About Christal

Educational Background

DMin - Payne Theological Seminary

MDiv - Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

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Employment

Fourth Episcopal District-AMEC

Barrington UMC

Pastor of Family Ministries

Writer-Sunday School Union AMEC

Global Missions Consultant

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Personal Aspirations

Founder of Uplifted

Founder of Serve & Brunch

Former Columnist for The Christian Recorder

Rev. Dr. Christal L. Bell is a proud second-generation ordained elder in the A.M.E. denomination following in the footsteps of her parents and mentors, Rev. Larry J. Bell and Rev. DaNita M. Ward Bell.

She is a graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC). Rev. Christal was active in the WSIU newsroom while studying at SIUC. With aspirations of becoming a prime time reporter, Rev. Christal was awarded an internship position with NBC Studios: Entertainment and Publicity Department; in Burbank, California It was during this time in her undergraduate studies where she experienced the Call of God for her to become His prime time reporter; she graciously obeyed.

She went on to finish her Bachelor of Arts in Radio/Television from SIUC. Upon graduation she entered seminary at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, where she earned her Master of Divinity in 2007.

She has previously served as the Senior Pastor of Wesley AME Church in Edwardville, IL. In 2011, she was awarded the “Key to the City” for Edwardsville, Illinois for her work in bridging the church and community.

Rev. Dr. Christal has served on the staff of St. James AME Church in Chicago, Illinois, and most recently as the Family Pastor of Barrington United Methodist Church and their regional campuses.

She currently serves as the Fourth Episcopal District Christian Education Director of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Dr. Christal is a writer. She has been published and served as the Youth Column Editor for the AME Christian Recorder. Her passion for youth and missions has led her to lead domestic and international mission projects for youth and adults for the past ten years.

In 2019, her passion led her to establish UPlifted LLC. This organization provides consultations for mission/service projects, youth ministry programs, and Christian Education strategies and best practices.

Rev. Christal is a 2020 graduate of Payne Theological Seminary earning a Doctor of Ministry degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling.

She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Her life verse is “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength

Learn More about Christal's Projects

Inspire. Influence.Impact. Uplifted's lifestyle of inspiration provides meaningful materials, gifts, and other resources to encourage and empower others to go after their dreams and uplift others to impact the world one WORD at a time.

Serve & Brunch provides local service projects with partnership non-profit organizations. The debrief time to share and learn how to take further action is done over brunch!