We Are Little Rock
Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church is a vibrant and growing faith community committed to sharing the love and message of Jesus Christ. Through meaningful worship, strong fellowship, and active community outreach, we seek to transform lives and strengthen our community.
We welcome a diverse congregation united in spiritual growth, service, and a deep commitment to faith and community.
Our Mission
To glorify God by cultivating a Christ-centered community that welcomes all, nurtures spiritual growth, and serves others through faith, fellowship, and transformative ministry—empowering individuals to discover their purpose and impact the world.
Our Vision
Our Leadership
Rev. Dr. Derrill A. Blue and Rev. Dr. Paula B. Blue
The leadership of our church is a testament to faith, scholarship, and unwavering commitment to God’s call. At the helm are Rev. Dr. Derrill A. Blue and Rev. Dr. Paula B. Blue, a dynamic ministry team whose service is rooted in excellence, spiritual integrity, and love for God’s people.
Rev. Dr. Derrill Antonio Blue, a native of Broadway, North Carolina, is the son of Jerry and Gail Quick. A graduate of Lee Senior High School (Class of 2001), Dr. Blue earned his undergraduate degrees in Business Management from North Carolina A&T State University and Organizational Leadership from the University of Memphis. He went on to receive his Master of Divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology in Oklahoma City and, in 2024, earned his Doctor of Ministry in Transformational Leadership from Boston University.
Dr. Blue preached his initial sermon on June 9, 2002, and began his pastoral career at the age of 23. Over the years, he has faithfully served multiple A.M.E. Zion congregations across North Carolina, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Connecticut, and New York. In July 2018, Dr. Blue also had the honor and privilege of serving as the Presiding Elder of the Rochester-Syracuse District for seven years. In October 2024, he was appointed pastor of Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church in Charlotte, NC.
In addition to his pastoral duties, Dr. Blue brings a wealth of experience from the banking sector and higher education, specializing in assessment and accreditation. He serves as a Cultural Ambassador to the Yale Clinical Research Program and is an adjunct professor at Northeastern Seminary.
Rev. Dr. Paula B. Blue, a proud North Carolina native, is a wife, mother, educator, preacher, entrepreneur, and passionate servant of the Lord. She finds her greatest joy in serving alongside her husband in life and ministry, while raising their two beloved children, Makis Antonio Blue and Norie Danielle Blue.
Dr. Blue’s educational journey includes a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics with a minor in Physics, master’s degrees in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership and in Theology, and, most recently, the completion of her doctoral degree in Educational Technology from Boise State University. Dr. Paula Blue began her preaching ministry in 2011 and is deeply rooted in the truth and power of God’s Word. Her guiding scripture, 2 Corinthians 4:8–12, reflects her steadfast spirit and testimony as a vessel of God’s grace.
Together, Rev. Dr. Derrill and Rev. Dr. Paula Blue exemplify what it means to serve with purpose, passion, and a deep love for the church. Their leadership is anointed, their vision is inspiring, and their impact is transformative.
Our Staff

Rev. Simon Ajose
Minister of Discipleship and Evangelism

Rev. Belinda G. Austin
Minister of Congregational Care

Rev. Dr. Sonya Campbell
Minister of Social Justice and Transformation

Rev. Deanna Courtney
Minister of Counseling and Hospitality

Rev. Anthony Redfearn
Minister of Outreach

Rev. Paula B. Blue
Minister of Spirituality and Worship

Rev. Dr. Charay Smith
Minister of Operations and Training

Rev. Dr. Barbara Marshall
Minister of Membership Engagement

Rev. James H. Lenoir
Retired Minister

Rev. Diane Commander
Retired Minister

Glain H. Lewis
Administrative Assistant

Carl Daniel
Chairman, Board of Trustees

Randy Freeman
Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees

Larry Austin
Chairman, Board of Stewards

Payton Colclough
Vice Chairman, Board of Stewards

Sidney Oliver
Minister of Music

Antoinette D. Cody
Christian Education Director

Rev. Dr. Paula B. Blue
W.H.&O.M Society President
(Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society)

Gloria Joyner-Johnson
Lay Council President