"This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” — and I am the worst of them. But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life." - 1 Timothy 1: 15-16
Sarita T. Lyons, JD, PhD
Dr. Sarita Lyons, affectionately called “Dr. Sarita,” is a wife, mother, speaker, bible teacher, and psychotherapist. She is on staff at Epiphany Fellowship Church in Philadelphia as the Director of Discipleship and Women’s Ministry. Prior to full time ministry, Dr. Lyons was in private practice for eight years, where she provided counseling for individuals, families, couples, and groups for a variety of psychological needs. Some of her treatment specialties are recovery from trauma, depression, anxiety, marriage and family therapy. She also specializes in counseling and consultation for church leadership and their families for personal and ministry related needs. Dr. Lyons speaks, writes, and advocates about the intersections of faith, mental health, and justice; as well as women’s issues in and outside of the church. Most importantly, Dr. Lyons is called to unashamedly preach the unadulterated Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Dr. Lyons is passionate about the emotional and spiritual health of the Church, making disciples, and developing leaders. She deeply cares about the Church being stabilized in Christ amidst the changing tides and influence of culture. She is a highly sought-after speaker and consultant for churches, women's groups, organizations, and educational institutions around the country.
Dr. Lyons is a contributing writer for the multi-award winning book, Urban Apologetics: How the Gospel Restores Black Dignity, General Editor, Dr. Eric Mason. In her chapter she writes about, “Black Women and The Appeal of The Black Conscious Community and Feminism.” She also contributed two chapters in the second Urban Apologetics book (2023) on the LBGTQ+ movement and church response and a biblical apologetic for gender, sex, and marriage. Dr. Lyons' first book titled "Church Girl: A Gospel Vision to Encourage and Challenge Black Christian Women" is scheduled to be released on August 20, 2024 and is available for pre-order now at these select retailers.
A native of Philadelphia and a product of the Philadelphia Public School System, Dr. Lyons is a proud graduate from an HBCU, Florida A&M University, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Psychology. In graduate school, Dr. Lyons simultaneously studied law and psychology at one of the country's rare joint JD/PhD programs. She graduated from Villanova University School of Law, and earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and a Ph.D. in Clinical and Forensic Psychology from Drexel University. She also taught as an adjunct professor at Drexel University’s College of Medicine.
Dr. Lyons is married to Pastor Mark Lyons who is a bi-vocational elder at Epiphany Fellowship Church, a commercial airline pilot (Captain) for JetBlue Airways, and a retired Lt. Colonel from the United States Air Force. They are the parents of four wonderful children Malachi, Sophia, Olivia, and Gabriella.
“Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.” - Proverbs 14:1
