The Right Reverend Marvin Clyde Zanders, II
President, Council of Bishops, African Methodist Episcopal Church 140th Elected and Consecrated Bishop, African Methodist Episcopal Church
The Right Reverend Marvin Clyde Zanders, II serves as the 140th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and was invested as the President of the Council of Bishops in June, 2026. A visionary leader shaped by deep faith, disciplined stewardship, and a global pastoral heart, Bishop Zanders continues to influence the AME Church with a blend of innovation, compassion, and administrative excellence.
Elected and consecrated on July 10, 2021, in Orlando, Florida, Bishop Zanders was first assigned to the 16th Episcopal District—spanning fourteen countries across the Caribbean, South America, and Europe. His tenure brought renewed vitality to congregations, strengthened communities, expanded educational access, and supported clergy development, including guiding students to complete Master’s-level studies required for ordination. He also served as Chair of the Commission on Seminaries, Universities, Colleges, and Schools and Co‑Chair of the Department of Retirement Services Commission.
At the 52nd Quadrennial Session of the General Conference in Columbus, Ohio, on August 28, 2024, Bishop Zanders was assigned to the 11th Episcopal District, where he now provides spiritual and administrative oversight for more than 396 congregations, 356 pastors, and over 70,000 members across Florida and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
A native of Orlando, Florida, Bishop Zanders is the son of the late Marvin C. Zanders and Mrs. Jacquelyn Johnson Bain. He is a graduate of Edgewater High School and holds a B.A. from Morehouse College; a Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Christian Education from Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center; and a Doctor of Ministry from Edward Waters University.
Before his elevation to the episcopacy, Bishop Zanders served congregations in Mascotte, Jacksonville, and Orlando, Florida. His pastoral leadership was marked by growth in membership, expanded youth and young adult engagement, strengthened advocacy, and intentional support for women in ministry. His final pastoral assignment—St. Paul AME Church in Jacksonville—experienced transformative ministry, facility expansion, robust outreach, and the burning of a $2.5 million mortgage three years ahead of schedule. He also served as District Treasurer of the 11th Episcopal District for 30 years, advisor to the Episcopal Committee leadership for five quadrennials, and a member of the General Board.
Bishop Zanders currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Edward Waters University and Chairman of the Department of Retirement Services Commission of the AME Church. His civic and fraternal affiliations include Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Theta Phi Chapter), Prince Hall Masonry (Champion Lodge #2), and Tillman Valentine Consistory #22.
He is supported in ministry by his wife, Supervisor Winifred Houston Zanders, and their sons: David Christopher (B.A., Middle Tennessee State University); Marvin Frank Curtis (B.A., University of Missouri; M.S., North Carolina Central University; J.D., FAMU College of Law; LL.M., New York University School of Law); Micah Van (A.A., Hinds Community College; B.S. and M.S., North Carolina Central University).