Donna J.S Collins

Rev. Dr. Donna Spencer Collins (Mama D) is a truth-teller, survivor, and pastor whose life and ministry embody resilience, grace, and justice. A two-time cancer survivor and disability advocate, she has faced domestic violence, chronic illness, and spiritual disillusionment—and still chooses love.

In the 1980s and 90s, Mama D was immersed in the Health, Wealth, and Prosperity gospel movement during the same era that gave rise to the Moral Majority and the Heritage Foundation. As a living witness to the fusion of religion and politics that fuels today’s Christian nationalism, her testimony speaks with rare authority and urgency.

She has planted churches, pastored UCC congregations across Massachusetts, and founded Phoenix Rising Ministries, a refuge for those burned by religion. Her ministry centers LGBTQ+ inclusion, intergenerational worship, and prophetic courage.

A gifted preacher, musician, and visual artist, Mama D bridges faith and justice through story, song, and action. Her debut book, Thus Says the Lord: NOT THIS! A Faithful Rebuke of Christian Nationalism and Justice for All, is a bold call to conscience in dangerous times.

She holds an Bachelor of Arts from Regis College, Weston Ma and a M.Div. from Andover Newton (at Yale)