Dr. Tara Gay is a native of Chicago, Illinois. Presently, she serves at Big Beaver UMC in Troy, Mi as the senior pastor. She preaches the word of God each Sunday and teaches about the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Pastor Gay believes in making disciples for the transformation of the world.
She is the Vice President of Sacred Sisters, the chairperson of Michigan Conference Nominations Committee and the Chairperson of Black Clergy for the Michigan Conference. Pastor Gay has taught at Indiana Wesleyan Seminary, Ecumenical Theological Seminary and Payne Theological Seminary. She specializes in spiritual formation and leadership. Dr. Gay 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.
Over the years, Dr. Gay 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 chaired the Conference Board of Church and Society. She is also a trained Life Coach.
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 37 years.
Dr. Gay is married to Bryon Gay. She has four children: Christopher, Luke, Zane and Jake. She also has six grandchildren.