Rev. Allen V. Harris

Rev. Allen V. Harris is the Regional Pastor and President for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Ohio.  

Allen has over two decades of experience in church leadership. He previously served as the Regional Minister of the Capital Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), as well as Senior Pastor at Franklin Circle Christian Church in Cleveland and Park Avenue Christian Church in New York City. He is a former Board President of Interfaith Partners in Action in Cleveland, and currently serves on the board of the Ohio Council of Churches.  

Rev. Harris holds a B.A. in Religious Education from Phillips University and a M.Div. with a concentration in Religious Education from Brite Divinity School. Born and raised in Roswell, New Mexico, he resides in Cleveland, Ohio.  

Why did you say yes to joining NBA’s Board of Trustees? 

I said “yes” to serving on the board of the NBA because I believe in NBA’s mission. I have seen NBA work effectively over the years and I have been impressed with how the ministry has shifted and adapted for new needs and challenges in a new day. And, I have the ultimate respect for the leadership and vision of NBA’s President & CEO, Mark Anderson. 

What does NBA’s vision mean to you? 

First and foremost it recognized the critical value of community in all aspects of mental, physical, spiritual, and communal health.  It also makes clear that its mission is around compassion and care, which implies health and well-being, which differentiates it from other General Ministries.  And I love that it conveys the need for creating ever new and more effective means to improve health and well-being for new generations and new situations.