Reverend Dr. André D. Ivy is a devoted pastor with over two decades of experience providing spiritual leadership, community engagement, and visionary guidance. His mission-oriented approach has impacted congregations and communities across the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. Dr. Ivy is known for his ability to inspire growth, cultivate unity, and foster faith-centered service.

Since May 2015, Dr. Ivy has served as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Marshall Heights in Washington, D.C., where he led the congregation through a period of substantial spiritual and organizational growth. His leadership focused on establishing new ministries that addressed both congregational and community needs. Dr. Ivy’s efforts to forge partnerships with civic and community organizations further amplified the church’s role as a beacon in Washington, D.C.’s Ward 7.

As the newly elected Senior Pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church, Dr. Ivy brings a profound commitment to fostering a spiritually enriched and united congregation. Known for his compassionate pastoral care, Dr. Ivy integrates his experience in social work and counseling to support individuals and families through times of stress, grief, and life transitions. His approach to leadership emphasizes servanthood, rooted in the belief that a leader’s role is to guide others toward a closer relationship with Christ.

A Journey of Faith and Leadership – Dr. Ivy’s path to pastoral leadership began with a strong foundation in education. He holds a Doctor of Ministry with a focus on Preaching and Leadership from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, a Master of Divinity from Virginia Union University, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. His academic background is complemented by a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Lincoln University.

Educator and Mentor – Dr. Ivy has made significant contributions to theological education. From January 2019 to 2023, he served as an Adjunct Faculty member at Missio Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he taught courses to students pursuing Master of Divinity and Master of Counseling degrees. His role as an educator is marked by his commitment to mentoring future leaders in ministry.

Community and Civic Involvement – Dr. Ivy is deeply committed to community service and civic engagement. He serves as a State President of the National Baptist Convention, USA; President of the Baptist Convention of Washington, D.C. and Vicinity; and a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. His passion for mental health advocacy is evident in the numerous workshops and presentations he has conducted, such as “Helping the Church Understand Mental Health” and “The Intersection of Mental Health and the Church.”
Family Life – Dr. Ivy is a devoted husband and father. He and his wife, Ramona, have been married for over two decades, and together, they provide marriage counseling to couples, helping them build strong, Christ-centered relationships. Their daughter, Emilie, is currently in graduate school.

Dr. Ivy, a native Washingtonian, is deeply honored to step into this new chapter with Mount Zion Baptist Church. As Senior Pastor-Elect, he looks forward to a shared journey of faith, growth, and commitment to advancing the Kingdom of God.