WHO WE ARE
We are a radically inclusive community working to bring about God's peace, love and justice in the world. We believe that God is always on the side of the oppressed in their pursuit of liberation. We see evidence of this throughout the Bible, especially in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
Our call, as Beloved Community Church, is to reclaim Christianity from the clutches of white supremacy, to reconnect Christian spiritual practice with its roots in Black and African spiritual practices, and to be a place of revival for the movement for God's love and justice in Cincinnati and beyond.
Our History
Beloved Community Church was founded by Pastor Larry L. Harris as The Word Fellowship Church. In 2010, Pastor Nelson Pierce Jr. was called to usher the church into a new era of ministry in Cincinnati and beyond. This new direction necessitated a new name. After much prayer and conversation, the name Beloved Community Church was chosen. Since our founding, we have worked tirelessly to embody our name by fighting on the front line of racial and economic justice issues. We have stood up for voting rights, housing justice, bail reform, police reform, violence prevention, and more. In 2020 we were awarded Faith Community of the Year from Faith in Public Life. We truly believe in putting love into action.
We are proud to be an affiliate church of the United Church of Christ - a mainline denomination. God calls us into community with others who too are working for God's shalom and justice. The UCC believes that united in Spirit and inspired by God's grace, we welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all. We share in that mission and belief.
We are a radically inclusive community that affirms the identities and full humanity of our LGBTQ community members. Our belief rests in the teachings of Jesus who instructed us to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." and to "Love your neighbor as yourself." Our LGBTQ friends are more than just our neighbors, they are a core part of who we are.
THE MINISTRY TEAM
We are blessed to be led by courageous and servants leaders who are committed to liberation, love, justice and building a beloved community.
REV. NELSON PIERCE JR.
Senior Pastor
Rev. Pierce is a dynamic pastor and community activist. From the preaching in the pulpit to marching with and protecting protestors, Rev. Pierce’s life-long mission has been the liberation and well-being of all oppressed people. He believes that social justice work is an essential part of our evangelism and that once people believe that God cares about what they are going through, and is working for their liberation, people will find their way to worship.
LADY ROBIN WRIGHT-PIERCE
First Lady & Director of Discipleship
Lady Robin -- as she is affectionately called by our church community, is committed to helping Beloved Community Church become the epicenter of spiritual freedom, healing and wholeness in the community. She believes deeply in the power of II Corinthians 3:17 which says that "The Lord is the Spirt, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." She invites our community to engage spiritual freedom, healing and community as a cornerstone of collective liberation.
REV. DR. EBONY SPEAKES-HALL
Minister
Dr. Ebony is a minister, advocate, professor, and social worker. She is a passionate advocate for Black women, Black youth, and Black LGBTQIA+ community members. Dr. Ebony is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Dr. Ebony Speakes-Hall and Associates, where she offers clinical services and individual and corporate coaching. In addition, Dr. Ebony consults with businesses and nonprofits in diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.
REV. DR. ZARIA DAVIS
Minister
Dr. Davis has used her own adversities in life to develop her as a community leader and to use those experiences to fulfill her life’s purpose. She is a mentor, educator, and advocate. She serves as a Senior Consultant for nonprofits and businesses through New Direction Coaching & Consulting, LLC. Dr. Zaria champions social justice through her restorative justice work. She's a recent graduate of Eden Theological Seminary. She is passionate about the healing of people and communities.
REV. DANIEL HUGHES
Minister
Pastor Hughes’ purpose is to co-create the world we want with real people. Love brings him to this work and love is the mark that he wants to leave. He fights for those who cannot. He has degrees in organizational communication and has coached individuals and organizations in areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. He grew up on a farm, and he loves to play golf.
SISTER CANDACE ROGERS
Worship Leader
Sister Candace is a woman of faith, and a mother of two, who stands firm on the word of God. Her unapologetic, raw worship, penetrates the heart and shifts atmospheres wherever she goes. She lives by her belief that "God is all that I have; and he's all that I need."