Dr. Tara Sutton is a native of Chicago, Illinois, and has completed her Bachelor of Arts at Northwestern University, Master of Divinity at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, and Doctor of Ministry at Ecumenical Theological Seminary.
Over the years, Dr. Sutton has attended General and Jurisdictional Conferences as a delegate. She was a member of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women for 8 years. Also, she has chaired the Conference Board of Church and Society. She is also a trained Life Coach. In addition, she served on the East Winds District Committee on Ordained Ministry and as the facilitator of Zone 4.
Presently, she serves on the Michigan Conference Nominations Committee, the Vice Chairperson for Sacred Sisters in the North Central Jurisdiction and the Chairperson of United Methodist Black Clergy of Michigan.
Pastor Sutton has taught at Indiana Wesleyan Seminary, Ecumenical Theological Seminary and Payne Theological Seminary. She specializes in spiritual formation and leadership. Dr. Sutton has led workshops and seminars that have challenged both clergy and laypersons to be more effective in missions and ministry. During her years in seminary, she served in the United States Air Force as a Chaplain Candidate for Lowry Aire Force Base in Colorado and Scott Air Force Bases in Illinois respectively.
Her spiritual practices include prayer, meditation, and worship which helps to strengthen her faith in God. In addition, she has led several prayer workshops and consistently does personal devotions and prayer time with colleagues on a weekly basis. She is a faithful servant of God, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ for over 36 years.
She has two children: Christopher, who is a graduate of the University of Michigan and resides in Ann Arbor, and Luke, who is a graduate of Central Michigan University and resides in Bellwood, IL.