From birth to the episcopacy, every major chapter of Bishop Marvin C. Zanders II’s journey traces back to Orlando.
By Johnoy J. Davis, TCR Intern
ORLANDO, FL. Worship, celebration, and gratitude filled the sanctuary as clergy and laity from across the African Methodist Episcopal Church gathered to celebrate the investiture of Bishop Marvin C. Zanders II as Chairman of the Council of Bishops.
Even before the service began, an atmosphere of expectation settled over the room. Recorded anthems of praise played softly throughout the sanctuary as worshippers exchanged greetings and embraced longtime friends before taking their seats for this historic evening. Purple and blue lighting illuminated the stage while church leaders, elected officials, family members, and supporters gathered to witness a milestone in the life of a Bishop whose journey has remained deeply connected to the city of Orlando.
The significance of the occasion was woven throughout the service. Orlando is where Bishop Zanders was born, raised, educated, called to ministry, married, elected, and consecrated as the 140th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and now where he has been invested as President of the Council of Bishops.
The service commenced with a processional to “He Reigns,” followed by the Doxology and Call to Worship, led by the Reverend Dr. Michael B. Price, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Tallahassee, Florida. The congregation then joined in singing ‘O Thou in Whose Presence’, led by Brother John Love, President of the Eleventh Episcopal District Lay Organization.
The spirit of worship intensified as the Eleventh Episcopal District’s 200 Voice Mass Choir offered a stirring rendition of Richard Smallwood’s Total Praise. The familiar lyrics filled the sanctuary as worshippers rose to their feet and lifted their hands in adoration. Brother Gentle Hamilton, MCAM Director of the Eleventh Episcopal District, then led the congregation in singing “Hallelujah” as voices united in praise. Accompanied by clapping hands and joyful expressions of worship, the chorus “You Don’t Know Like I Know” echoed throughout the room, creating an atmosphere that was both celebratory and deeply spiritual.
Prayer was offered by the Reverend Valerie J. Walker, Presiding Elder of the North Orlando District. Her prayer was moving, powerful, and poetic, invoking the presence of the Holy Spirit and preparing hearts for the evening ahead.
The worship experience continued with Gospel recording artist Brian Courtney Wilson, whose ministry in song proved to be one of the evening’s highlights. Beginning with “Oh It Is Jesus,” Wilson engaged the congregation with warmth and authenticity before moving into “Worth Fighting For,” creating a spontaneous moment of praise that resonated throughout the sanctuary.
Reverend Jimmy J. Thompson, Presiding Elder of the Lakeland District, gave the congregation a trip down memory lane, highlighting significant moments in the life of Bishop Zanders. Rather than simply recounting Bishop Zanders’ accomplishments, Thompson invited the congregation into his story.
With each milestone, he paused before declaring where it occurred.
“Born in Orlando.”
“In Orlando,” the congregation responded.
“Raised in Orlando.”
“In Orlando.”
“Went to school in Orlando.”
“In Orlando.”
“Accepted the call to preach in Orlando.”
“In Orlando.”
“Pastored in Orlando.”
“In Orlando.”
“Elected and consecrated Bishop in Orlando.”
“In Orlando.”
What began as a presentation quickly became a testimony. The congregation was reminded that they were not simply celebrating a Bishop’s elevation, but witnessing God’s continued faithfulness in the life of a son of Orlando.
Scripture was read from Isaiah 41:8-10 by Sister Laurentine King, President of the Eleventh Episcopal District Women’s Missionary Society. The passage’s promise of God’s strength, help and sustaining presence served as a fitting backdrop for the evening’s celebration.
Congratulatory greetings followed from civic, educational and ecclesiastical leaders, including The City of Orlando’s Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Orange County Clerk of Courts Tiffany Moore Russell, State Representative Rashawn Young, Senator Navonne Bracy Davis, Dr. A. Zachary Faison and Senior Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah. Collectively, they reflected on Bishop Zanders’ servant leadership, commitment to community engagement and faithful stewardship of the responsibilities entrusted to him.
Particularly impactful were remarks acknowledging the challenges facing society today. Representative Young noted that many senior citizens are increasingly forced to choose between meals and medication. Yet he affirmed his confidence in God, reminding the congregation that the same God who delivered David, Daniel and the three Hebrew boys remains able to deliver His people today.
During the offering, the Reverend Dr. David W. Green Sr. encouraged worshippers to give sacrificially, challenging those who were able to sow a gift of $100.
A particularly meaningful moment followed as the First Episcopal District presented a financial seed on behalf of Bishop Samuel L. Green Sr. and Supervisor Phyllis Nadine Green to Bishop Marvin C. Zanders II and Supervisor Winifred H. Zanders. The presentation served as a visible demonstration of the love, support, and unity shared throughout the Connection. The Reverend Dr. Ronald Slaughter reminded the congregation that “every opportunity to give is an opportunity to be blessed.” The worship in giving continued as the 200 Voice Mass Choir returned to render “God Keeps His Promises,” a selection that underscored one of the evening’s central themes: God’s faithfulness through every season of life and ministry.
The preacher of the hour, the Right Reverend Samuel L. Green Sr., 125th Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District, was introduced by his brother, the Reverend Henry E. Green Jr.
Before preaching, Bishop Green shared a deeply personal testimony. Fighting through his emotions, he recalled hearing Dr. Adam Richardson preach a sermon titled “I Believe in Florida” in 1978. At the time, he had been struggling with feelings of inadequacy due to a speech impediment. Yet the message convinced him that God could use him despite his limitations. It was that day, he shared, that he accepted his call to preach.
Drawing from Genesis 8:8-12, Bishop Green delivered a message entitled “I Am Not Coming Back.” Using Noah’s dove as a metaphor, he challenged believers not to return to places from which God had already delivered them.
“Birds were not created to sail on boats,” he declared.
Throughout the sermon, he repeatedly emphasized the connection between praise and victory.
“Your victory is connected to your praise,” he proclaimed.
Moments later, he offered another memorable declaration that sent waves of affirmation through the sanctuary.
“If you can T-H-I-N-K, that ought to push you to T-H-A-N-K.”
As the message reached its climax, Bishop Green reminded worshippers that God’s grace had sustained them through every trial, setback, and storm.
“In spite of what you had to go through, you survived the storm.”
The declaration prompted the congregation to clap and shout praise, and served as a fitting conclusion to an evening centered on God’s faithfulness.
Following the benediction, attendees transitioned to a special reception held in honor of Bishop Marvin C. Zanders II’s investiture. There, clergy and laity joined elected officials, family members, friends and supporters in fellowship and celebration.
The reception provided a fitting conclusion to an evening marked by worship, gratitude and celebration. From the opening notes of praise rendered by the 200 Voice Mass Choir to the final moments of fellowship, the recurring theme remained unmistakable: God’s hand had guided Bishop Zanders to this place, and it was evident that he would be with him all the way.
As worshippers departed, it was clear they had experienced more than an investiture. They had celebrated a testimony, from childhood to calling, from pastor to bishop, and now to Chairman of the Council of Bishops. Bishop Marvin C. Zanders II’s story reminds us that if we remain faithful to God, he will perfect all that concerns us.
