Bishop Marvin Clyde Zanders, II, Presiding Prelate

The Right Reverend Marvin Clyde Zanders, II is the 140th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.  After his election and consecration on July 10, 2021, in Orlando, Florida, he was assigned to the 16th Episcopal District is made up of seven annual conferences representing fourteen countries in the Caribbean, South America, and Europe.  During his tenure, churches were dedicated, communities impacted, and students received their Master's Degree to fulfill ordination requirements.  Bishop Zanders served as the Chair of the Commission on Seminaries, Universities, Colleges, and Schools.  He also Co-Chaired the Commission of the Department of Retirement Services.  This Orlando, Florida, native was born to the late Marvin C. Zanders and Mrs. Jacquelyn Johnson Bain.  He is a graduate of Edgewater High School, Orlando, Florida.  Bishop Zanders holds a B.A. Degree from Morehouse College, a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center, all in Atlanta, Georgia.  He was awarded the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Edward Waters University, Jacksonville, Florida.

Prior to his election as Bishop, he served the following congregations.  St. Paul AMEC in Mascotte, Florida.  Greater Payne Chapel AMEC in Jacksonville and Mount Olive AMEC in Orlando, Florida.  These churches experienced growth in membership, social and political action, youth and young adult involvement, in addition to supporting women in ministry.  His last pastoral assignment was the prestigious St. Paul AMEC in Jacksonville, Florida.  As the 35th and youngest pastor in the church's storied 150-year history, he led members into new and innovative ministries, expanded facilities, and had strong community outreach.  A committed prayer ministry resulted in many souls being won for the kingdom, strong leadership development, overflowing generosity, and the burning of a $2,500,000 mortgage, three (3) years ahead of schedule.  He served as advisor to the Chairman and 1st Vice-Chairman of AMEC Episcopal Committee for 5 Quadrennials.  He was District Treasurer for the 11th Episcopal District for 30 Years and has served on the General Board of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

On August 28, 2024, at the 52nd Quadrennial Session of the General Conference in Columbus, Ohio, he was assigned to serve the 11th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.  This appointment gives him the leadership oversight for at least 396 congregations, 365 pastors, and 70,758 members across the State of Florida and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.  The Bishop serves in various other capacities, among them are Chairman of the Commission of the Department of Retirement Services of the AMEC.  He is also engaged in social and civic organizations such as Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.  (Theta Phi Chapter), a 32nd Degree Prince Hall Mason-Champion Lodge #2, and Tillman Valentine Consistory #22.

To support the Prelate in ministry is his wife, Supervisor Winifred Houston Zanders, their sons, David Christopher (B.A., University of Missouri, M.S., North Carolina Central University Law School) and Micah Van (A.A., Hinds Community College, B.S., North Carolina Central University, M.S. North Carolina Central University).