Zane Whorton Joins MMA as Chaplain

Missouri Military Academy welcomed Zane Whorton as chaplain on Aug. 16, bringing extensive experience in pastoral ministry, youth programming and spiritual development to the Academy. Whorton has served as pastor of First Christian Church in Mexico, Missouri, since 2018 and as director of outdoor ministries for the Christian Church of Mid-America since 2015.

In this role, Whorton serves as a spiritual leader at the private boys’ military boarding school, offering mentorship, ministry, counseling and chapel services to MMA’s middle and high school cadets. He leads MMA’s weekly Vespers services, a nondenominational Sunday evening service held in Memorial Chapel and required for all cadets. Vespers provides cadets time for self-reflection, growth, gratitude and prayer as they reflect on the past week, prepare for the week ahead and explore the spiritual dimension of their lives.

 “Zane brings years of experience working with young people and a sincere commitment to their personal and spiritual growth,” said Missouri Military Academy President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret). “His ability to listen, guide and connect with young people will make him an important resource for our cadets. His leadership will complement our mission to develop young men of character who are prepared for college, career and life.”

Whorton has spent years working with young people through church youth groups and summer camps. As director of outdoor ministries for the Christian Church of Mid-America, he oversees a summer camp program focused on providing a safe environment where young people can grow personally and spiritually. He looks forward to bringing that experience to MMA and building meaningful relationships with cadets.

“Sometimes cadets need someone to talk to — not necessarily in a counseling capacity, but as they work through personal growth and the challenges that come with it,” Whorton said. “I am here to provide caring guidance and help them through that process. My experience working with youth and summer camps has taught me the importance of creating a safe environment where young people can grow, and I look forward to bringing that experience to MMA.”

Whorton’s role at MMA supports cadets of all faith traditions as they explore the spiritual dimension of their lives. The Academy also supports cadets in practicing their individual faiths. On Sunday mornings, MMA provides transportation for cadets who choose to attend a local house of worship.

Whorton earned a Bachelor of Arts in religion and philosophy from Culver-Stockton College and a certificate in pastoral ministry from Phillips Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Kimberly “Kim” Whorton, live in the Mexico, Missouri, area. Kim serves as a vice president in the trust department at Simmons Bank in Columbia. They have two sons, Ian and Isaac. Ian attends Mexico Senior High School, while Isaac lives in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.