Meet James!

Hey there, my friends!

I’m Rev. James Admans (they/them), also known as Rev. Marge Erin Johnson (she/her), and my journey has been a winding and enriching path through spiritual leadership, entrepreneurship, writing, and the creative arts. I currently have the privilege of serving as the Pastor at the Church of Christ, Congregational in Millis, Massachusetts.

My call to ministry has been with me since childhood and has been a persistent and guiding force in my life. Originally from Connecticut, my academic journey led me to earning degrees in Anthropology at Southern Connecticut State University and Forensic Anthropology at Boston University School of Medicine.

After much reflection and feeling the need to pursue a vocation where I could make a greater impact, I attended Union Theological Seminary in New York City, where I earned a Master of Divinity degree. At Union, I immersed myself in Biblical studies, social ethics, and queer theology, diving deep into how faith can inspire meaningful societal change. I wrote my M.Div. thesis about the Wh*re of Babylon in the Book of Revelation 17-19, exploring various queer & trans hermeneutics and frameworks for transformative justice. During my final year, I was honored to receive the Malcolm Boyd Veritas Award, which recognized my advocacy for social justice, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community.

I previously served as the Digital Minister and Seminary Intern at Fort Washington Collegiate Church in New York City, where I explored new ways to connect faith communities online and foster spiritual growth in a digital space. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked as the Staff and Volunteer Coordinator for a vaccination site that successfully administered over 6,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. This role allowed me to witness the power of community collaboration and resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges.

One of my proudest accomplishments is the anthology Beyond Worship: Meditations on Queer Worship, Liturgy, & Theology, which I compiled and edited. This work was a true labor of love, bringing together thirty-three queer and transgender theologians from various faith traditions to contribute their perspectives to religious thought. The anthology was recognized with a 2023 Independent Publishers Bronze Medal, affirming the importance of amplifying queer voices within theology and worship practices.

In addition to my work within the United Church of Christ, I am widely known for my vibrant drag ministry. As Marge Erin Johnson, I use drag as a creative and joyful expression of faith, embodying a message of radical love, justice, and inclusivity. Through this ministry, I have been able to challenge traditional norms, spark meaningful conversations, and celebrate the diversity of God's creation in ways that resonate deeply with people of all backgrounds.

Through every chapter of my life—from my academic studies to my pastoral work, from editing groundbreaking theological works to expressing faith through drag—I remain committed to building a world that reflects God’s boundless love and justice. It is my joy to walk alongside others on their spiritual journeys, encouraging them to live boldly and authentically in their faith and identity.