Rev. Erica Lea-Simka currently serves as pastor of Albuquerque Mennonite Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Before coming to AMC, Pastor Erica served as Pastor in Residence at the historic Calvary Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. , Interim Pastor of Houston Mennonite Church, Pastoral Intern of Lake Shore Baptist Church, Pastoral Associate of Pastoral Care of DaySpring Baptist Church, and other congregational ministry experiences including supply preaching at Baptist, Mennonite, Methodist, Metropolitan Community Church, & United Church of Christ congregations.

Pastor Erica has experience in pastoral care, hospital visitation, leading contemplative prayer, designing and leading Bible studies, preaching,  retreat planning and leading,  inter-generational ministry, event planning, children, youth, young adult, and family ministries, 1-on-1 spiritual guidance,  creative worship leadership, interfaith outreach, and more. She is also a certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator.

Her favorite parts of pastoring include pastoral care and working with individuals and families during life cycle events: baby visits/dedications, baptisms, funerals, weddings. She also enjoys bringing creative flair to church administration and worship planning.

“One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.” -Psalm 27:4