Bishop Joseph Walker

Bishop Joseph Warren Walker III serves as the senior leader of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, one of the oldest and largest congregations in the state. Walker holds a Bachelor of Arts from Southern University in Baton Rouge, a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. He has received honorary doctorates from Meharry Medical College, Southern University, and Kentucky State University. His academic background has informed a ministry career focused on church leadership, faith-based community development, and religious education.

At age 24, Walker began his pastorate at Mt. Zion with 175 members. Under his leadership, the congregation has grown to more than 30,000, with multiple weekly services across three physical locations and a virtual church, Mt. Zion Anywhere. The church also broadcasts weekly television services reaching 15 million viewers globally. Walker oversaw the completion of a $17 million ministry complex with a 5,000-seat sanctuary. He is recognized for integrating traditional faith practices with modern technology and a conversational ministry style.

Walker serves as International Presiding Bishop in the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, succeeding founding International Presiding Bishop Paul S. Morton Sr. He founded the New Level Community Development Corporation, which focuses on economic development and support for low- and moderate-income families. Following social unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, Walker established Nashville Unites, a collaborative initiative addressing community divisions. The Nashville City Council named a bridge in his honor, the Bishop Joseph Walker III Overpass, recognizing his contributions to the city.

An author of thirteen books, Walker's works include "No Opportunity Wasted: The Art of Execution," "Restored at the Root," and "Leadership and Loneliness." He has served as chairman of the Board of Trustees for Tennessee State University and sits on the board of the American Red Cross. Walker has been recognized by The Root as one of the top Black preachers in the country and by EBONY on its Power 100 list.

Walker is a frequent guest on the Rickey Smiley Radio Show and other nationally syndicated radio programs, and has appeared on CNN, Politics Nation with Al Sharpton on MSNBC, The CBS Morning News, CBN, 700 Club, Sister Circle, and The Roland Martin Show. He was featured in the film "Black, White and Blues," directed by Mario Van Peebles. Walker hosts the podcast "Next Level Leaders," which explores leadership, faith, and the intersection of Christianity and the marketplace. His work spans the pulpit, media, and civic engagement, positioning him as a prominent figure in church leadership, community development, and faith-based media.