Raquel Lettsome

Affectionately known as "Rev. Raquel," the Reverend Raquel S. Lettsome, Ph.D. is committed to excellence and loves to help people move forward in their lives and ministries. She is the Founder & Senior Partner of RSL Ministries (www.rslministries.com) where she works with faith leaders to more effectively proclaim and explain Scripture, incorporate life giving ministry practices, and discern the leading of the Holy Spirit. With more than two decades of congregational ministry experience and extensive biblical and theological training, Dr. Lettsome knows how to equip and empower faith leaders, understanding that a prepared leader must care for themselves as they care for others. Dr. Lettsome is a nationally recognized preacher, teacher, and scholar. Her preaching distinctions include the Distinguished Preachers Series (Riverside Church, NY), and the George A. Crawley Women in Ministry Preacher (Hampton University Ministers’ Conference); national conferences including the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, the Festival of Homiletics, and The Craft of Preaching; and academic institutions including Yale and Duke Universities. Dr. Lettsome is a lecturer for seminary classes, conferences, and denominational meetings. Her love for and commitment to teaching led her to create her online platform, A.I.M. Academy (rslministries.teachable.com), where she offers two courses: Less Stress Sermon Prep and Sunday Keeps Coming. Dr. Lettsome is also a published author in the fields of homiletics, biblical studies, womanist biblical interpretation and theology, and Christian spirituality. Her latest publication, Breakthrough You! 30 Daily Devotions to Move You Forward, was a #1 New Release in Religion & Spirituality Short Reads on Amazon.com. Dr. Lettsome holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies (Yale University), a Master of Divinity (Princeton Theological Seminary) and is the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in New Testament Studies from Princeton Theological Seminary (2005). Dr. Lettsome shares her life with her husband, Rev. Lydell C. Lettsome, M.D., and their 2 children, Tiffany and Luke. She and her family are active members of the Rockland Orange Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Incorporated.