About
ABOUT ELDER NAKIA D. ZANDERS
A Life Called to Serve
Chaplain (Major) Elder Nakia D. Zanders was born in Alexandria, Louisiana to Odis and Brenda Nichols. She traveled extensively with her family while her parents served in the active-duty Air Force until her father retired at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia. After graduating from Warner Robins High School in 1993, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Albany State University in 1999.
Just four months after graduating, she enlisted in the United States Army as a Chaplain Assistant, stationed at Fort Benning, GA. Following 6 years and 8 months of enlisted service, she answered the divine call to ministry in July 2005. She was endorsed by Chaplaincy Full Gospel Churches as Reverend and received a Direct Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant into the Chaplain Candidate Program, completing a Master of Science in Christian Education from Apex School of Theology in North Carolina in 2009.
With 26 years of combined enlisted and commissioned service in the U.S. Army Active Duty, Georgia Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserve, Chaplain Zanders currently holds the rank of Major (56 Alpha) and has deployed as Field Hospital Chaplain and Post Chaplain at Camp Buehring and Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.
KINGDOM AMBASSADORS' STORY AND MISSION
Vision & Mission
Our Vision
"My vision is to build a vibrant place of worship and a resource center to assist in the deliverance of people from their spiritual, emotional, and financial bondage (Isaiah 61:1-3). Since every person has infinite value to God, we want to be the place people can come for reconciliation with God and restoration to living God's purpose in their lives."
Our Mission
"We will focus on journeying with people as their lives are transformed by replacing the lies of the world with the truth of the Gospel. We will encourage every person to live a life that is pleasing to God and satisfactory to themselves. We will edify believers by offering spiritual wisdom, moral guidance, and intellectual growth through Christian educational programs."
Nakia has known Bishop Luis R. Scott for more than 20 years and has been affiliated with Ambassadors of Christ since that church was planted in Columbus, GA. Bishop Luis Scott has been her mentor and spiritual support throughout her theological and spiritual maturation. Nakia has received a letter of appointment from the Diocese of Columbus, GA to serve as Presiding Elder and Senior Pastor in Florida.
FAITHFULLY EQUIPPED
Ministry & Military Credentials
With 26 years of military service, clinical pastoral training, and hospital chaplaincy, Elder Nakia combines academic rigor, spiritual discernment, and compassionate care.
ACADEMIC & PASTORAL QUALIFICATIONS
Master of Science in Christian Education (Apex School of Theology, 2009)
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Albany State University, 1999)
5 Units Clinical Pastoral Education (St. Francis Hospital, Columbus, GA)
Hospital & Hospice Chaplain (10 Years serving Metro Atlanta & Central GA in Crisis Counseling & Grief Support)
Founder of Mary & Martha Mentoring, LLC (Since 2014)
Presiding Elder & Senior Pastor (Appointed by Diocese of Columbus GA)
US Army Reserve Chaplain Major — 26+ Total Years of Military Service
MILITARY DECORATIONS & HONORS
Army Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal (4 Awards)
Army Good Conduct Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Georgia Meritorious Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon & Army Lapel Button
Interested in having Elder Nakia Zanders minister at your church or event?
