Our Pastors
Rev Dr Lula Mae Phillips
PASTOR & CO-FOUNDER
Rev. Dr. Lula Mae Phillips is a faith leader, educator, and healthcare advocate dedicated to bridging spiritual guidance, community engagement, and public health. As Senior Pastor of Christian Calvary Ministries (CCM) in Bushwick, Brooklyn, she mentors and advocates for young people and families.
Beyond ministry, she serves as Community Engagement and Research Manager at Weill Cornell CTSC, fostering partnerships between faith-based institutions, community leaders, and healthcare organizations to address social determinants of health. A strong public health advocate, she has led opioid overdose prevention efforts in NYC since 2018, equipping faith communities with life-saving resources.
With a background in nursing and academia, she has taught Community Health Nursing at York College and LIU and coordinated research at Hunter College. She holds a Doctorate in Ministry and Master’s in Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary and an M.Ed. from Columbia University.
Rev. Dr. Phillips’ holistic approach to faith and service continues to transform communities, addressing spiritual, physical, and social well-being with compassion and leadership.
MRS. VERONICA MCDUFFIE
PASTOR IN TRAINING
Veronica McDuffie is a dedicated servant of God, currently training for pastoral ministry under Rev. Dr. Lula Mae Phillips. A cornerstone of Christian Calvary Ministry (CCM) since its early days, she has long served as a Sunday School teacher, using her passion for education to bring scripture to life through music, drama, and interactive learning. Her deep love and devotion to children have been the foundation of her ministry, ensuring that young people feel nurtured, valued, and empowered and must learn the Word of God.
She studied at LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and expanded her career into teaching. She is now a retired educator from the NYC Department of Education, Veronica first worked as a youth drug counselor before earning a Master’s in Education from the College of Mount St. Vincent and becoming a teacher in Brooklyn. Raised in Bushwick, Brooklyn, she developed resilience and ambition early on, excelling academically and artistically.
As she prepares for pastoral leadership, Veronica remains deeply committed to nurturing faith, empowering youth, and uplifting her community. Her lifelong dedication to children continues to shape her mission, as she strives to instill faith, confidence, and a sense of purpose in the next generation.