Rev. Melissa McHenry is an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and was appointed the 11th pastor of St. James A.M.E Church on April 29, 2025 during the 203rd session of the New York Annual Conference. A native of Far Rockaway, NY where she lives with her husband Minister Ronald McHenry and their daughter Naomi, Rev. McHenry previously served as an Associate Minister at St. Paul AME Church in Rockville Center, NY. A career educator, she gladly taught Adult Church School & Bible Study.
In addition to her ministry being undergirded by her experience as an educator, fitness ministry is near and dear to Rev. McHenry’s heart. As a licensed Zumba and CIRCL Mobility instructor she enjoys creating dance fitness and flexibility & mobility routines to Jesus-centered music to help people workout and worship at the same time. She is also a Certified Nutrition Coach and guides people to having a healthy relationship with food and their bodies.
Rev. McHenry is a graduate of Queens College, CUNY where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in Africana Studies. She received her Master of Arts in Teaching English from Brown University and began teaching secondary English in 2004. Rev. McHenry holds an Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership from The College of Saint Rose and graduated with a Master of Divinity from Drew Theological School in 2024 with a concentration in Social Justice Advocacy.
When she’s not studying or relaxing with her family, Rev. McHenry can be found in her garden tending to life and receiving a word from God. Her favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11, “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not your harm, to give you a future with hope.”
Episcopal Leadership
Right Reverend Samuel L. Green, Sr. – Presiding Bishop
Supervisor Phyllis Green – Episcopal Supervisor
Manhattan District Leadership
Rev. Dr. Kim W. Anderson – Presiding Elder
Ministerial Staff
Rev. Juanita Houston-Brown, Itinerant Elder
Rev. Esau German, Itinerant Elder