Pastoral Team

David Zaid

SENIOR PASTOR

David Zaid currently serves as the Senior Pastor at Philadelphian. He graduated with a Bachelor in Psychology and obtained his teaching credential, administrative credential, and a Masters Degree in Education Administration. In addition to being senior pastor, David serves as an administrator in the field of education.

David is blessed beyond measure, his greatest blessings being his beautiful wife Donica and their daughters, Zara and twins Zimra and Zoie.  David’s favorite bible verse is Joshua 24:15, that reads, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve."  David believes that our lives reflect the choices we make, and with his life, he has chosen to be a living example for Christ. He is a man who in an age of self-absorption has taken the road less traveled and stopped along the way to lead others towards victory.

More than his degrees, credentials, certificates, awards, or leadership, David wants you to know he has dedicated his life to being a loving husband, a caring father, and a pastor that will push and pull as many as he can into the kingdom of God. David believes in miracles, he believes in the redeeming power of the blood, and he believes that God is moving in a mighty way at Philadelphian SDA Church.

Pastor Zaid can be reached at pastor@phillysda.org

ELDER OMA BATISTE

Oma Batiste knew from an early age that her spiritual gift from God was in the area of teaching.  She has had a passion for teaching and educating since she was in the 5^th grade.  In her pursuit and desire to help others she pursued higher education and graduated from Pacific Union College in Angwin, CA with a B.A. in Speech & Language Pathology,  she received a M.A. in Communicative Disorders from Cal State University Long Beach.  She has worked for over 27 years for LAUSD in the Early Childhood Education Department as a Special Education Educator and various other jobs.

Oma’s greatest accomplishment is marrying her husband Richard Batiste of 29 years. They have 3 adult children:  Ashley, Austin and Alexis.

Oma has always enjoyed working in church ministries.  One of her favorite bible texts is  "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life:  No man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6

Oma counts it an honor and a privilege to be given the awesome opportunity to witness and to serve and to teach others about Jesus and His soon return. She feels that so much has been given to her through God’s mercy and His grace, that she wants to share and teach His love by giving back to others by being a good listener, making personal connections with others and being a humble servant.  She continues to use her God given talents by working in various ministries in the church and is excited in helping to usher in the soon return of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Elder Oma can be reached at headelder@phillysda.org

ELDER CHRIS JORDAN

Elder Chris Jordan is a son of Philadelphian.  His father was a charter member of the church and his mother was a long time member.  He has served in several ministries as both a team member and leader.

In 2000, Chris completed a fellowship at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts in Urban Development and Non-Profit Development at the School of Business and Divinity.  Chris is the Executive Director of Grant Housing & Economic Development Corp. and is responsible for more than $35 million in economic development in the Watts area.  He specializes in non-profit development and management.  His favorite scripture is Matthew 5:16.

Currently at Philadelphian, Chris is serving as the Director of Worship and Finance Committee Chairperson.  As Director, Chris leads the Worship Team who is responsible for the constant evaluation and oversight of the Worship service.  They allow God to lead and direct them to provide ways for the congregation to experience authentic and vibrant worship.

In his role as Finance Chairman, Chris leads the team that establishes the financial policy and procedures for Philadelphian. They also teach stewardship and the blessings and rewards of cheerful giving.

Chris and his wife Curlisa have been married since 1995 and have two teenage sons Chris II and Cameron.