Pastor Elect Reverend Donna Olivia Owusu-Ansah, affectionately known as “Rev. O.” was born in Mount Vernon, New York to John and Lois Powell. She is a pastor, preacher, chaplain, teacher, artist, writer, thinker, and dreamer who loves to study the Word of God, encourage others, and worship God.

In April 2007, Rev. Owusu-Ansah answered her call to ministry. She was licensed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in June 2008 at the Bethesda Baptist Church of New Rochelle, NY under the leadership of the Reverend Dr. Allen Paul Weaver, Jr. Rev. Owusu-Ansah was ordained to the Gospel ministry in August 2010 at Bethesda. She has served as the Assistant-to-the Pastor at the Bethesda Baptist Church, Chaplain at Haven Hospice located at JFK Medical Center (Hackensack Meridian Health) in Edison, NJ and Associate Minister of Church Life at the New Hope Baptist Church in Metuchen, NJ under the leadership of the Reverend Dr. Ronald L. Owens.

Rev. Owusu-Ansah graduated from New York University in 1999 (Bachelor of Science) and Howard University in 2004 (Master of Fine Art, Photography). In 2007 she enrolled in the Theological School at Drew University and graduated at the top of her class in May 2010 (Master of Divinity). She also completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at JFK Medical Center in Edison, NJ.

In December 2022, Rev. Owusu-Ansah was elected the seventh Pastor of the historic First Baptist Church of Englewood, New Jersey. She is the first woman to hold the position since the church’s founding in 1893. She is also the first woman called to serve as Pastor in a Baptist church in the City of Englewood.

Rev. Owusu-Ansah has always been interested in the creative power of words and the way in which words and story can be used to bring forth new life, heal individuals, and grow communities. She is Founder and Creative Director of Inspiring Creativity Ministries. She is also the author of Loves…Regardless: Forty Devotions Inspired by Womanist Creative Thought and Theology and a contributing author in #MinistryThatImpacts: A Collection of Strategies to Create Ministries that Impact Congregations and Communities and the book She Is Called Women of the Bible Study Series (Volume 3) published by the Reformed Church Press.

Rev. Owusu-Ansah is married to Joseph Owusu-Ansah and together they have two beautiful daughters. Rev. Owusu-Ansah lives by Psalm 138:8, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me...”

Contact Reverend Donna

Contact Reverend Donna for Preaching and Teaching, including but not limited to: Creative & Interactive Bible Studies; Implementing Visual Art & Creativity into Ministry; Organizing and Planning for Success in Life and Ministry; Women's Workshops and Webinars; Workshops & Lectures on Advanced Care Planning and Spiritual Care at End of Life and; Vision Board Workshops.