The Rev. Marcia Parkinson-Harrison
Full Name:
Marcia E. Parkinson-Harrison
Congregation, Synod, Churchwide Affiliations:
Resurrection Lutheran Church, St. Albans, Queens, NY, Racial Justice
Current Role/Position:
Pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church
Length of Time in Ministry (include each location/organization and corresponding number of years):
28 years
Educational Background (include degrees, institutions, and fields of study):
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bernard Baruch College
Fields of Study: Computer Programming and Accounting/Marketing
Master of Divinity
New Brunswick Theological Seminary
Clinical Pastoral Education (4 Units)
Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, New Jersey
Queens - NYC Health and Hospitals
Lutheran Year
Philadelphia Lutheran Seminary
Interim Ministry Training (4 Courses)
Buffalo, NY
Previous Leadership Roles (within and beyond the synod):
Dean, Southeast Queens Conference
Clergy Liaison, 113th Precinct
Treasurer, Black Pastors Group
Facilitator, Monthly Meetings on Domestic Violence at Philip Morris
Led discussions and developed learning tools for the church based on insights gained.
Co-Chair and Chair, Anti-Racism Committee
Member, Consultation Committee and Advocacy Committee
Volunteer Chaplain, Local Hospital
Experience Serving in Diverse Communities:
I have consistently served in diverse communities through various leadership and ministry roles. As Dean of the Southeast Queens Conference, I have worked with congregations representing a wide range of cultural backgrounds, fostering unity and collaboration. My role as Treasurer of the Black Pastors Group has involved addressing issues specific to the Black community while building bridges across different demographics.
Serving as a Clergy Liaison for the 113th Precinct, I engaged directly with community members to address concerns such as safety and social justice. My work with the Anti-Racism Committee further emphasized my commitment to equity and inclusion, leading initiatives to challenge systemic racism within and beyond the church.
In the past, I participated in monthly meetings on domestic violence at Philip Morris, transforming insights from these discussions into learning tools for the church to promote awareness and support for those affected. Additionally, my Clinical Pastoral Education included working with addiction patients and individuals from varied racial, economic, and cultural backgrounds. These experiences deepened my understanding and compassion, equipping me to serve all people with greater empathy and effectiveness.
Leadership and Vision: What is your vision for our synod? How would you approach its implementation?
Leadership and Vision for Our Synod: My vision for our synod is one of renewed visibility, innovation, and community impact. In the next six years, I aim to lead with a strong, practical plan focused on strategic partnerships, resource development, and adaptive ministry.
Increasing Visibility and Partnerships: We need to elevate our presence by building partnerships with Churchwide Affiliations and tapping into faith-based initiatives that address pressing community needs—such as housing, food security, and mental health support. Collaborating with local organizations and civic leaders can help us extend our reach and effectiveness.
Reimagining Our Properties: With several underutilized church buildings, we have an opportunity to repurpose them to serve the community better. Converting empty spaces into affordable housing, community centers, or outreach hubs can address local needs while sustaining our ministries. This approach requires a comprehensive property assessment and innovative planning.
Resource Development and Grant Funding: To support these initiatives, I propose a focused effort on writing grants and identifying funding opportunities. Establishing a small team dedicated to resource development would ensure we capitalize on available grants for community projects, leadership development, and facility upgrades.
Evaluating the Past, Shaping the Future: A key part of this vision is a thorough evaluation of our past initiatives to understand what worked and what didn’t. By assessing previous strategies and reallocating resources where necessary, we can build a stronger foundation for future growth.
Strengthening Leadership and Training: Investing in leadership training for clergy and lay leaders is essential. Providing access to workshops and mentorship will empower leaders at all levels to serve effectively.
This plan is grounded in faith and action—drawing from our heritage while boldly stepping forward. With clear priorities and a commitment to growth, we can build a vibrant and responsive synod.
Administrative and Operational Expertise: How have you supported and equipped a team, staff, and/or volunteers to handle complex organizational challenges? Please provide a specific example.
As the pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church, I have had the opportunity to lead and equip teams to manage complex organizational challenges effectively. One example is our Food Program, which addresses food insecurity in our community. When we faced logistical challenges due to increased demand, I organized and empowered a team of volunteers by providing clear roles, efficient workflows, and training in food handling and distribution. I also established partnerships with the Food Bank for New York City to secure resources and coordinated schedules to ensure smooth operations. This approach not only met the immediate needs but also strengthened our volunteer base by fostering a sense of ownership and teamwork.
