Hood Theological Seminary News Service

SALISBURY — Retired bishop Michael A. Frencher has been appointed to be the A.M.E. Zion Bishop-in-Residence at Hood Theological Seminary, effective Sept. 1.

As the A.M.E. Zion Bishop-in-Residence, he will teach, preach, advocate for the seminary, and work with students as required.

Frencher is the 101st bishop in succession of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and was elected at the 49th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the AME Zion Church in July 2012.

He is originally from Detroit, Michigan, and has pastored churches across South Carolina, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Frencher also taught at Hood Theological Seminary for 17 years. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Detroit, a mater’s degree in divinity from Hood Theological Seminary and a ministry doctorate from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

In 2013, he was awarded the doctor of divinity degree from Hood-Speaks-Theological Seminary in Nigeria. He was also the recipient of the 2023 Distinguished Trustee Service Award, which honors distinguished Alumni and Trustee Emeritus — Bishop George E. Battle Jr.