Rev. Dr. Troy Lynn Carr
Biography
Rev. Dr. Troy Lynn Carr is a highly accomplished United Methodist elder, pastor, and cross-cultural leadership specialist whose ministry is deeply rooted in the call to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” (Malachi 6:8).
Leadership and Service
Dr. Carr is the first woman and the first person of color to be appointed Senior Pastor at Gresham-First United Methodist Church in Gresham, Oregon. In addition to her pastoral duties, she demonstrates a strong commitment to local community welfare as a member of the Board of Directors for SnowCap Community Services. She previously provided vital leadership as the Senior Cross-Racial, Cross-Cultural Leadership and Partnership Specialist with the United Methodist General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) in Washington, DC.
She is an elder in Full Connection in the Pacific Northwest Conference (PNW UMC) and holds
significant leadership roles across the Greater Northwest Area and Western Jurisdiction:
Chair of the PNW UMC Commission on Ethnic Ministries.
Vice-Chair of the Western Jurisdiction Interethnic Coordinating Committee.
Equity Facilitator for the Greater Northwest Area of the UMC.
In 2026, she will join the Columbia/Sage Superintendency team in the Oregon-Idaho
Conference.
Education and Professional Experience
Dr. Carr is a double alumnus of Seattle University, earning a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral
Leadership and a Master of Nonprofit Leadership. She holds a Master of Divinity from Lutheran
Theological Seminary Gettysburg (United Seminary) and a Bachelor of Science in Social Work
from Roberts Wesleyan College (Roberts Wesleyan University). She is also board-eligible after
completing five units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), including a residency at Riverside
Hospital in Newport News, VA.
A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. Carr’s ministry formation began in the African
Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. She is an active member of the Pi Alpha Zeta Chapter of
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. She and her mother, Brenda Sparrow-Wilson, enjoy
exploring the natural beauty of the Oregon Coast and mountains.