Introducing Our Pastor:
Rev. Karen G. McCracken
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Col. 3:12
Rev. Karen Georgette McCracken was born on Oct 1, 1963 to parents Addie C. McCracken and George R. McCracken (deceased). As the eldest of three siblings, she would have all of the necessary life experience to raise her own three children: Tiana, Andrew, and Andre. The Lord has also blessed her with 5 grandchildren whom she affectionately calls her “HEARTs”: Sophia, Jefferson, Kingston, Issac, and Johnathan.
Education was always a very important part of her life as she received her High School Diploma from South Brunswick High School of Brunswick County Schools (Go Cougars!) in May of 1981. Still eager to learn more, she went on to attend the Cape Fear Technical Institute earning her Associates Degree in Applied Science and Technology in May of 1983.
Before her call to the ministry she shared her many talents with both the food and customer service industries. Extending her tenure in the food service industry, she applied her skills and accepted a management position with the Brunswick County Schools Child Nutrition Department where she has been employed for the last 21 years!
The Church was always a big part of her life as she spent her youth learning to follow God in Brown’s Chapel AME Zion Church of Southport, NC. There she would learn the passion of service to others by participating in and directing the youth choir as well as serving as the director of the Christian Education Department. With this upbringing, it was no surprise to her childhood congregation that she would go on to accept her calling into The Ministry! On October 2, 2003 with a trial sermon of “It’s That Time” she officially began her ministry journey. After completing her two years of local preachers classes, and four years of conference studies she obtained her local preachers license in August of 2005! Continuing her ministerial journey she would also go on to receive her deacons license as well as her elders license in January 2011 and January 2014 respectively.
Since then Rev. McCracken has enjoyed numerous appointments in her pastoral career including:
St. Mark AME Zion Church of Shallotte, NC (October 2012)
Speaks Temple AME Zion Church of Wilmington, NC (October 2013)
Bowens Chapel AME Zion Church of Wilmington, NC (October 2017)
Christian Chapel AME Zion Church of Winnabow, NC (October 2019 – Present)
We are so proud to call Rev. McCracken our pastor as she follows the Lord and leads our church by this creed:
The Lord has been good.
The Lord is still good.
He’s greatly to be praised.