Lady Chaplain installed as Pastor of local Church

  On Saturday, October 3, 2026, members of the congregation of the New Jerusalem Church, fellow pastors, family, friends, and members of the community came out to watch as a steadfast, faithful woman, who has served the City of Chester over many decades, accepted yet another call to action— this assignment as pastor of the New Jerusalem Church, located at 2100 West 3rd Street, Chester, PA. 

  Pastor Dr. Lisa Dennis is a native daughter of the city, educated in the Chester Upland School District, where she thrived in the Music and Fine Arts Program. She’s a gifted singer, songwriter, author, composer, and praise leader whose multi-decadal journey combines deep spiritual devotion with extensive public service and has taken her missionary work both to local urban centers and abroad. 

  Pastor Dr. Dennis has served in government, leadership, and community development for decades, serving as Chester Police Chaplain Leader for over 19 years, Law Enforcement Emergency Chaplain for over 15 years (formerly serving as Board Treasurer for three years), Executive Director and Founder of the Chester Bereavement Project for more than 12 years, Board Trustee and former Executive Secretary for The Chapel of Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation. Originally hired as the coordinator for the Weed and Seed Grant Program, Dennis successfully bridged the gap between law enforcement and the community to weed out crime and seed prevention programs. Appointed Director of the Office of Community Liaisons under former Chester Mayor John Linder to streamline local, county, state, and federal resources. Under her direction, she coordinated and trained staff for the Office of Reentry & the Reentry Commission, Office of Veterans Affairs & Community Veterans Affairs Committee, The Bereavement Project, Violence Prevention Mentoring Initiative, and the Mayor’s Civic Advisory Committee. 

I met Lisa Dennis in 2011, long before she became Pastor Dr. Lisa Dennis. I had the opportunity to volunteer alongside her in a community outreach program. During that time, I saw firsthand her incredible work ethic and dedication. She genuinely cares for her family, friends, and colleagues, always making everyone feel valued. Working with her was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve ever had, whether in a job or as a volunteer. 

A member of the New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ for over 40 years, Pastor Dennis began her journey after a youth gathering invitation while rehearsing with her high school after-school gospel

group, “The Determined Disciples Christ.” A proud daughter, a loving, protective mother, and a friend, godmother, auntie, and much more to her family and a grateful community, Pastor Dr. Dennis is more than capable and divinely appointed to her new post as she guides the congregation of New Jerusalem Church. 

You can teach anyone how to do any job, but you can’t teach them how to care—really care—lead with compassion, sincerity, and without judgment. Pastor Dr. Lisa Dennis cares and is appointed for this time and this assignment. Congratulations and continued success.