Supporters of the Community: African American Pastors

Churches are the staple or glue that holds the community together. Often when there has been a call for change it was churches that led these calls. In the 1960s during the Civil Rights movement, African American churches and pastors answered the call of their communities and served as safe havens, news sources and community pillars. Liberty County is no different, and this Black History Month we want to highlight a few of our African American pastors and their churches who strive to make a positive difference.

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church

Pastor Christie N. Conyers serves as the Senior Pastor of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, which offers a variety of resources and services to enrich individuals and families in the community. From child care services to food drives, Mt. Zion always works to lend a helping hand to families in need. One of the ways they work towards their goals is via their on-site daycare for children six weeks to four years of age. Mt. Zion also launched its Beyond the Walls Ministry to provide essential resources and services to the community. Their food pantry is a hub for local residents who don’t have anywhere else to go to find help. The ministry’s location on Shaw Road enables it to improve the lives of people who may not be able to access in-town services. If you want to learn more about the ministry or how you can get involved be sure to check them out on Facebook or visit them at 1370 Shaw Road, Hinesville.

Liberty Prayer Chapel Inc

Pastor Katrina Deason serves as the Pastor of Liberty Prayer Chapel Inc. in downtown Hinesville. She also serves as Executive Director of Hinesville’s local community food and clothing bank, the Liberty County Manna House and Gospel 94.9FM Radio. The Liberty County Manna House feeds an average of 2,000 individuals each month with their food pantry and approximately 650 at their soup kitchen. Their food distribution is held Monday through Friday 8am until 12noon. The soup kitchen is open Monday through Friday 4:30-6pm, and their clothing giveaway is open daily from 9am until 11am.

Gospel 94.9FM Radio not only plays the latest in gospel music but it is also a great source of information for local community events. Pastor Deason and her radio team provide daily information about what is going on in the coastal empire with praise and worship, inspiration, talk radio, ministry moments and news from the heart for Hinesville. Be sure to visit the church at 302 W. Memorial Drive, Hinesville or the Liberty County Manna House at 306 Memorial Drive, Hinesville for more information on services provided and how to get involved.

New Day Community Church

Pastor Richard D. Hayes serves as the Pastor of New Day Community Church located in Walthourville. Although this ministry has a younger demographic and is smaller than the ministries mentioned above, Pastor Hayes makes strides to improve the community through their various partnerships with organizations such as the Liberty County Manna House, United Way of the Coastal Empire – Liberty County, United Ministerial Alliance of Liberty County and more. Some of their notable past contributions are partnering with Lyman Hall Elementary to pay off the school lunch debt for 49 families, holiday food drives in collaboration with the Liberty County Manna House and various family fun days. For more information, you can reach them online, on Facebook or give them a call at 912.388.1474.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this spotlight of local African American pastors in honor of Black History Month. One thing is very clear those featured have a true love and passion for the community and are constantly striving to make an impactful difference beyond the walls of their ministries.