About Rev. Dr. Karen Blacks
Serves as Senior Pastor of Second Baptist Church in Poughkeepsie, New York. A gifted preacher, teacher, and pastor, Dr. Blacks is known for proclaiming biblically grounded, theologically rich messages that connect Scripture to the realities of everyday life. Her ministry is marked by a commitment to spiritual formation, social justice, community engagement, and empowering people to live faithfully and purposefully.
Dr. Blacks brings more than a decade of ministry leadership experience in Baptist, Methodist, and non-denominational settings. Prior to her call to Second Baptist Church, she served in a variety of ministerial roles, including Associate Minister at Antioch Baptist Church in Bedford Hills, New York, and Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Wappingers Falls, New York. Throughout her ministry, she has provided leadership in preaching, teaching, worship, discipleship, women's ministry, pastoral care, youth ministry, and digital outreach.
A thoughtful scholar and lifelong learner, Dr. Blacks earned the Doctor of Ministry and Master of Divinity degrees from New York Theological Seminary. Her preaching reflects a deep love for Scripture, a liberation-centered theological perspective, and a passion for helping congregations encounter God's presence, power, and purpose in transformative ways.
Beyond the local church, Dr. Blacks is the founder of Women of God in the World, a global online faith community connecting thousands of women across the United States and abroad. She serves on the Board of the Women's Empowerment Forum in Liberia, West Africa, and is actively engaged in civic and community organizations throughout the Hudson Valley and Westchester regions.
An honorably discharged veteran of the United States Army, Dr. Blacks brings a spirit of discipline, service, and compassion to every aspect of ministry. Whether preaching, teaching, facilitating workshops, or speaking at conferences, she seeks to encourage, challenge, and inspire people to grow deeper in faith and more fully embrace God's call upon their lives.
In her book, Experiencing God in the Ordinary: Reflections on the Closeness of God, Dr. Blacks helps readers notice how God shows up in everyday life. Through short reflections and guided questions, the book invites readers to reflect, write, and recognize God’s presence in moments often overlooked. Dr. Blacks is passionate about creating spaces where people can encounter God spiritually and authentically.
She is the mother of one adult son, Julian, daughter-in-love Anjelica, and proud Grammie to baby girl Noelle.
Experiencing God's Love, Igniting Hope, and Empowering Lives
On a personal note... I really enjoy participating in activities that inspire and encourage people to become the best version of themselves. Life is a journey that provides each of us with a unique path that leads to wholeness, fulfillment, and overall joyful living. Whether speaking, teaching, writing, or otherwise engaged with people, the message and method is the same, to lend support, encouragement, and compassion to each person I meet. There is a light and gift from God within each of us. It is my hope that each person would discover their gift and purpose.
