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Since 1889, Mount Zion AME Church has been a beacon of hope and faith in the Port Tampa community. Our first sanctuary was built in 1907 at the corner of South Kissimmee Street, marking the beginning of a legacy that continues to this day.
Through worship, service, and fellowship, we strive to create a space where all are welcome to grow in faith, find support, and build lasting relationships. Rooted in the teachings of Christ, we are committed to serving our congregation and the broader community with love and dedication.
A Christ-centered church where everyone is welcome to grow in faith.
Serving Port Tampa with love, compassion, and action.
Bible study, prayer groups, and ministries for all ages.
Over 130 years of faith, fellowship, and impact.
Mount Zion AME Church is more than just a place of worship; it’s a home where faith grows, friendships are formed, and lives are transformed. We welcome you to be part of our journey as we continue to build a strong, faith-filled community in Port Tampa.
Whether you're seeking a place to worship, opportunities to serve, or a supportive faith family, you'll find it here with us.
At every level of the Connection and in every local church, the AME Church shall engage in carrying out the spirit of the original Free African Society, out of which the AME Church evolved: that is, to seek out and save the lost, and to serve the needy. It is also the duty of Church to continue to encourage all members to become involved in all aspects of church training.
The vision of Mt. Zion AME Church - Port Tampa is to create a community of authentic believers and to witness a city transformed by the life changing reality of the gospel, as people come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
The Mission of the AME Church is to minister to the social, spiritual, and physical development of all people.
Rev. McRae Mangum, Jr. is an experienced minister and educator with a distinguished career spanning multiple states and leadership roles. An itinerant elder, he accepted his ministerial calling while residing in Savannah, Georgia, and has since served congregations in Georgia and Florida. Currently, he is the pastor of Mt. Zion AME Port Tampa, appointed during the 83rd session of the West Coast Annual Conference by Bishop Frank Madison Reid III. His previous pastoral appointments include Thebes AME Church (Midway, GA), St. James AME Church (Glennville, GA), Historic Gaines Chapel AME Church (Waycross, GA), and St. James AME Church (Nicholls, GA). Throughout his ministry, he has been dedicated to fostering spiritual growth and community engagement.
In addition to his pastoral work, Rev. Mangum is a dedicated educator with over two decades of experience. He currently serves as the Principal of Seminole Heights Charter High School in Tampa, Florida. With 25 years in education—21 of which have been in school-based administration—he has contributed to student success in multiple school districts across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Rev. Mangum holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science from Upper Iowa University, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from National-Louis University, and a Master of Divinity degree from Payne Theological Seminary, where he was the inaugural recipient of the Bishop Vernon R. Byrd Scholarship. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Payne Theological Seminary, focusing on pastoral care.
A proud veteran, Rev. Mangum honorably served in the U.S. military for over ten years, training at various installations across the country and overseas. During his service, he held a top-secret security clearance, reflecting his dedication and commitment to duty.
Beyond his professional and ministerial roles, Rev. Mangum is deeply passionate about youth development, believing in the importance of investing time and resources in the next generation. He actively mentors and challenges young individuals to reach their full potential. A life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., he is committed to service and leadership.
He is married to the lovely Aisha D. Mangum, his educational and dedicated ministry partner.
His guiding principle is drawn from Ecclesiastes 11:6: “I will sow my seed both day and night and let not my hands be idle, for I do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or if both will do equally well.”
Our doors are open to all, and we warmly invite you to explore the richness of our shared journey. Come, be a part of a community where hearts connect, faith flourishes, and love abounds.
