Venerable David Chimezie Nwanekpe, Ph.D. is a New York-based Anglican priest, theologian, church historian, retreat preacher, clinical chaplain, and reform-minded church administrator whose ministry spans Cameroon, Nigeria, South Africa, Canada, and the United States. He currently serves as the Rector of the Anglican Church of the Holy Spirit, Bronx, New York, and the Rector of Emmanuel Anglican Church, Long Island, New York, where he is committed to faithful preaching, sacramental ministry, pastoral care, leadership development, and community transformation.

Renowned for combining pastoral compassion with academic excellence, he is widely respected as a preacher, conference speaker, retreat leader, scholar, and advocate for clergy welfare, church renewal, peacebuilding, and social justice.

A Journey of Grace and Global Ministry

Born in Douala, Cameroon, Dr.Nwanekpe was baptized at St. Michael’s Anglican Church (now St. Michael’s Cathedral), Diocese of Cameroon. His Christian formation was deeply influenced by his family’s Anglican heritage and the mentorship of the late Rev. Fr. Seth Adu, a Ghanaian Anglican priest.

Following political unrest in Cameroon, his family relocated to Izombe, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. This experience profoundly shaped his lifelong passion for justice, reconciliation, environmental stewardship, peacebuilding, and compassionate ministry.

Churches He Has Served

Throughout more than two decades of Christian ministry, Dr.Nwanekpe has served faithfully in several Anglican congregations, including:

• St. Christopher’s Anglican Church, Onitsha

• St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Uba-Agwa

• St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ndionymaobi

• St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Ubudi-Agwa

• St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Igbokenyi

• Emmanuel Anglican Church, Onono

• Uka Ndi Igbo Anglican Church, Bronx, New York (Vicar, 2015–2017)

• Anglican Church of the Holy Spirit, Bronx, New York (Rector, 2018–Present)

• Emmanuel Anglican Church, Long Island, New York (Rector, 2025–Present)

Ecclesiastical Leadership

Ven. Nwanekpe has held numerous leadership responsibilities within the Anglican Communion and the Church of Nigeria.

His current appointments include:

• Bishop’s Emissary to North America, Diocese on the Niger

• Chaplain of the Council of Knights, Church of Nigeria North American Mission (CONNAM), appointed by the Primate of All Nigeria, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba

• Coordinator of Knight-Elect Training and Vesting, CONNAM

• Retreat Preacher and Spiritual Director for bishops, clergy, canons, archdeacons, church leaders, and lay organisations

He is known for courageous leadership, biblical teaching, sound Anglican doctrine, and a deep commitment to strengthening the Church through discipleship, accountability, and servant leadership.

Academic and Professional Excellence

Ven Dr.Nwanekpe is an accomplished scholar whose academic journey reflects a lifelong pursuit of theological education, historical research, leadership, and conflict transformation.

Early Education

He attended the English Anglican Cultural Primary School in Douala, Cameroon, before proceeding to Archdeacon Denis Junior Seminary, Mbieri, Imo State, Nigeria,and Izombe Secondary commercial school,Izombe,where  he served as the Senior prefect of the school and also where he completed his secondary education and obtained the West African School Certificate.

Academic Qualifications

• Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), ACPE Accredited Clinical Chaplaincy Training, New York

• Diploma in Theology (Dip.Th.), Trinity Theological College, Umuahia, Nigeria

• Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Religion, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

• Bachelor of Theology (B.Th. Hons.) Trinity Theological College, Umuahia, Nigeria

• Master of Theology (M.Th.)

• Master of Arts (M.A.) in Strategic Peace and Conflict Resolution, Imo State University

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Church History, Wesley University, Ondo, Nigeria

• Honorary Doctor of Divinity (D.D. Hon.), New York Seminary

His doctoral dissertation, “Faith Amid Extraction: A Church Historical Reconstruction of the Anglican Church’s Engagement with the Environmental and Community Crisis in Oil-Producing Izombe, Imo State,” makes an important contribution to African Church History, Environmental Theology, Liberation Theology, Environmental Justice Studies, and the Church’s response to ecological and community crises.

Committed to lifelong learning, he is currently pursuing a second Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Strategic Peace and Conflict Resolution at Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria, while also undertaking a Certificate Programme at Columbia University in the City of New York to broaden his professional expertise in leadership and interdisciplinary studies.

In recognition of his contributions to theological education and scholarship, he received the University on the Niger Award for Excellence in Theological Education and Academic Development in 2024.

Clinical Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care

Ven.Dr. Nwanekpe completed Clinical Pastoral Education at Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, where he ministered to patients, families, and healthcare professionals during illness, grief, trauma, and end-of-life situations.

His pastoral ministry is marked by compassion, attentive listening, spiritual counselling, crisis intervention, and holistic care.

Author, Scholar, and Public Theologian

Dr.Nwanekpe writes and speaks extensively on Anglican theology, Church History, environmental justice, peacebuilding, clergy welfare, pastoral leadership, ecclesiastical governance, and Christian mission.

His forthcoming book, Faith, Priesthood, and Society, explores the relationship between Anglican theology, pastoral ministry, and contemporary social challenges.

He is also known for thoughtful essays addressing issues affecting the Church and society, encouraging biblical faithfulness, institutional accountability, and servant leadership.

He is a regular speaker at diocesan synods, clergy conferences, retreats, academic seminars, leadership workshops, and international Christian gatherings.

Personal Life

Ven. Dr.David Nwanekpe is married to Mrs, Amuche Nwanekpe, whose faithful partnership continues to strengthen and enrich his ministry.

Together they are blessed with three children:

• Blessing Nwanekpe

• Michelle Nwanekpe

• David Chimezirim Nwanekpe Jr.

Their family life reflects Christian faith, hospitality, prayer, love, and service, demonstrating that ministry begins at home.

Vision and Legacy

Throughout his ministry, Dr. Nwanekpe has remained committed to raising faithful Christian leaders, strengthening Anglican identity, advancing theological scholarship, promoting peace and reconciliation, advocating for clergy welfare, and serving communities with compassion and integrity.

He believes that faithful leadership is rooted in humility, scholarship, prayer, and courageous service.

“God does not waste pain. What we survive becomes the tool of our ministry.”

From his beginnings in Cameroon to his pastoral and academic leadership in New York, his life continues to reflect God’s grace, resilience, scholarship, and unwavering commitment to Christ and His Church.