Meet Gladys Nwabah
Reverend Gladys Nwabah is a remarkable cleric, scholar, and author whose multi-decade career spans the intersection of higher education, pastoral ministry, and global leadership. Driven by a lifelong commitment to faith, mentorship, and community empowerment, she has dedicated her life to equipping others with the intellectual and spiritual tools needed to lead with excellence.
An Academic Journey
Before answering her call to ministry, Reverend Nwabah spent three and a half decades as a dedicated economist and management educator. She has shared her expertise with high school, college, and university students across both the United States and Nigeria.
As a textbook author and contributor to scholarly journals, her writings have advanced the fields of economics, management, and women’s development in Africa. Her profound commitment to learning is reflected in her impressive collection of advanced degrees from institutions including:
Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX)
The University of Phoenix (Phoenix, AZ)
Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce, TX)
University of Nigeria (Nsukka, Nigeria)
Transition to Ministry
While serving as a professor of economics at Colorado Technical University, Reverend Nwabah experienced a profound call to ministry. Embracing this new chapter, she earned a fifth advanced degree, a Master of Theology from the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.
Following her ordination and installation in 2012, she stepped into impactful transitional and permanent pastoral roles. Her pastoral journey includes:
Transitional Pastor, Christ Lutheran Church (IN) — Current
Transitional Pastoral Ministry, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (IN)
Solo Pastor & Head of Staff, Memorial Presbyterian Church (IN)
Associate Pastor, First Presbyterian Church (TX)
Volunteer Pastor, Presbyterian Church of Nigeria
At the heart of her pastoral endeavors lies a deep love for mission, worship, and congregational care. She is particularly passionate about discipleship, preaching, marriage coaching, and empowering women and youth through training.
Global Leadership & Legacy
Reverend Nwabah’s leadership extends from local communities to international boards. Nationally, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s Board of Pensions and as a council member for the Presbytery of Wabash Valley. Locally, she has served on the board of the Lafayette Urban Ministry. Globally, she serves as the board chair for both the Mary Slessor School (Enugu) and the Maranatha Group of Schools (Ngwo).
As the founder of Daughters of Sarah Ministry Inc. in Dallas, Texas, a 501 (c)(3) organization, she has established a lasting legacy dedicated to the spiritual mentorship and professional development of women, empowering them to positively impact their families and communities for generations.
Honors and Recognitions
Throughout her distinguished career, Reverend Nwabah has been recognized repeatedly for her civic, academic, and spiritual contributions:
Lafayette Distinguished Women Leader Award (2021) – Presented by State Rep. Sheila J. Klinker
Recognition of Impactful Ministry – Awarded by NAACP President Sadie B. Harper-Scott
Mother of the Year – St. Andrews Presbyterian Church
Youth Builder Award – East Central Synod PYPAN (Presbyterian Church of Nigeria)
Texas Youth at Heart Award
Professor of the Year Nominee – Colorado Technical University
Coca-Cola Excellent AP Economics Teacher Award