Rev. Laura Steele

Rev. Laura Quackenbush-Steele is a fully ordained Elder in the United Methodist denomination. After twenty years of volunteer and leadership roles in youth ministry programs within the United Methodist Church, she began working as the Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries for Del Ray UMC in Alexandria, VA.  While in that role, Laura discerned the call to full-time ministry. Her passion is in moving God’s mission forward in the world. She has served as Associate Pastor at Bridgewater UMC, and Senior Pastor at East Millstone UMC, Mt. Zion UMC and Hopewell UMC respectively.

In addition to parish leadership, Laura serves as Chair of the Greater New Jersey Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry, where she works to support emerging leaders, educational access, and innovative ministry across the region.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from Centenary University (magma cum laude), a Master of Divinity degree from Drew Theological School (Mead Hall Study Circle Prize, Robert Jehu Bull Prize in Church History, J. Newton Davies Greek New Testament Prize) she is currently a Doctoral candidate at Wesley Theological Seminary with a focus on leadership and ministry in a rapidly changing world. She is also a certified Christian Yoga instructor.

Whether in the church, the community, or the boardroom, Laura believes leadership is ultimately about helping people discover hope, embrace possibility, and work together to create a future that reflects their highest values.

Pastor Laura has a heart for children, youth, and family ministries, as well as an eagerness for curating community through the arts.  She is a Girl Scout Troop leader and certified Christian Yoga instructor. Pastor Laura has three children, Juliet, Lucas and Harper (deceased). Their family also includes two dogs: Jingerbread and Hugo. Her hobbies include: kayaking and yoga.