About the pastor

Reverend Lucille Abernathy founded The Believer’s Academy in 2019.   She employs her God given gifts to inspire and educate people to new levels of faith.

Rev. Abernathy received a Masters of Divinity degree in Practical Theology and Pastoral Counseling from Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, New Jersey. She received her Bachelors of Arts degree in Religion and Christian Education from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas. Her education also includes biblical studies in Jerusalem, Israel; Kent State University, and Cuyahoga Community College.

In 1985 Rev. William Sanders and Lee Road Baptist Church made history in Cleveland, Ohio, when Rev. Abernathy was ordained as the first African-American female in The Cleveland Baptist Association (CBA).

As an ordained American Baptist minister, Rev. Abernathy was given privilege of call in The United Church of Christ (UCC) and has served as pastor/teacher in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. She has written magazine articles; publications and curriculum for American Baptist Churches USA (ABC). She is also the author of “Believe: A Creative Biblical Solution For Financial Challenges”.

Rev. Abernathy has served on many boards, worked as an instructor, chaplain and pastor, in various denominations such as Presbyterian; American Baptist Churches USA (ABC) as well as The United Church of Christ (UCC).

Rev. Abernathy is a well sought after workshop leader and creative consultant. She uses her diverse educational and professional experiences, along with her artistic talents to bring healing & learning by utilizing preaching, teaching, counseling, and creativity. Her ministry is one that builds bridges and is inclusive of all races, cultures and denominations. 

Rev. Abernathy has celebrated over 50 years of marriage with her devoted husband, Garlen. They are the parents of 2 adult children and the proud grandparents of 2 grandsons, Jordan and Jadon. Rev. Abernathy’s first love is God, and her greatest joy is helping people reach their God-given potential.