Pastor Amaris Ross-Hillard has been preaching the Gospel for over 22 years with clarity, conviction, and compassion. Called to make the love of Christ visible in everyday life, she ministers with both prophetic depth and practical wisdom.

She accepted Christ at age seven at Pleasant Zion Missionary Baptist Church in New Orleans. In 2005, she became the first woman licensed to preach in the church’s 98-year history under Pastor Kenneth E. Thompson. She was ordained as an Elder in 2012 at Changing A Generation FGBC under Bishop Edward Pierce III.

Pastor Amaris is a graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana with a B.S. in Biology (Pre-Med). Her career spans over two decades in fashion, operations, and DEI strategy, with a unique ability to merge ministry with marketplace influence.

In 2014, she co-founded Faith Movers Church in New Orleans with her husband and best friend, Overseer Justin Ross-Hillard. During the pandemic, the ministry blended with New Genesis Bible Church to form Yahweh’s House—a thriving, multi-generational worship community.

Now based in Gastonia, NC, Pastor Amaris serves as both the Leading Lady and Executive Pastor of Friendship Christian Church, where she partners in ministry with Overseer Justin. In June 2025, they celebrated 15 years of marriage—marked by joy, partnership, and purpose—and are raising three wonderful children: Justin II, Payton Marie, and Harper Grace.

She leads the G.L.O.W. (Godly Ladies Owning our Worth) Women’s Ministry at FCC, including the Women’s Study Hall and other transformative gatherings. Pastor Am is also the founder of So GraceFULL Ministries, host of SONrise with Pastor Am and Grace on a Wednesday, and creator of the SOAR Mentorship Academy.

She lives and leads by John 10:10—“I have come that you might have life, and have it more abundantly.”