Mission 4ward: Aligning with God's Mission for Zion Church

Mission WArd

Aligning With God’s Mission For Zion Church

Sometimes, I am like a car, I get out of alignment.

Sometimes, I do things that don’t please God.

Sometimes, I say things that God would not approve of.

Sometimes, I say too much… sometimes I say too little.

Sometimes I eat too much, but I’m never guilty of eating too little.

In all honesty, I’m not always perfectly aligned with what I know is God’s will for me. But, there is hope. Although I am not always perfectly aligned with Jesus in my words and actions, I am still being perfected. I am still in the process of becoming aligned with His perfect will for my life.

I find comfort in chapter three of the book of Philippians in the Bible, reading “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already achieved perfection but I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.” Wow! Aligning myself with the purpose that Jesus has for me is a process and it is my mission. And, there is more comfort in this chapter. Verse 13 reads, “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead…”

2023 was a good year for our church family. I am grateful to be able to witness, firsthand, how Jesus is renewing hearts through His love and His Word. But even God’s goodness in 2023 cannot be my focus in 2024. In order to walk in alignment with Him my focus has to be that of my forward motion and my forward mission. My forward mission is to trust Him and to follow Him while He is perfecting me.

I can keep running with margin while understanding what’s going on in my head… thank you Pastor Battle!

Jesus, I pray that in 2024 we continue, as a church and as individuals, to make it our mission to know YOU. Jesus, please help us to utilize every spiritual resource that you have given to us in order to align with what you are doing in our world. Please bless us to know You and to serve You to such a degree that a prize in heaven is waiting for us. We cannot do it without You Jesus. Amen.

Grace and peace,

- Pastor Keith & First Lady Vicki Battle

GOd

Attendance Numbers Experience

It’s truly amazing to see God continue to grow Zion Church through our in-person and online experiences. Our reach expanded in 2023, allowing us to reach hundreds of thousands of people within our four physical locations - Zion Fort Washington, Zion Greenbelt, Zion Landover, and Zion Woodbridge - and our massive online campus, Zion Anywhere.

649,141 (Online)

12,195

130,596

16,986

4,495

LANDOVER

ANYWHERE FORT WASHINGTON

WOODBRIDGE

GREENBELT

Zion Church Leadership

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” – Proverbs 11:14 (ESV)

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP

Pastor Dr. Madye Henson-McCannon Chief External Engagements and Impact Officer

Pastor Elwood Matthews Pastor of Innovation

Pastor Randall Pike Global Youth Pastor

Deacon William Hulley Chief Ministry Officer

Pastor Mike Rodgers Pastor & Co-Director of the Family Ministry

Pastor Joshua Davies Music Director

Pastor Darrell Townsend Staff Pastor & Director of World Missions

Pastor Patrice Wooten Pastor of Discipleship

Angela M. Lovelace Chief Financial Officer

Pastor Keith Battle Senior Pastor & Founder

Pastor Milton Davis, III Pastor of Ministry Development

Pastor Susan Kellum Lead Campus Pastor

Pastor Joy Oguntimein Lead Campus Pastor (Incoming)

Pastor Shaun Mason Lead Campus Pastor

Pastor David Swan III (Incoming)

Pastor Larry Paige Lead Campus Pastor

Pastor Joe Lee Lead Campus Pastor

Pastor Eric Kellum Lead Campus Pastor

Shamon Smalls Lead Campus Pastor (Incoming)

Minister Yvette Powell (Incoming)

Pastor Donna Stratford (Incoming)

Pastor Kevin Wright Lead Pastor of Operations

Pastor Dondrae McGee Assistant Campus Pastor

Pastor Shaun Mason

Pastor Larry Paige

Pastor Dondrae McGee

Pastor Shamon Smalls

Pastor Joe Lee

Pastor Joy Oguntimein

2023 Pastoral Ordination

ORDINATION PROCESS

The Pastoral Ordination is a formal process where individuals are identified and appointed to serve as ordained Pastors within Zion Church. This process includes 26 weeks of rigorous preparation and training, followed by the Council Catechism Examination which is administered by recognized and well-respected Pastoral Clergy across multiple states. Congratulations to the 7 men and women who were ordained!

