Meet Dr. Susan
Bloom where you are planted.
Susan H. B. Ephraim
The Reverend Dr. Susan Hillary Buckson Ephraim serves as the Pastor of Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church in Atlanta, Georgia. As a pastor, author, educator, and advocate, Susan endeavors to lead with integrity of heart and skill of hand. (Psalm 78:72) Her professional education began at The University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland, where, as an honor scholar-athlete, Susan received a Bachelor of Arts in English Education. Her advanced degrees include a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Coppin State College in Baltimore, Maryland, a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Theology from The Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, and a Doctor of Ministry from Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio, with a concentration in Adaptive Leadership.
Throughout her 29-year career in public education, Susan served as a classroom teacher, cooperative teacher mentor, Magnet School Coordinator, Instructional Coach, and Assistant Principal. She has represented Atlanta Public Schools (APS) as its System-wide High School Teacher of the Year and was the first educator in APS to be named a Milken Family Foundation National Honor Teacher.
Susan answered God’s call to the preaching ministry in 1999 at Waters AME Church in the Baltimore Annual Conference, under the pastorate of Rev. Ronald E. Braxton. She is the author of The Lenten Experience three volume series: A 40-Day Revival, Preparing the Soil, and Unfinished Business and My Praise is My S.W.A.G: A Bible-based curriculum for youth and young adults. She is currently writing a devotional for young women: That was Then…This is Now: My Daily Diary Journey toward Womanhood. Susan has served as a workshop presenter for the AME Church at all levels with a critical focus on empowering components for innovative, practical ministry.
Susan is the founder of Gwen’s Swan, Inc., a ministry dedicated to the enrichment of young women. She is the National Training Director for The Oikos Institute for Social Impact, supporting the growth and development of local churches and communities.
In 2019, Bishop Reginald T. Jackson appointed Susan as pastor of Allen Temple AME Church, the first woman to serve in the church's history. As a pastor, Susan endeavors to lead with "integrity of heart" and "skill of hand." (Psalm 78:72) Therefore, she works diligently to be a servant to God’s people, and a seeker of God’s presence.
Susan is married to the Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephriam, Sr., pastor of Bethel AME Church in Albany, GA. They are blessed to have a beautifully gifted, blended family.