Pastor Ella Clay

Member
Community Advisory Council

Pastor Ella Clay serves as Pastor at Historic First Community Church and Founder and Executive Director of the non-profit, Healing Minds and Souls, a faith-based community dedicated to healing trauma through educational classes, resources, and fostering wholeness. Pastor Clay has been a guide for individuals and communities facing trauma, both immediate and generational, helping them find ways to cope and navigate life’s challenges. Currently, Pastor Clay also serves on Nashville Thrives Policy Action Team, Healing Trust Foundation Executive Peer Circle Cohort, and the Feedback Nashville Steering Committee.

Pastor Clay holds a bachelor's degree from American Baptist College, graduated summa cum laude and served as president for her class. She later earned a master's degree in theological studies from Vanderbilt University Divinity School and served as treasurer for Vanderbilt Black Seminarians.