About our Pastor: Rev. Alicia Bailey
A Bi-Vocational Leader
Rev. Alicia Bailey is a dedicated bi-vocational leader who faithfully serves in both ministry and corporate leadership. She currently pastors St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, New York, where the congregation proudly lives out its motto: “A Church that Cares About You.”
In addition to her pastoral responsibilities, Rev. Alicia serves as Director of Benefits Services – Solutions Center: Benefits at NYU Langone Health, bringing more than 35 years of experience in Human Resources and Benefits administration.
Rev. Alicia holds a Master of Divinity and a Certificate in Christian Ministry from New York Theological Seminary. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources from Pace University. She has successfully completed all requirements for ordination as an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Denominational Leadership
Since November 2024, Rev. Alicia has served as President of the First Episcopal District AME Women In Ministry (WIM). She also serves as Secretary of the New York Conference AME Ministerial Institute and served on the Board of Examiners. She has served as the New York Conference AME WIM Coordinator.
Prior to her current appointment at St. John AME Church, she pastored James/St. Philip AME Church from June 2010 to June 13, 2015. Throughout her ministry, she has led congregations through impactful initiatives, strategic planning efforts, and transformative worship experiences.
Professional & Ministry Impact
With extensive leadership experience in both church and corporate settings, Rev. Alicia has organized and facilitated numerous seminars, retreats, conferences, orientations, and business meetings.
As a preacher, teacher, and workshop facilitator, she has ministered in various venues, including the AME Institute. She is also a published author, contributing to: How to Survive When Your Ship is Sinking; Awesome Women On The Move: Inspirational Daily Journal.
Her dedication to service and excellence has earned her several recognitions, including: Community Service Award from Lotus Rising and Omicron Chapter, Inc. of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. and “Minister of the Year” Award from the Williamsbridge Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs.
Personal Life
In 2022, Rev. Alicia co-founded My Voice alongside her cousin, Deller. This empowerment initiative focuses on coaching individuals to discover, develop, and confidently use their voices. The vision of My Voice is to inspire, equip, and empower people to speak life into their dreams both spoken and unspoken and to pursue their goals and aspirations with confidence.
Rev. Alicia is the daughter of Veronica Morris and the late Clayton Nesmith. She is blessed with one sister, Tahitia, and one brother, Eric. She is married to her soul mate, Randall Bailey, and together they are proud parents of their daughter, Adrianna Alicia Bailey.
Words of Wisdom
Beyond her professional and ministerial responsibilities, Rev. Alicia enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, listening to music, rapping, attending comedy shows and films, empowering others, and sharing laughter through her love of humor.
Her life and leadership are grounded in her favorite scripture, Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”