Rev. Phanta I. Lansden is a native of Morganton, North Carolina; the daughter of Lindsey “Perry” Lattimore Sr. and the late Donna Lattimore. She was reared in the AME Zion Church and served in various leadership roles. She felt the call, by the Lord, to pastoral ministry in 2005 while attending Rockwell AME Zion Church in Charlotte. After marriage in 2006 she joined her husband’s church, C.N. Jenkins Memorial Presbyterian Church and began training and Seminary education for pastoral ministry in the PC(USA). In July of 2017 she was called by C.N. Jenkins to serve as the Associate Pastor of Youth, Young Adults and Discipleship.
She is a 2016 graduate of Union Presbyterian Seminary and recipient of two awards: the Helen Dean Preaching Award, given to students who exhibit promise for effective preaching in the church and the James and Elizabeth Appleby Book Award, given to those whose commitment to Christ and spiritual promise indicate particularly fruitful pastorates to the glory of God.
She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and has worked in the field of social work for over 10 years. She comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience working with marginalized populations and continually strives to advocate for the rights, dignity and well being of all people.
She has served in various parish and non-parish settings in Charlotte and surrounding areas where she led the opening of a community clothing closet and food pantry, provided outreach to local schools, supervised interns, led worship, preached, provided administrative support, and led various community outreach events.
She lives by Proverbs 3:5-6, trusting in the Lord with all her heart and has dedicated her life to serving God and others with love and compassion.