Dr. Semaj Y. Vanzant, Sr., affectionally called “Pastor Semaj” is a trained theologian, community builder, and change agent who lives out his calling through forward-thinking leadership, organizational vision, and a deep passion for people.

He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Psychology from Gannon University, earned his Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and completed his Doctor of Ministry at St. Paul’s School of Theology in Oklahoma City. His dissertation, “Loved Not Judged: Developing Communities of Faith with Cultures of Love and Grace,” reflects his lifelong commitment to shaping ministries rooted in compassion and transformation. He was ordained at Church of the Redeemer Baptist in Philadelphia, PA through the American Baptist Churches, USA, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Wayne E. Croft, Sr.

Pastor Semaj’s ministry journey includes serving in the Transition Into Ministry Program at The Concord Baptist Church of Christ (Brooklyn, NY), pastoring the first church re-start in the Oklahoma Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, and faithfully shepherding Second Baptist Church in Asbury Park, NJ. Each assignment bore the fruit of renewed vitality and growth.

On October 29, 2022, God birthed a new vision through Pastor Semaj—Encounter Christ Global Fellowship (ECGF)—a dynamic faith community committed to addressing both spiritual and practical needs. Its mission is captured in the phrase: “Transforming Lives, Empowering Communities, and Impacting the World.”

Beyond the pulpit, he co-founded Inspire Life in 2016 with his wife, Carla, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth and families toward purpose, professions, and positive choices. He also serves as Director of the Launch Center, an initiative of Interfaith Neighbors, Inc., which breaks barriers and prepares individuals for meaningful careers.

A leader among leaders, Pastor Semaj is the President of the General Baptist Convention of New Jersey, representing nearly 200 churches statewide. Through his firm, My Neighbor, My Friend, he equips churches, organizations, non profits, businesses, and foundations with strategies for capacity building, operational effectiveness, and cultural transformation to help them live out their mission.

His preaching ministry has taken him across the United States as well as internationally to Liberia and Jerusalem.

A native of New Orleans and a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity,Inc. Pastor Semaj is united in marriage to Carla Renée. Together they are the proud parents of three sons, Semaj Jr., Seth, and B.