Leadership
Abyssinia Baptist Church is led by faithful and dedicated spiritual leaders who are committed to shepherding the congregation and guiding the church’s mission.
Rev. Dr. Sheridan D. Nelson
Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. Sheridan D. Nelson is the Senior Pastor of Abyssinia Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia, a role he has embraced with passion and dedication for 24 years. Born and raised in Lakeland, Florida, he is the oldest son of the late Rev. Levi Nelson and the late Mrs. Vela Nelson, who no doubt planted the seeds of faith that would shape his extraordinary journey.
Called to ministry at the age of 19, Dr. Nelson was licensed to preach the Gospel on
December 19, 1993, and ordained on September 1, 1996. His early ministry reflected a heart for the next generation, serving as Campus Pastor for Norfolk State University and as Youth Minister for both Second Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk and Zion Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. He also served with Lifeway Ministries in Nashville, Tennessee, and as the Youth and Young Adult Director of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia.
A lifelong learner, Dr. Nelson holds a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies/Business
Management from Norfolk State University, a Master of Divinity from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, and a Doctorate in Ministry from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Virginia Union University, pouring into the next generation of leaders both inside and outside the classroom.
Under his leadership, Abyssinia Baptist Church completed a full sanctuary renovation and is now preparing for a fellowship hall addition. Dr. Nelson also serves on the Board of Directors for the Norfolk Jail Ministry, reflecting his belief that ministry extends far beyond the church walls.
At the heart of it all, Dr. Nelson’s mission is simple yet profound — to empower people to become holistic disciples of Jesus Christ. He is married to the former Jodi Cox of Chesapeake, Virginia, and together they are the proud parents of two sons, Sheridan II and Joshua.
Called to ministry at the age of 19, Dr. Nelson was licensed to preach the Gospel on
December 19, 1993, and ordained on September 1, 1996. His early ministry reflected a heart for the next generation, serving as Campus Pastor for Norfolk State University and as Youth Minister for both Second Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk and Zion Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. He also served with Lifeway Ministries in Nashville, Tennessee, and as the Youth and Young Adult Director of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia.
A lifelong learner, Dr. Nelson holds a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies/Business
Management from Norfolk State University, a Master of Divinity from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, and a Doctorate in Ministry from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Virginia Union University, pouring into the next generation of leaders both inside and outside the classroom.
Under his leadership, Abyssinia Baptist Church completed a full sanctuary renovation and is now preparing for a fellowship hall addition. Dr. Nelson also serves on the Board of Directors for the Norfolk Jail Ministry, reflecting his belief that ministry extends far beyond the church walls.
At the heart of it all, Dr. Nelson’s mission is simple yet profound — to empower people to become holistic disciples of Jesus Christ. He is married to the former Jodi Cox of Chesapeake, Virginia, and together they are the proud parents of two sons, Sheridan II and Joshua.
Lady Jodi Nelson
Executive Director
Mrs. Jodi Nelson is a native of Chesapeake, Virginia, and the youngest daughter of Mr. Harry and Mrs. Geraline Cox. She is the wife of Dr. Sheridan Nelson of Lakeland, Florida, and together they are the proud parents of two sons, Sheridan II and Joshua Miles Nelson.
Mrs. Nelson received her early education in the Chesapeake Public School System. She went on to further her studies at Norfolk State University, earning a degree in Exercise Science, along with a Certification in Special Education with an emphasis in Learning Disabilities. With over 25 years of experience in the field of Special Education, she has served students with dedication in both the Richmond and Chesapeake Public School Systems. She currently works as a Respite Provider for special needs children, with an emphasis on autism and developmental delays, a
calling that reflects her deep commitment to nurturing and empowering every individual she serves. She believes that every child deserves to be nurtured and cared for and that everyone is capable of learning when you meet them where they are.
As the Executive Director of Abyssinia Church, Mrs. Nelson plays a vital role in overseeing the ministries and ensuring the vision of the church is carried out with excellence. For 24 years, she and Dr. Nelson have faithfully served the Abyssinia Church family with love and dedication. She considers it an honor to serving alongside her husband in ministry. In addition, she faithfully leads the Women’s Pursue Ministry, where she is dedicated to encouraging, equipping, and empowering women to walk boldly in their purpose.
Jodi’s life mission is “to live a life rooted in faith in God, anchored in peace, and centered on family. She strives to walk in strength and joy, where others feel encouraged, uplifted, and seen. To walk boldly in purpose, and helping others become all that God has called them to be.”
Mrs. Nelson received her early education in the Chesapeake Public School System. She went on to further her studies at Norfolk State University, earning a degree in Exercise Science, along with a Certification in Special Education with an emphasis in Learning Disabilities. With over 25 years of experience in the field of Special Education, she has served students with dedication in both the Richmond and Chesapeake Public School Systems. She currently works as a Respite Provider for special needs children, with an emphasis on autism and developmental delays, a
calling that reflects her deep commitment to nurturing and empowering every individual she serves. She believes that every child deserves to be nurtured and cared for and that everyone is capable of learning when you meet them where they are.
As the Executive Director of Abyssinia Church, Mrs. Nelson plays a vital role in overseeing the ministries and ensuring the vision of the church is carried out with excellence. For 24 years, she and Dr. Nelson have faithfully served the Abyssinia Church family with love and dedication. She considers it an honor to serving alongside her husband in ministry. In addition, she faithfully leads the Women’s Pursue Ministry, where she is dedicated to encouraging, equipping, and empowering women to walk boldly in their purpose.
Jodi’s life mission is “to live a life rooted in faith in God, anchored in peace, and centered on family. She strives to walk in strength and joy, where others feel encouraged, uplifted, and seen. To walk boldly in purpose, and helping others become all that God has called them to be.”
Rana Parham
Church Administrator
Ms. Rana Parham is a native of Virginia Beach, VA where she completed her early education. Upon graduating from Virginia Beach Public Schools, she began her undergraduate studies at Virginia State University and then transferred to Norfolk State University (NSU where she received a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. From NSU she went on to begin teaching in the Norfolk Public School System for many years and Guilford County Public Schools. After a few years of teaching and completing her Master of Business Administration at the University of Phoenix, she embarked on the path
of ministry work at Abyssinia Baptist Church.
As Church Administrator for Abyssinia Baptist Church, she manages building projects, property acquisitions and sales. Rana manages and implements the church’s annual and weekly budgets, along with managing the weekly collection teams and deposits for the church.
Outside of her work at ABC, she is a full-time Operations Manager for a commercial
construction firm. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Inc., Norfolk Alumnae Chapter, Les Gemmes Inc. Norfolk Chapter, and Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Norfolk Chapter, and the Norfolk State Alumni Association, Chesapeake Chapter. She enjoys spending time with family, travelling, fitness activities, and taking care of her plant babies.
of ministry work at Abyssinia Baptist Church.
As Church Administrator for Abyssinia Baptist Church, she manages building projects, property acquisitions and sales. Rana manages and implements the church’s annual and weekly budgets, along with managing the weekly collection teams and deposits for the church.
Outside of her work at ABC, she is a full-time Operations Manager for a commercial
construction firm. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Inc., Norfolk Alumnae Chapter, Les Gemmes Inc. Norfolk Chapter, and Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Norfolk Chapter, and the Norfolk State Alumni Association, Chesapeake Chapter. She enjoys spending time with family, travelling, fitness activities, and taking care of her plant babies.