The Church By the Side of the Road (CBSOR) is led by Reverend LaDonna Harris, Senior Pastor. Known as Reverend LaDonna, her leadership is marked by warmth, genuineness, and a deep ability to make people feel welcomed, inspired, and uplifted. Her presence invites trust, her teaching encourages growth, and her ministry consistently reflects the love and grace of Christ.

Before answering the call to pastoral leadership, Reverend LaDonna worshipped and served at Mills Grove Christian Church beginning in 2015. She retired from law enforcement in 2016 after nearly 35 years of distinguished service. During her career, she became the highest-ranking woman of color to serve as a Division Commander in the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office and the second woman to serve as Chief Probation Officer in Alameda County.

Reverend LaDonna earned a Master of Leadership degree from Saint Mary’s College of Moraga and, in 2018, completed her Master of Divinity at the American Baptist Seminary of the West. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at the Berkeley School of Theology.

Her lifelong orientation toward service is foundational to her leadership and ministry. Reverend LaDonna believes the people of God are called to confront social injustice, cultivate safe and thriving communities, and embody Jesus’ gospel of love and grace through both word and action. Central to her theology is the conviction that people are more than their past—and that their potential is unlimited.

A devoted student and teacher of scripture, Reverend LaDonna has a deep love for the bible and for guiding others in faithful study of God’s Word. She facilitates an independent online Wednesday Night Bible Study, where participants engage in contemplative learning, thoughtful reflection, and meaningful dialogue. With the same warmth and genuineness that define her pastoral leadership, she also leads a virtual Bible Study for members of The Church By the Side of the Road, creating sacred space for connection, encouragement, and spiritual growth beyond the walls of the church.

Reverend LaDonna is actively involved in the Northern California–Nevada Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She is also the incoming President of Disciples of Christ Convocation’s Women’s Ministry. She serves on the board of the New Bridge Foundation, which provides inpatient and outpatient addiction recovery and co-occurring disorder treatment, including services for active-duty military personnel and veterans. She also serves on the board of the Healing Center in Rwanda, an organization dedicated to healing the trauma of the Rwandan genocide.

In her personal life, Reverend LaDonna values God and family—including her church family—above all else. A womanist theologian, she lives out the belief that “love one another” is a command, not a suggestion. A daughter of The Church By the Side of the Road, the seed of her ministry was planted at CBSOR, and her personal mission statement continues to guide her life and leadership: “Be a blessing to someone every day.”