In addition to the Food Program, I have been actively involved in the Urban Leaders Institute, an initiative of the Black Pastors Group and Metro New York Synod, with the vision coming from our group. This program focuses on equipping young people with leadership skills, computer literacy, and academic support. I worked closely with fellow pastors and community leaders to develop and implement workshops, secure resources, and recruit volunteers. My role included coordinating efforts, providing mentorship, and ensuring that the program aligned with our vision of empowering the next generation of leaders.
Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of collaboration, resource management, and strategic planning in overcoming challenges. By fostering strong relationships with volunteers, community leaders, and partner organizations, I have been able to sustain and expand our programs to better serve our community.
Diversity and Inclusion: How are you actively celebrating and engaging diversity in your current role? What impact does it have? How are you continuing to learn and grow in this area of your work?
As the pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church, I actively celebrate and engage diversity by creating an inclusive environment that honors different cultures, races, abilities, and backgrounds. Our worship services reflect this diversity, incorporating various music styles, liturgical practices, and culturally relevant messages that resonate with our congregation’s unique experiences. This approach has helped build a sense of belonging and mutual respect within our community.
I was born in England and lived there for a few years before my family moved to Jamaica. Later, we migrated to New York and found a church home at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Springfield Gardens, NY, where we embraced the theology of Lutheranism. My cultural expressions of worship and music were welcomed and validated, and this experience shapes my commitment to honoring cultural diversity.
In addition to racial and cultural diversity, I emphasize inclusivity across age groups, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. For instance, our Food Program serves individuals from diverse economic situations, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect. I also strive to create leadership opportunities for all by encouraging youth participation and empowering women and underrepresented groups to take on leadership roles within the church.
My own journey has also shaped my understanding of diversity. I completed my internship in Zimbabwe, where I had the opportunity to engage with a completely different cultural and religious context. This experience broadened my perspective and reinforced the importance of embracing diversity in all its forms.
I am also actively involved in Racial Justice check-ins and anti-racism training sessions, continually learning about systemic inequities and intersectionality. These experiences have deepened my understanding of how different forms of discrimination intersect and impact people’s lives, and I bring these insights into my work at Resurrection Lutheran Church.
As I continue to learn and grow in this area, I actively reflect on my own biases and seek to expand my knowledge through diverse perspectives. By fostering an environment where everyone’s voice is heard and valued, I have seen the transformative power of diversity in strengthening our community’s faith, unity, and mission. The impact has been a deeper sense of connection, shared responsibility, and a collective commitment to living out God’s love and justice in the world.
Pastoral Care: How would you balance the pastoral role of the bishop with the demands of administrative leadership?
As a pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church, I have come to understand that the balance between the pastoral and administrative roles is less about maintaining a perfect equilibrium and more about discerning when to lean into one role over the other. The reality is that the demands of ministry often shift, requiring a flexible and prayerful approach. As bishop, I would embrace this tension, recognizing that both roles are essential to the health and mission of the church.
There are seasons when pastoral care must take precedence—offering comfort in times of grief, being present in moments of crisis, and guiding congregations through spiritual challenges. In these moments, I find that stepping back to pray, reflect, and seek God’s wisdom is crucial. This practice not only centers me spiritually but also clarifies my vision for how to lead compassionately and effectively.
At other times, the administrative role becomes more pressing—addressing financial stewardship, strategic planning, and managing resources wisely. In these instances, I lean on a team of trusted advisors and mentors whose perspectives and expertise help navigate complex decisions. Delegation is also key, empowering capable leaders to manage specific tasks while ensuring that decisions align with our shared mission and values.
The intersection of these roles often brings challenges, but I have found that consistent prayer, a willingness to listen, and the humility to seek counsel make the difference. A bishop must embody both the shepherd’s heart and the strategist’s mind—leading with empathy while making decisions that secure the church’s future. By holding these roles in dynamic tension and turning to God for guidance, I believe it’s possible to lead faithfully and effectively.
Public Leadership: How have you advocated for the church’s mission in a public or cultural space? What impact does your leadership have? What were your metrics for measuring success? What would this work look like in your service as bishop?
As the pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church, I have consistently advocated for the church’s mission in public and cultural spaces by addressing issues of justice, equity, and community well-being. One significant example is my leadership in organizing and participating in Racial Justice check-ins and anti-racism training sessions. Notably, I have engaged in training with the Episcopal Church's Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing. By bringing together leaders and congregations to confront systemic racism, I have positioned the church as an active voice for justice and reconciliation. The impact of this work is evident in the increased participation of community members and the willingness of leaders to engage in difficult but necessary conversations.
