Pastor Irie Session

Rev. Session is a graduate of Southwestern Christian College and received her Bachelors degree in Social Work from Oklahoma Christian College. In May 2006 she received the Masters of Divinity degree with certification in Black Church Studies from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University. She is the Associate Area Minister for the North Texas area of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Southwest, and an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

During her seminary career she held positions in the following organizations: The Black Seminarians Union, where she has served as Chaplain, President Elect, and President; and The Brite Student Government where she served as Vice Moderator. In 2004 the Interim Dean and The Brite Student Government selected Irie as the 2004-2005-student representative for the Student Life and Continuing Education Committee.

Irie was also the recipient of several prestigious awards for her academic and ministerial achievements while a student at Brite. In 2004 she received a Book Award for History of Christian Theology and the Thomas Excellence Award for Excellence in Christian Ministry. In 2005, she received a Book Award in Practical Theology for her work in Parish Ministry, and in 2006 she received the Student Pastoral Ministry Award. In 2009 Irie received the Distinguished Ministers Award for Innovative Ministry from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University and the Urban League of Greater Dallas honored her with the Legacy Torch Award for outstanding ministry and service in Dallas, Texas.

Her ministry involvement includes present employment (since May 2003) with New Friends/New Life; a faith based not for profit organization that helps women leave sexually-oriented businesses. At New Friends New Life, Irie provides pastoral care, referral services, support group facilitation, a weekly Bible study, and advocacy to former sex workers, exotic dancers and women with histories of sexual abuse, substance abuse and domestic violence.

Previous employment includes being a Social Worker & Adolescent Program Coordinator for Bryan’s House; a non-profit community based organization-serving children, youth, and families impacted by HIV/AIDS. From December 1994 through December 2002, Irie developed innovative programs for youth and adults, facilitated support groups, provided outreach and HIV/AIDS education to schools, churches and other community organizations. She also served as a mentor, role model, counselor and friend to the families she served.

Irie’s employment history also includes being both a Senior Parole Officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice from 1987 to 1993, and an Investigator for Child Protective Services from 1993 to 1994.

In 1997, Irie was elected as an "Outstanding Young Woman in America." She has also been featured on several local television and radio stations speaking on issues of Sexual Abuse and HIV/AIDS in the African-American community. In May 2004, she participated in the World Vision/Hope Tour in Dallas, Texas with renowned speaker, author, and Aids Advocate, Max Lucado, where she discussed the “Local Response to HIV/AIDS and It’s Impact on Women and Children.”

In October 2004, Irie was a speaker at the National Urban Ministry Conference in New York City, where she spoke on “Ministering to Women at Risk.” In November 2004, she was a presenter at the American Academy of Religion/Society for Biblical Literacy Annual Conference. During the Tenth Annual Consultation of The Womanist Approaches to Religion and Society Group Meeting-which occurs during the AAR, Irie was invited to speak on the topic, “Womanish Mentoring: An Intergenerational Conversation. Most recently, Irie was a guest lecturer at the annual Pepperdine Lectures in Malibu California, where she presented on the topic “Theological and Ethical Implications for Ministering to Wounded Women.”

Irie was recently invited to serve on the 2009 Planning Committee of the Stone-Campbell Dialogue Committee commissioned by the Disciples Historical Society to discuss and implement strategies for the 2009 "Great Communion" service between the three streams of the Stone-Campbell Movement—Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Churches of Christ, and The Christian Church-Churches of Christ.
As a teacher, preacher, author and lecturer, Irie believes her divinely ordained purpose is to equip the saints for the work of ministry and to use her spiritual gifts to serve others.

She has been a Christian since the age of twelve and actively involved in various ministries in the Church. In April 2005, she became affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and served as the Assistant Pastor for Destiny Worship Center Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). In October 2006 was led to plant New Life Christian Church in Dallas, Texas, where she presently serves as Senior Pastor.
Pastor Session is the adoring single mother of India Liana Session who she describes as one of the greatest joys of her life.

Irie is pursuing the Doctor of Ministry degree in Transformative Leadership and Prophetic Preaching from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in Rochester, New York.

Pastor Irie Session's 2010 Itinerary