Meet Dr. Susan
Bloom where you are planted.
Susan H. Buckson
The Reverend Dr. Susan Hillary Buckson 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 A. M. E. Church in the Baltimore Annual Conference under pastor, 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 A.M.E. Church on both the district and conference levels with a critical focus on empowering components toward innovative, practical ministry.
Susan serves as an officer on several community boards, including Higher Standards Foundation, Inc., Gwen’s Swan, Inc., Atlanta North Georgia Conference Women in Ministry, and the Grove Park Foundation. In addition, Susan is the Atlanta-based Regional Ecosystem Coordinator for The Oikos Institute for Social Impact, supporting local church and community growth and development.
In 2019, Bishop Reginald T. Jackson appointed Susan as pastor of Allen Temple A.M.E. Church in Atlanta, GA. Susan now serves as 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.