In addition to racial justice, I have advanced the church’s mission through community outreach initiatives like the Food Program, which addresses food insecurity, and past efforts such as the Urban Leaders Institute. These programs have not only met immediate needs but also communicated a message of God’s love in action. Metrics for success have included the number of individuals served, volunteer engagement, and partnerships with organizations like the Food Bank for New York City. Positive feedback from community members and the growth of volunteer teams further affirmed the impact of these initiatives.
As bishop, I envision expanding this public advocacy by creating a network of congregations that collaborate on issues such as economic justice, education, and community development. This would include leveraging synod resources to support struggling churches and revitalizing empty properties to serve community needs—an idea I have already begun exploring for Southeast Queens. Metrics for success would focus on measurable community impact: increased participation in outreach programs, effective use of church properties, and tangible improvements in the lives of those served.
By maintaining a public witness rooted in both faith and justice, I believe the church can reclaim its prophetic voice, demonstrating that the gospel speaks to every part of life. This vision of leadership—one that balances spiritual care with strategic advocacy—would guide my service as bishop.
Bold and Courageous Leadership: Describe a bold or innovative action you took to reimagine ministry or strengthen a community. What were the challenges, and what was the outcome?
One bold and innovative action I took to strengthen my community was serving as a mentor for an alternative school in Queens. Recognizing the challenges these students faced—both academically and socioeconomically—I reimagined ministry beyond the church walls to meet them where they were. My approach combined spiritual guidance with practical support, helping students with homework, providing information about job opportunities, and offering mentorship to navigate life’s challenges.
As a single parent of a young adult son and a surrogate parent to two others, a teen and a preteen, I have learned the delicate balance of guiding youth through a world filled with negative peer influences and the distractions of technology, which can hinder their academic achievements and future career possibilities. After losing my husband while I was pregnant, I gained a deeper understanding of the struggles single-parent households face, which fueled my commitment to helping young people find their way.
A significant aspect of this initiative was collaborating with local political leaders to secure summer employment for the youth. This not only provided them with valuable work experience but also gave them a sense of purpose and dignity. Additionally, I organized trips for another group of children to museums, cultural landmarks, and other attractions to broaden their perspectives and inspire them to see possibilities beyond their immediate environment. These experiences were designed to expand their horizons spiritually, culturally, and professionally.
The challenges were substantial. Many students came from unstable home environments and struggled with trust. Securing funding and partnerships for job placements also required persistent advocacy and relationship-building. Balancing this outreach with my pastoral duties demanded careful time management and a strong support team.
The outcome was transformative. Several students found summer jobs that turned into longer-term opportunities, and their academic performance improved with the additional support. By engaging these young people holistically, I witnessed a shift in their attitudes—from hopelessness to a renewed sense of potential and self-worth. This experience reinforced my belief that ministry must address both the spiritual and practical needs of the community to make a lasting impact.
Spiritual Life and Practices: How do you nurture your spiritual life and relationship with God amidst the demands of leadership? Share specific practices or disciplines that sustain you and provide an example of how your spiritual grounding has shaped your leadership.
I am very intentional about nurturing my relationship with God amidst the demands of leadership. This intentionality begins each morning when I rise early to carve out quiet time for prayer, reflection, and simply being still in God’s presence. In these moments, before the responsibilities of the day unfold, I seek to listen more than I speak—to embrace the silence as an opportunity to hear God’s voice and align my spirit with His will. This practice not only centers me but also allows me to carry a sense of peace and purpose into the day’s challenges.
Prayer is a cornerstone of my spiritual life. It is both structured and spontaneous—ranging from praying through Scripture to moments of honest conversation with God throughout the day. I also dedicate time to reading and meditating on the Word, finding that it grounds me with wisdom and clarity for the decisions I need to make. The Psalms, in particular, remind me to trust in God’s faithfulness, even when the path forward seems uncertain.
In addition to personal disciplines, I am intentional about maintaining relationships with my ecumenical peers—fellow pastors and faith leaders who offer counsel, accountability, and fresh perspectives. These conversations often serve as a mirror, reflecting God’s work in my life and reminding me that I am part of a larger body of Christ. My family also plays a vital role in this balance, offering both support and reminders of the importance of rest and renewal.
One example of how this spiritual grounding has shaped my leadership was during a particularly difficult season of decision-making for our congregation. Faced with financial uncertainty and concerns about the future, I was tempted to rush into solutions. Instead, I took a step back, sought God in prayer, and listened intentionally. This pause not only clarified the path forward but also reassured the congregation that our faith, not our fears, would guide our decisions. This experience reinforced my belief that spiritual grounding is not a retreat from leadership but the very source of its strength.