Rev. Dr. Christal L. Bell – known as Rev. Dr. Christal – is a preacher, public speaker, Non-Profit Executive, Christian educator,  published writer, and Chaplain. 

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Dr. Christal currently served as the Director of Christian Education for the Fourth Episcopal District which  includes Indiana, Illinois, Chicago, Michigan, Canada, and India Conferences. As an Itinerant Elder in the  AME tradition, her 15 years as an Itinerant Elder have led her to lead international and domestic mission trips for youth, Pastor in Edwardsville, IL, where she received the Key to the City for her work in the areas of social justice, and currently establish her own consulting practice, UpLifted LLC; that specializes in spiritual formation and holistic spiritual care focusing in the areas of children, youth, and families.   

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Dr. Christal specialized in Pediatric Chaplaincy at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oaklawn, IL. She provided not only spiritual care but leadership in the areas of grief and bereavement for families. 

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Her passion for teaching and spiritual care carries over to the classroom as she is a former Adjunct Professor at  McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL.  

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She also currently sits on the Professional Advisory Group for the newly created Clinical Pastoral  Education (CPE) program at the Howard University School of Divinity. 

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Rev. Dr. Christal currently is the Director of Administration and Finance at Thrive DC in Washington DC. Thrive DC, is a safety net for people experiencing housing instability, food insecurity, and economic crisis. Our goal is to support and equip clients on their journey of achieving greater self-sufficiency.

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Rev. Dr. Christal holds a Bachelor of Arts in radio/tv from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, a  Master of Divinity specializing in Youth Ministry from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and a  Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Payne Theological Seminary. 

Dr. Christal is certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid, Leadership Coaching, and Diversity, Equity and  Inclusion, and End of Life Doula training.

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She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and a member of the  Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates Alumnae Chapter.  

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She is the proud daughter of Presiding Elder Larry James Bell & Rev. DaNita Bell, Presiding Elder and  District Consultant of the Notable North District of the Michigan Annual Conference. 

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She is the proud wife of Rev. Christopher Bonner, MDiv, LGSW, MSW a Social Worker in the DC area.