Pastor's Bio

Aaron smallReverend Dr. Aaron B. Wade is a native of Chicago, IL. During the early stages of his life, he learned that having a relationship with God was essential to realizing his destiny. With few immediate role models, Rev. Wade turned to historical icons such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose work in social justice and theology inspired and motivated him to pursue his goals.

Rev. Dr. Wade received his Bachelor of Art degree in Public Policy and Psychology from DePaul University while also working tirelessly with numerous change organizations. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Howard University School of Divinity where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. While at Howard, Rev. Wade was awarded the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Sr. Memorial Scholarship and the Brown Scholarship from the United Church of Christ. Upon graduation, Rev. Wade received the distinction of “New Testament Biblical Scholar” from the Howard University School of Divinity. Completing his MDiv., Rev. Wade wrote his thesis entitled,The Overlooked Significance of the Death of Jesus Christ. Rev. Wade earned his Doctorate of Ministry degree from Chicago Theology Seminary in 2016, having completed and published his writing, Preaching that Empowers Congregations to be Catalyst of Change in the Community.

Rev. Dr. Wade gained his spiritual foundation, support, and theological development through the church which led him to the call as Founding and Senior Pastor of The Community Church of Washington, DC - United Church of Christ. Principles of love, community, and compassion for ALL of God’s children are the pillars of Rev. Wade’s core values. These tenets are the foundation upon which ‘The Community Church’ stands.  In Washington, DC, Rev. Wade served as Young Adult Minister at Berean Baptist Church and the Minister to Young Adults at Covenant Baptist Church; where he was licensed and ordained.

Rev. Dr. Wade’s passion to serve God and minister to God’s people has led him to speak and preach in churches and universities across the nation. He advances his message of love, hope, and community empowerment through his companies, Empowerment Enterprise Group, LLC and Empowerment Enterprise II, Inc. These organizations are the extension of his vision to empower communities and facilitate change in the world by helping to “empower people to change their communities.” 

Rev. Dr. Wade is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and serves as Co-Chair for New Church Development Committee in the Central Atlantic Conference of the United Church of Christ.Additionally, Rev. Wade created a conference for inclusive church pastors and leaders known as the Inclusive Church Conference (ICC). The ICC sets out to equip, support and connect inclusive church pastors and leaders to resources and networks nationally. In an effort to eradicate social ills in the DC metropolitan area, Rev. Wade created "Churches on The Frontline" a collaboration of churches in DC metropolitan area that commits to being on the frontline in responding to social equality for LGBTQA individuals.

Rev. Dr. Wade is a proud resident of Washington, DC.