Rev. Allen McClendon

With a quarter-century of devoted service in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, Reverend Rev. Allen McClendon has dedicated his life to ministry, leadership, and the power of faith. His whole ministry has been about love. Standing on 1John 4:11 “ if God loved us this much surely we ought to be able to love one another”. Throughout his journey, he has pastored five churches within the Indiana Conference, each one leaving a lasting impact on the community.

Growing up in Indianapolis Rev McClendon was nurtured in the rich traditions of the AME church as a long time member of St. John AME Church. His spiritual journey took` root there at St. John with Rev. Maurice Able being his pastor during much of his formative years. Then under the guidance of Pastor James Daniels, Rev McClendon received his call to the ministry in 1998. After completing high school, he attended Vincennes University and Ball State University, briefly marrying and serving in the military.

Following a period of personal trials, including a divorce, Reverend McClendon found renewed strength in his faith. In 1997, he remarried, and God opened the door for him to pursue higher education. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Ministry. Rev McClendon received his first ordination as an itinerant Deacon and Pastoral appointment in 2000 at Bethel AME Church in Corydon, Indiana. Despite enduring the heartbreaking loss of his wife in a fatal car accident after a worship service, he persevered.

That tragic accident led to a year of reflection, and he heeded the call to serve and was assigned to Lyles Station in Princeton, Indiana, a 2 1/2-hour drive one-way, where he ministered for four transformative years. Subsequent assignments included Bethel in New Castle, St. Paul in Indianapolis, and Allen Temple in Marion, culminating in his current role as the proud pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church in Anderson, Indiana.

In 2003 God blessed Rev. McClendon again as he reconnected with his High school Crush, First Lady Vanessa and they got married. Determined to fulfill his calling, he returned to school to continue pursuing his ministerial education, and concluded his Master of Divinity degree at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2019. Today, Rev McClendon stands proud as the pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church, deeply committed to fostering a spirit of love, community, and faith.

Reverend McClendon has always believed in leaving each church and its congregation in equal or better “standing” than he found it…..a testament to his commitment to community and faith. Central to his spirituality is a profound passion for the Word of God and a deep dedication to family. He treasures his loving wife, First Lady Vanessa, and is a proud father to three children—Cory, Wesley, and Lauren—as well as a cherished uncle to his nephew, Marc Hardy, who Rev McClendon and First Lady Vanessa raised as a son. The two of them are also overjoyed to be the grandparents of four beautiful granddaughters: Elena 5, Sage 3, Malia 2, and Skye 2 months. His large family, including his 7 remaining siblings, are a consistent source of inspiration and joy. Being the 8th out of 9 children, Rev McClendon is a 3rd generation AME.

Rev. McClendon’s guiding principles were instilled by his mother, who taught him resilience through scripture, song, and unwavering faith in prayer. With Psalm 34:4-6 close to his heart, Rev McClendon continues to inspire others, encouraging them to find hope and comfort through their faith. His journey is a living testament that, even through the darkest valleys, the light of God’s love can lead the way.