Pastor/Founder

Dr. Semaj Y. Vanzant, Sr. is a trained theologian, community builder, and change agent who brings to his work an intimate commitment to his calling that is reasonably demonstrated through forward-thinking leadership, and organizational and motivational skills.

He graduated Magna Cum Laude, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Minor in Psychology from Gannon University, his Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Ministry from St. Paul’s School of Theology, Oklahoma City, OK where he completed a dissertation entitled, “Loved Not Judged: Developing Communities of Faith with Cultures of Love and Grace.” His Ordination for Ministry was received at Church of the Redeemer Baptist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania via the American Baptist Churches, USA, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Wayne E. Croft, Sr.

Pastor Semaj has had a breadth of ministry and pastoral experiences including a “Transition Into Ministry” program at The Concord Baptist Church of Christ in Brooklyn, New York, the Oklahoma Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church to pastor its first church re-start, and faithfully serving as the pastor-teacher at Second Baptist Church of Asbury Park, NJ for an ordained season. Each church under his leadership resulted in significant growth as a relevant and vital ministry.

On October 29, 2022 God birth a dynamic faith-based community called Encounter Christ Global Fellowship with a profound commitment to addressing both spiritual and practical needs. The overarching mission is encapsulated by the phrase, "Transforming Lives, Empowering Communities, and Impacting the World." Pastor Semaj serves as the Pastor-Founder.

In 2016 Pastor Semaj co-founded with his wife, Inspire Life, a nonprofit organization that lives into its mission to empower youth and families to purpose, professions, and positive choices. Pastor Semaj serves as the Development Manager of Launch Center, an initiative of Interfaith Neighbors, Inc. designed to be a unique and barrier smashing career preparation program.

Pastor Semaj serves on the boards of various religious and community organizations including serving as the 1st Vice President of General Baptist Convention of New Jersey. Through his business Vanzant Consulting, Pastor Semaj partners with churches and organizations to implement strategies for organizational capacity building, operational effectiveness, and transformation of culture designed to position them to actualize their vision and mission.

Pastor Semaj’s repertoire of sermonic presentations is extensive, having preached all across the United States as well as Liberia, Africa, and Jerusalem, Israel. He is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is united in the bonds of Holy Matrimony with Carla Renee and is the proud father of Semaj Jr. and Seth.