Today we’d like to introduce you to Abra Lattany-Reed.
Hi Abra, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am Rev. Abra Lattany-Reed, and I currently serve as the Lead Pastor of Garden City United Methodist Church, where I have the honor of being the first female and African American clergy appointed to this cross-racial congregation. I also serve as the Director of Diversity and Justice Ministries for the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church.
My journey to this moment has been both professional and deeply spiritual. I have been in ministry since 2008, answering God’s call to serve in ways that bring faith, justice, and community together. At the same time, I have lived much of my life in public service. I recently retired after 41 years of federal service, including leadership and progressive administrative program management roles with the United States Marshals Service, the Department of Justice, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Department of the Navy.
Serving as a bi-vocational pastor has allowed me to bring the strengths of both worlds together. My years in federal service taught me leadership, administration, accountability, and how to work within complex systems. Ministry has taught me how to lead with compassion, vision, and justice-centered faith.
What led me to my current position is truly a sense of calling, a calling to serve God’s people, to build bridges across difference, and to help create spaces where justice, diversity, and beloved community can flourish. Being in this dual role allows me to live out that calling in both the local church and the wider conference, helping congregations engage the gospel through the lenses of inclusion, equity, and discipleship.
At the heart of who I am is a servant leader who believes deeply in the transformative power of faith, justice, and community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My transition to the lead pastor role at Garden City has been intentional. Intentional is the sense that God has a sense of humor and that He orders every step. If we are honest, many do not always agree with His plan. Given the anxiety and season of uncertainty, there are always obstacles and or challenges. Being the first female and person of color lead pastor to an 85-year congregation with the rich legacy and history, in this case, change invites opportunity. I am there to serve and lead a congregation live and meet the demands of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is exciting to me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am Rev. Abra Lattany-Reed, and I currently serve as the Lead Pastor of Garden City United Methodist Church, where I have the honor of being the first female and African American clergy appointed to this cross-racial congregation. I also serve as the Director of Diversity and Justice Ministries for the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church.
My journey to this moment has been both professional and deeply spiritual. I have been in ministry since 2008, answering God’s call to serve in ways that bring faith, justice, and community together. At the same time, I have lived much of my life in public service. I recently retired after 41 years of federal service, including leadership and progressive administrative program management roles with the United States Marshals Service, the Department of Justice, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Department of the Navy.
Serving as a bi-vocational pastor has allowed me to bring the strengths of both worlds together. My years in federal service taught me leadership, administration, accountability, and how to work within complex systems. Ministry has taught me how to lead with compassion, vision, and justice-centered faith.
What led me to my current position is truly a sense of calling, a calling to serve God’s people, to build bridges across difference, and to help create spaces where justice, diversity, and beloved community can flourish. Being in this dual role allows me to live out that calling in both the local church and the wider conference, helping congregations engage the gospel through the lenses of inclusion, equity, and discipleship. I am community servant as well. Currently serving as a board trustee foundation at College of Coastal Georgia. On the board of directors for Coastal Georgia Community Action Authority Inc. as the Vice-President of the board. I am also a member of the Brunswick (GA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.
What I am most proud of? That would be my adult daughters, Kristina, Brittany, Gabrielle and Justine. They are beautiful, smart and kind. AND my adorable grandchildren, all 7.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I love seeing lives change and transform by the word of God. I love seeing people experience unwavering grace and love and I love seeing justice enacted. Diversity is God idea and all of humanity is created in the His image – Imago Dei. When people are able to come together seeking a common goal and discover that they actually have more in common than imagine and that our differences are strengths rather posture to maintain, we are able to experience true community. What makes me happy is spending time with family and friends enjoying great food, engaging music that makes you move and relentless laugher.
