EducationLeadership DevelopmentUncategorized
Bishop Dr. Nekita Jacobs: Transforming Lives Through Faith, Service, and Vision
The Journey of a Visionary Leader
Bishop Dr. Nekita Jacobs’ path to leadership began early, driven by an undeniable call to serve. At just 15, she started Bible studies at her high school, inviting classmates to join her in church services and prayer. This passion grew into a lifelong commitment to ministry, creativity, and compassion.
“My love and obedience to God created my journey and legacy,” Dr. Jacobs shares. Her spiritual awakening at age 13 shaped a life devoted to uplifting others. From leading worship to teaching Bible classes for all ages, she has impacted generations. Many of the students she mentored as young adults are now leaders in their own right, carrying her lessons forward.
In 2014, Dr. Jacobs founded FREE International Ministries, a transformative organization merging ministry and business to serve the homeless and those in need. Guided by the principle, “We Don’t Do Ministry. We ARE Ministry!” her outreach extends dignity and respect to individuals across the U.S. and globally.
Recognizing Excellence and Building Legacy
Dr. Jacobs’ dedication has not gone unnoticed. Her numerous accolades include an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity, a Chaplaincy Certification, and the 2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. As a two-time Amazon Best Seller, she authored and illustrated Strong Like Her: Women Today Finding Themselves in the Women of the Bible and co-authored Beyond Boundaries: Inspiring Leaders in Business and Community.
In 2024, she stepped into new territory, crowned Ms. Georgia Legend by the UIE Pageants. This achievement exemplifies her belief that one can embrace diverse roles while staying true to their purpose.
“I was shocked and excited to receive the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award,” she says. “It’s a tangible honor that speaks for me when I no longer can. It reflects years of serving without expecting anything in return.”
Creating Balance and Purpose
Balancing leadership and personal life hasn’t always been easy, but Dr. Jacobs has found strategies that work. Now that her children are adults, she plans her calendar meticulously, ensuring time for rest, travel, and joy. Emergencies take precedence, and overlapping commitments are avoided to maintain focus.
“Balance comes from understanding that leadership is as much about serving others as it is about maintaining your own well-being,” she explains.
A Message of Inspiration
To the readers of Legacy Leaders Magazine, Dr. Jacobs shares this message:
“Pursue your path with joy, integrity, and confidence, knowing that your uniqueness will spotlight you. Pray always, celebrate every milestone, and be grateful for the journey as much as the destination.”
She encourages leaders to embrace Psalm 139:13-18, a reminder that each person is divinely crafted for a purpose. Her call to action is clear: trust the gifts God has given you and walk boldly into your destiny.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Jacobs envisions a world where faith and action create lasting change. She plans to expand her outreach through resources, funding, and global initiatives. Her goals include building infrastructure to support the underserved and spreading God’s Kingdom through both practical and spiritual means.
“My vision is to be a greater resource, to speak and declare the Kingdom of God in the earth, and to build and do all that He has purposed,” she declares.
Core Values That Guide Leadership
Faith, integrity, and respect are the pillars of Dr. Jacobs’ leadership style. She emphasizes the importance of dialogue, trust, and treating others with dignity. “I implement these values daily by simply doing it,” she says. “Leadership is not about ego but about teamwork and shared vision.”
Legacy Through Influence and Achievement
Mentored by figures like her grandmother, Bishop Eddie L. Long, and Archbishop Jean Wilson, Dr. Jacobs has built a foundation of love, guidance, and encouragement. Their wisdom helped her refine her gifts, embrace her calling, and step confidently into leadership.
Her accomplishments, from founding FREE International Ministries to mentoring generations of leaders, are a testament to her commitment. “Every milestone demonstrates my dedication and inspires others to try something new,” she reflects.
Overcoming Challenges
Dr. Jacobs faced challenges that required her to unlearn old patterns and embrace a new mindset. “I had to think differently to accomplish my goals,” she admits. Yet, through faith, resilience, and a willingness to grow, she continues to rise above obstacles.
