Dr. Cynthia McDonald
Dr. Cynthia Parnell McDonald is an ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. As a pastor and educator, she is currently the pastor of St. Luke A.M.E Church/Cartersville, GA. She has completed 12 years of experience as a pastor and 21 years in ministry in the African Methodist Episcopal Church as senior pastor in the Eighth Episcopal District and the Sixth Episcopal District. During this tenure, she served as senior pastor of First Allen A.M.E. Church, Laurel, MS; Shady Grove A.M.E. Church, Quitman, MS; and Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, Shady Dale, GA. St. Luke A.M.E. Cartersville. She also served as youth pastor at St. Phillip A.M.E Church, Atlanta, GA. Dr. Cynthia is currently the pastor of Cosmopolitan A.M.E. Church in Atlanta, GA.
With a passion for practical theology, Cynthia’s research involves the implementation of engaged pedagogy, self-literacy, spiritual formation, healing centered engagement and the integration of informal systems of learning in leadership practice. She has served as a Christian education professor at the Interdenominational Theological Center, Leadership Education Consultant, and adjunct faculty at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, she led the team that redesigned the Connectional Sunday school curriculum for the African Methodist Episcopal Church and has served as a Leadership Education Consultant in theological education arenas to develop leadership, curriculum and mentoring resources for future clergy and congregational leaders. Cynthia has also served as a Contextual Education Supervisor for students attending Candler School of Theology, Emory University; Columbia Theological Seminary; and the Interdenominational Theological Center. Cynthia has also served as a leader for the Colloquy for Women of Color in Ministry at Columbia Theological Seminary. Cynthia currently served as adjunct faculty in the area of leadership at Columbia Theological Seminary teaching Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry courses. Cynthia most recently worked with Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Presiding Prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District and Dr. John F. Green, President/Dean of Turner Theological Seminary to develop the Sixth Episcopal District (SED) Certificate Program for the preparation of students in “4th year holding” under the Board of Ministerial Training. She also recently served as Research Director and Grant writer for the Sixth Episcopal District and received the Thriving in Ministry 2020 Grant in the amount of $1 million dollars.
In the community, Cynthia served as one of the leaders responsible for coordinating the first Tri-Regional Faith and Health Conference in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Cynthia’s work in the community has involved working with the National Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives as well as the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Region IV in the area of Women’s Health, focusing on mental health and wellness. In this way, she has provided faith communities and colleges with resources relevant to faith and mental health.
Dr. Cynthia Parnell McDonald earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Research from The University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg, MS), a Master of Education degree in College Student Personnel and a Master of Science degree in Speech Communication from The University of Southern Mississippi; a Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology with a Certificate in Leadership in Church and Community, Emory University; and a Bachelors of Arts degree in Speech Communication. Dr. Parnell McDonald is married and has two children, Justin (9) and Alivia (6).