The Reverend Dr. Conitras M. Houston Dickens is a devoted woman of God whose ministry is grounded in excellence through the Word of God, the Work of God, and the Will of God. Grounded in faith and deeply committed to God’s people, she boldly proclaims the promise of 1 Corinthians 2:9: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 

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Affectionately known as Pastor “C,” she is partnered in marriage and ministry with the Reverend Akil Dickens. Together, they are the proud parents of their son, Caleb, and daughter, Cania. Pastor “C” is the devoted daughter of Bonita Houston and Harold Houston, Jr., a beloved sister to Brian and Harold III, and a loving aunt to Jade.

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An ordained Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Pastor “C” was trained for ministry in the Atlanta–North Georgia Conference of the Sixth Episcopal District. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal and Organizational Communications, with a minor in Spanish, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She later earned a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Homiletics from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, where she was selected as one of only six students admitted to the Master of Divinity Thesis Program. She earned her Doctor of Ministry degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, with a focus in Strategic Leadership in Black Congregations. As part of her doctoral studies at Garrett, she also completed the Executive Scholar Program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, earning the Executive Scholar designation in Nonprofit Leadership. She currently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Homiletics at Northern Seminary, where she contributes to the formation and preparation of the next generation of preachers and ministry leaders.

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Pastor “C” is deeply grateful for every opportunity to serve God’s people. She faithfully served for five years as Youth Pastor and Assistant Pastor at St. John A.M.E. Church in Fairburn, Georgia. She later went on to serve with zeal and distinction as both the first female and youngest pastor at each appointment entrusted to her. Her ministry has borne fruit at Saint Luke A.M.E. Church in Athens, Georgia; Greater Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church in Columbus, Georgia; and Trinity A.M.E. Church in Atlanta, Georgia—each congregation experiencing spiritual growth alongside significant facility renovations. While at Trinity, Pastor “C” also served as Board Chair of the Early Learning Center, where she helped increase the Center’s Quality-Rated status and led key technological advancements.

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In October 2021, Bishop John Franklin White appointed Pastor “C” as the first female and third Senior Pastor of DuPage African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lisle, Illinois. She and the DuPage A.M.E. Church family are joyfully committed to expanding the Kingdom of God through both virtual and in-person ministry. In addition, she serves as Board Chair of the REACH Food Pantry and The Harambee Initiative, Inc., two 501(c)(3) organizations born out of the church’s passion to meet the needs of the greater DuPage County community.

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Beyond the local church, Pastor “C” is the Founder and Director of Gabriel’s House, Incorporated, a nonprofit youth center dedicated to instilling self-worth through performing arts, life-skills training, and academic enrichment. Under the leadership of Bishop Frederick A. Wright, Sr., she serves as Finance Chair of the Fourth Episcopal District of the AME Church, an At-Large member of the AME Church General Board, and a respected servant leader throughout the denomination. She is a 2019 graduate of Leadership Georgia and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

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Pastor “C” is passionate about the work God has called her to do—not only at DuPage, but around the world. She continues to travel preaching and teaching the Gospel while mentoring and encouraging believers of all ages both nationally and internationally.

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Above all titles and accomplishments, the Reverend Dr. Conitras M. Houston Dickens loves the Lord and has pursued a faithful walk with Christ since childhood. She is often known to declare, “Since God is a God of excellence, God’s children SHALL excel!”