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About Pastor
Rev. Leon F. Parker, III
Reverend Leon F. Parker, III, is a servant leader, scholar, and pastor whose ministry reflects a deep commitment to faith, education, and community transformation. He currently serves as Pastor of Unity Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Bessemer, Alabama, where he leads with clarity, compassion, and a vision for building a thriving multigenerational church grounded in discipleship, service, and community engagement.

For more than 17 years, Reverend Parker has faithfully served the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church across Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. His pastoral leadership, denominational service, and dedication to educational equity have positioned him as a trusted voice within both church and civic spaces.
A proud honors graduate of Miles College, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in English in 2012. He continued his theological education at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, earning his Master of Divinity from the Phillips School of Theology in 2015. Reverend Parker is currently pursuing his Juris Doctorate at the Miles School of Law, reflecting his growing commitment to advocacy, justice, and strengthening institutional systems that empower communities.
Within the CME Church, Reverend Parker has served in influential denominational roles, including ten years as National Secretary of One Church One School and service as Treasurer of the Connectional Young Adult Ministry. In 2025, he was elected National President and CEO of One Church One School: A Community Partnership Program, a national movement with over 200 partnerships across 15 states and 50 cities, equipping children to value life and value learning.
Reverend Parker's leadership extends deeply into higher education. In 2021, he returned to Miles College to serve in key roles, including Vice President of Student Life and Engagement, Dean of Chapel, and Assistant Professor of Religion. In 2023, he was appointed to his current role as Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Student Life and Chapel, where he leads with a focus on holistic student development, spiritual formation, and a campus culture rooted in belonging, leadership, and excellence. In 2025, he also served as Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management, providing strategic oversight across student support and enrollment functions.
Beyond the campus and congregation, Reverend Parker continues to strengthen the wider community. In 2023, he was elected to the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham, advancing mentorship and youth development throughout the region.
A proud member of the Omicron Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Reverend Parker embodies the fraternity's motto: "First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All."
Reverend Parker is married to Nathalie Nelson Parker, CEO of Civitas Consulting Group, and together they are the proud parents of Leon F. Parker, IV. United in calling and purpose, the Parkers remain committed to nurturing emerging leaders, strengthening legacy institutions, and advancing transformational change for the church and the world.
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