EVANSVILLE – HOPKINSVILLE

Reverend Lisa Lewis Balboa
Freeman Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Hopkinsville, Kentucky

Reverend Lisa Balboa is an Ordained Elder in Full Connection with the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church. Reverend Balboa has served in the Pastoral Ministry for 31 years. 

Reverend Lisa Balboa, the current Pastor of the Historic Freeman Chapel CME Church in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, holds a unique position in its 157-year history as the first female to lead the congregation. Her pioneering role extends beyond Freeman Chapel. She has also pastored at Lane Tabernacle, Hopkinsville; Phillips Chapel, Elkton; Sebree Chapel, Trenton; Lane Chapel, Guthrie; and several other churches in Kentucky.

Reverend Lisa Balboa is very active in the life of the CME Church. She serves as the Director of Christian Education for the Evansville-Hopkinsville District. Reverend Balboa is the Dean of Leadership Training School and Chairperson for the Committee on Ministerial Examination for the Kentucky Region Annual Conference. She is a Connectional Officer and has been appointed the Coordinator for the Commission on Concerns of Women in Ministry for the CME Church. She has been recognized as “Pastor of the Year” by the Phillips School of Theology.

Reverend Lisa Balboa’s passion for Ecumenical work and her unwavering belief in the pursuit of Christian Unity are evident in her roles. She is the President of the Christian County Ministerial Association, serves as the Vice Chair for the Kentucky Council of Churches, and has previously chaired the National Workshop on Christian Unity.

Reverend Lisa Balboa’s love for the Hispanic community is reflected in her fluency in Spanish and her establishment of the non-profit organization, HOLA (Helping Our Latin Americans). Her dedication to this cause was recognized when she was invited to attend the Hispanic Breakfast with President Barack Obama.

Reverend Lisa Balboa is a published author whose story appeared in the first edition of “Leading Ladies.” She has her own ministry, #amencorner, and has begun a radio ministry on Sundays at the #amencorner.

Reverend Lisa Balboa graduated from Hopkinsville Community College with an Associate Degree in Early Education. She then matriculated at Austin Peay University, Clarksville, TN. She is also a Graduate of Trevecca Nazarene University, Nashville, TN, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management and Human Resources. She has received an Honorary Doctorate in Christian Education from the LDC Bible Institute.

Reverend Balboa lives in Trenton, Kentucky, the “Big City.” She is the proud mother of one son, Reverend Benjamin Grant Lewis. Her Motto is: “If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living will not be in vain.”