Zion Baptist Church in Covington aims to impact the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“Our mission is to ‘Build a Bridge to the Kingdom’ by sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ,” said Rev. Wayne Rickard, worship pastor. “This bridge is supported by seven pillars of the faith. They are Discipleship, Evangelism, Missions, Worship, Prayer, Service and Fellowship. We are presently in the process of implementing this vision.”

Zion Baptist was established in August 1826 with ten charter members. Today it is led by Dr. Grant Whittenbarger, who joined the parish as senior pastor almost two years ago.

Zion offers Sunday school at 9 a.m. and morning worship at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, plus group services on Wednesdays. The church also offers members a variety of ministries that can each person’s age and stage of life that allows everyone to participate in spreading the word of God.

Zion participates in both the Bold Mission Builders of the Stone Mountain Baptist Association of Georgia, which assists missions, churches and other church-related organizations in the construction of facilities; and the Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief, which helps those affected by natural disasters. These are two ways Zion extends itself to the community.

Upcoming event series

Saturday, July 24, Zion will reach out to their Oak Hill Community with a series of events. The Back-To-School Rally begins at 10 a.m. in the Family Life Center on Zion’s campus with food, fun and games and the donation of backpacks packed with school supplies for needy children.

The first Contemporary Worship Service begins later at 5 p.m. in the Family Life Center with a praise band and singers. Zion urges the community to participate as Pastor Whittenbarger shares a message with from the Bible. Childcare will be provided.

Afterward participants can go to Denny Dobbs Park across from Oak Hill Elementary School on Hwy 212 for a hot dog picnic.