Reverend Ronica Serena Harris is grateful to serve in ministry at First Baptist Church of Cranford/Elizabeth, where she is the Associate Minister of Spiritual Life alongside Senior Pastor Reverend Dr. Malachy Williams. A spiritually formation–driven leader, Reverend Harris has spent more than a decade helping the church cultivate clarity, a healthy culture, and a deeper connection with God through thoughtful leadership, discipleship, and pastoral care. Reverend Harris previously served as the Executive Minister of New Hope Baptist Church—the congregation where she was baptized, licensed, and later ordained by The American Baptist Churches of New Jersey (ABCUSA). In this role, she oversaw worship across in-person and digital platforms, collaborated on strategic ministry initiatives, supervised a growing staff, and helped align the church’s ministries with its mission. A teacher and mentor at heart, Reverend Harris has led leadership development programs for young professionals, combining biblical instruction, personal formation, and real-world ministry application. She has also served as an adjunct professor of Public Relations at Ramapo College, merging her ministry gifts with her communications background. Reverend Harris is also an Emmy-nominated television producer who brings a storyteller’s eye to ministry. Her experience includes work with Fox 5’s “Good Day New York,” HGTV, the Travel Channel, and Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” She is passionate about telling God’s story through media and has produced a documentary celebrating 100 Years of Church Ministry at New Hope Baptist Church, consulted on media installations, and created livestream worship experiences—most notably during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling safe worship for the wider community. These efforts have since evolved into an outdoor Resurrection service and community festival. Reverend Harris earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from The Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Divinity from Denver Seminary, where she received the Robert E. Woolfolk Award for her commitment to the church and promise of pastoral leadership. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care at the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. Rooted in faith and family, Reverend Harris cherishes time with her vibrant, close-knit family— including her mother, sister, brother-in-law, nieces, and a wide circle of loved ones who have shaped her spiritual journey.