Jordan Parker

Jordan Parker is the daughter of a minister, the sister of a minister, and the niece of a minister. It’s safe to say that the feel of parsonages and the pulse of sanctuaries are in her DNA.

Born and raised in the Midwest, Jordan spent her early years in Northeast Ohio and Kentucky before graduating from high school in Cincinnati. She attended the School for Creative and Performing Arts, where she majored in Vocal Performance and Musical Theater, before continuing her education at Rutgers University in New Jersey.

After taking time away from her studies, Jordan found her voice in community organizing in New Brunswick, New Jersey. There, she partnered with local non-profits on legislative campaigns and grassroots initiatives, including neighborhood safety projects, a mayoral campaign, and several local elections. During this time, she also served as Youth Minister at Second Reformed Church (RCA), where she led mission trips, helped shape worship, and directed the church’s food pantry.

In 2012, Jordan returned to Cincinnati and resumed her studies at the University of Cincinnati. While there, she served as Director of Faith Formation at Nexus UCC in Hamilton, Ohio—the only Open and Affirming UCC congregation in the area at the time. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2014 with a B.A. in Liberal Arts.

Jordan went on to earn her Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School in New Haven, Connecticut. During her time at YDS, she served as Student Body Vice President (2016–2017) and President (2017–2018),and was a founding member of the Andover Newton Seminary at YDS Student Committee. She was also recognized for her gifts in preaching and public speaking, receiving both the Charles S. Mersick Prize (2017) and the Wolcott Calkins Prize (2018).

Her ministry experience includes serving as Director of Faith Formation at Church of the Redeemer in New Haven (2016–2018) and as Bridge Minister at the Congregational Church of Naugatuck (2018–2020). In April 2020, she began her current role as Minister of Early Life at Asylum Hill Congregational Church.

Jordan remains active in the wider church and academy, serving on the boards of Young Clergy Women International and the Yale Divinity School Alumni Association. She is also a contributor to Grace Poured Out: A Lenten Reflection on Water, Wine, and Oil (Chalice Press, 2016). She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Ministry at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace, focusing on Disability Theology and the creation of more inclusive childrens and youth ministries.

Jordan is married to the Rev. Dr. Ned Allyn Parker, Senior Minister of First Congregational Church (UCC) in Windsor, CT. Together, they live in West Hartford with their three children, Malachi, Titus, and Eowyn.