Meet our Staff
Pastor Paul Andell, Lead Pastor
Pastor Paul Andell, Lead pastor at St. James, was first called to the church as a Gettysburg Seminary graduate in 1972. For the next 39 years, he served this large congregation, first as Assistant Pastor, and then, for 36 years as Pastor. Under his leadership, St. James developed a preschool and many faith-enhancing ministries including Stephen’s Ministry. St. James became a more inclusive community church as well and was the largest Lutheran church in Philadelphia, with 5 weekly services, in 2011. The pastor was always active in civic affairs. Pastor Paul relocated to the Midwest and was an Associate Pastor at Morningside Lutheran in Sioux City, Iowa from 2012 – 2018 where he did pastoral/outreach ministry. In 2018, he became Lead pastor of Hawley Lutheran, Hawley, Minnesota, a position he held until returning to St. James as redevelopment pastor in March of 2020.
A native of Rhode Island, and the son of a Lutheran pastor, Pastor Paul grew up in Miami, Florida. He married the beautiful, Pamela, in 1972, and together they raised 3 sons and a daughter. The Andells have a lake home in northern Minnesota. A people-connecting person, the pastor Loves ministry, Jesus, his family, and his heritage. With Pamela, he has travelled the world.
Reverend Clarence W. Miller, Jr., Supporting Pastor
Pastor Miller was born and raised in the Frankford area of Philadelphia and received his education in the Philadelphia School system. He was ordained a deacon of 2nd Baptist Church of Frankford in 1993 and has served as the Director Youth Ministries, Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Director, Adult Bible Study, Christian Growth Instructor, Ministry Leader of the Evangelism Ministry and the Drama Ministry. He received his religious training from Manna Bible Institute graduating in 2000 and is a proud graduate of Palmer Theological Seminary with a diploma in Biblical and Theological Studies. He received his Certificate of Ordination into the Gospel Ministry in July of 2001 at the Second Baptist Church.
Pastor Miller’s community involvement through the years, includes being: President and coach of the Frankford Chargers Athletic Association, Cub Scout Master for pack 366, Block Captain, Baseball coach, and Basketball coach. He retired from the Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia after 30 years of service as the Director of the Northeast Frankford Boys & Girls on January 27, 2017. Since June of 2020 he has serviced as support pastor in preaching and as Adult Bible teacher at St. James Lutheran church.
He has been married for 44 years to the beautiful Ava J. Miller. God has blessed this union with three sons: Aaron, Eric and Clarence the III. They are the proud grandparents of five grandsons: Eric Jr, Cai, Eli, Clarence IV and Xavier.
Pastor Sarah Floyd, Intern Pastor
Sarah was raised in California at Trinity Lutheran San Pedro where she was impacted by Lutheran Renewal and the Jesus Movement, which brought countless people back to church. She witnessed creative media being used as a ministry tool and soon she, and many in her extended family, became active in ministry and creative arts. Sarah felt a call to work in ministry using the arts, so she completed a B.A. in Communications: TV Production plus a B.S.in Psychology. She chose a Lutheran University so she could also receive a concentration in Theology while being active in youth music ministry work. After graduating from Valparaiso University, she spent the first decade of her career working in television, much of that time at Universal Studios. She met her husband Mark, who she married at age 24, while both were working in live multi-camera production for work and for church. Together they have Laura (22) and Matthew (18). While raising children, Sarah moved into the field of geriatric social work but continued to do significant church ministry. She will graduate in May of 2023 with her Master of Divinity from Palmer Theological Seminary at Eastern with a concentration in Lutheran Studies from Gordon Conwell.
In August of 2022 Sarah was called and ordained to the ministry of word and sacrament, as a contract pastor, to serve at St. James Lutheran in Philadelphia. She brings to her pastoral calling significant experience in media production, congregational, youth, and family ministry, as well as social work. Sarah is passionate about strengthening the relationship network between congregations by providing resources to create non-traditional ways of working, worshiping, and growing in Christ together.
Contact Info: sarah.stjameschurchphila@gmail.com
Karima Keel, Preschool Teacher
Hi, my name is Karima Keel and I am the preschool teacher at Saint James Church. I have 20 years of experience with early child development, behavior support and mindfulness. Prior to Saint James I spent, 9 years at Wissahickon Charter School as behavioral support leader. I am happily married with two children and in my free time I enjoy crafting. Fun fact, I was married on November 11,2020 at Saint James Church.