Biography

Dr. Drorester (Russell) Alexander

 

I am currently serving as Pastor of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. In 1997, I founded the Children in Crisis Network Inc. That same year, I launched The Untold Gospel Magazine (TUG), a teen magazine aimed at inspiring young people. Before this, I served as Youth Pastor at Reeder Memorial Missionary Baptist Church in Charlotte.

 

In 2000, I founded Walker Temple AME Zion Church, later renamed Mount Zion AME Zion Church. After five years in this role, I was appointed Pastor of Hopewell AME Zion Church in 2016, where I served for three years. I then moved to Brown Hill AME Zion Church, completing the annual conference year before transitioning to the United Methodist Church. I served as Pastor of Epworth United Methodist Church in Gastonia for one year.

 

I was born in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and grew up in the Southside Homes Community. I graduated from Myers Park Senior High School in 1981 and then served in the United States Marine Corps for seven years, followed by three years in the Marine Corps Reserves. My educational journey continued at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in 1992, Belmont Abbey College in 2013 where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies, Hood Theological Seminary in 2017 where I received a Master of Divinity, and United Theological Seminary in 2019 where I earned a Doctor of Ministry degree. I am also a proud Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. member and a Paul Drayton #7 Prince Hall Free Mason.

 

My passion for helping children has led me to organize and establish a nonprofit youth organization that benefits young people in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. This program focuses on three main areas:

• Preparing for Excellence Through Literacy: Improving Reading Skills

• Gangs of a Different Color: Enhancing social skills and talent development

• Rites of Passage: Building self-esteem and supporting community involvement

 

I am married to Shonja Alexander, a 5th-grade teacher at Highland Renaissance Academy and Co-founder of Children In Crisis Network, Inc. Together, we are proud parents of Jada and Omari. I am also the parent of Drorester II, Natashia, and Edward Alexander. Additionally, I am the proud grandfather of four beautiful grandchildren, with one more on the way.