HER STORY

Rev. Lesley Newman-Adams is a devoted servant of God and a Commissioned Elder in the United Methodist Church. She currently serves as the Pastor of St. Matthews United Methodist Church – Shady Side in Shady Side, Maryland, where she has the honor of being the 34th appointed leader to walk alongside this historic congregation in faith and service.

Prior to her current appointment, Rev. Newman-Adams faithfully shepherded congregations at Corkran Memorial UMC in Temple Hills and Mt. Zion UMC – Eastport in Annapolis. Across every ministry setting, she has witnessed the undeniable hand of God, experiencing His grace, mercy, and abundant provision in transformative ways.

A native Washingtonian and a proud preacher’s kid, Rev. Newman-Adams was raised in a family deeply rooted in ministry, with both of her parents serving as pastors.

She graduated from Potomac High School in Prince George’s County before earning her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Sociology from McDaniel College. She later pursued her calling through obtaining a Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary, where she was also recognized as an Urban Ministry Fellow.

In addition to her pastoral ministry, Rev. Newman-Adams serves full-time as a Program Manager for the Department of Human Services in Washington, D.C. She is passionately committed to the holistic well-being of all people, with a particular heart for women and girls. This passion led her to establish W.A.R. (Women Anointed for Righteousness), a ministry dedicated to guiding women toward their God-given purpose and empowering them to live boldly and faithfully.

Beyond the pulpit, Rev. Newman-Adams is a lover of good music, meaningful movies, and the occasional indulgence in a delicious cupcake. She finds her greatest joy in her family and is blessed to share life with her loving husband, Matthew Adams, and their two beautiful daughters, Nadia and Kairo.

Affectionately known as Pastor Lesley, she remains steadfast in her mission to lead, love, and inspire—ushering others into lives of purpose, transformation, and audacious faith.