson Memorial Church and served as Minister of Christian Education at the First Baptist Church of Princeton, New Jersey, and as interim pastor of Salem Baptist Church of Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. Noted for her preaching and teaching gifts, she was recognized in the June 2005 edition of the African American Pulpit as one of "20 to Watch" outstanding African American ministers under age 40 who are playing a major role in shaping the future of the African American church.
Dr. Callahan's written expressions and thoughts can be found in her blog and most recently published article in the The Audacity of Faith: Christian Leaders Reflect on the Election of Barack Obama by Marvin A. McMickle (Editor).
Dr. Callahan’s favorite scripture: One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple. Psalm 27:4.
Contact Information
The Rev. Dr. Leslie D. Callahan
St. Paul’s Baptist Church 640 N. 10th (10th and Wallace)
Philadelphia, PA 19123
215.763.1502
http://callahanthinks.com