Pastor Dr. Madye Henson-McCannon

Pastor Milton Davis III

Pastor Davian Caffee

Pastor Joshua Davies

Pastor Jaci Kilgore

Pastor Randall Pike

Pastor David Swan III

brInGInG NEW SOuLS tO CHrISt BAPTISM

& COMMUNION

Baptism and communion hold profound importance at Zion Church, symbolizing key aspects of the Christian faith. Baptism marks an individual’s commitment to Christ, cleansing them from sin and signifying a new life into the community of believers.

166 BAPTISMS

Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is a sacred ritual that fosters unity among believers by commemorating Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. The sharing of bread and wine, symbolizing Christ’s body and blood, not only serves as a powerful reminder of redemption but also strengthens the bonds of fellowship within the church.

“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”

– Luke 22:19-20 (KJV)

BABY DEDICATIONS

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

– Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

63 CHILDREN DEDICATED

Triple the number of children dedicated in 2022*

digital Impact

Zion Church’s online community saw impactful growth! An increased use of various social media platforms made our mission even more accessible to the broader community, using content like sermon snippets, We Are Zion Music clips, and Bible verses to fill people’s feeds with reminders of God’s love.

on YouTube

Scan QR code to follow @ZionChurch on Instagram

Scan QR code to subscribe @Zionanywhere

PraISE and wOrSHIP

Zion Church’s Praise and Worship experience, led by We Are Zion Music, connects people to Christ through music and song. Whether in-service on a Sunday or during an outside event, this team of extremely talented singers, musicians, directors, and coordinators use their God-given gifts to help congregants express their devotion, gratitude, and adoration for the Kingdom.

Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him—his name is the Lord.

– Psalms 68:4 (NIV)

PrOdUCtION & dIGItaL artS

PRODUCTION

Ever wonder what goes into bringing our professional production experiences to life weekly? It takes a skilled group of video, audio, lighting, digital and graphic artists working together to day-in and day-out.

Creating Zion Church worship experiences is no small feat. Check out our Production Team, by the numbers:

120 - LIGHTS

72 - MICROPHONES

33 - TEAM MEMBERS

48 - VOLUNTEERS

22 - CAMERAS

DIGITAL ARTS

Graphic design, while often overlooked, plays a crucial role in ministering to people in church by visually conveying messages and creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Zion Church’s team of creative visual and digital artists created an astounding 460 requests for over 2300 total graphics versions produced in 2023! These graphics were often a culmination of our Pastors’ creative visions and our team members input, all contributing to a cohesive and memorable presentation of biblical teachings.

“I use videography and direction as a lens to magnify the beauty of God’s creation! My camera

allows me to capture moments that show His glory in every frame.”

– Ramon Johnson Video Production Manager in Multimedia Services

Special Guests

Our doors are always open and here are a few of the special faces who visited Zion church last year:

Dr. Anita Phillips

Dr. Jazz

Pastor Bryan L. Carter

Coach Michael Locksley University of Maryland’s Head Football Coach

Ledisi Grammy award winning artist

Dr. Jeanne Mayo Youth & Young Adult Pastor For 5+ Decades, Public Speaker & Author

Casey J. Gospel artist

Kirk Franklin Grammy award winner, songwriter, choir director, and gospel artist

Providing a space for women to feel seen and heard and validated no matter where they find themselves in life.

Under the direction of Pastor Joy Oguntimien, The Circle Women’s Ministry relaunched in 2023, connecting with a community of more than 16,000 women!

Through powerful events like the “April Showers in May”, where new baby supplies and hygiene products were donated to pregnancy centers and local women’s shelters, to the firstever “Crabs and Conversations” fellowship, The Circle offered a safe space for women to connect and grow in Christ.

“This was so good. I really enjoyed the food, fellowship, and the speakers!”

“Well done! Amazing job and I can’t wait for the next event… I left inspired and full of joy.”

Zion Church Men's Ministry

More than 100 members of Zion Church’s Men’s Ministry gathered regularly for a host of trainings

included an early Get Fit Bootcamp every Saturday morning, in conjunction with the Thomas J. Simmons Equipping Institute; and Locker Room, where our men were given space to open up and have real conversations about real life.

“I want to get healthier both physically and spiritually while developing a bond with other brothers in faith…I did that with Bootcamp!”

– Men’s Ministry member

Life Groups provide a safe space for spiritual relationships to form. Life Group participants socialize, learn, and pray together - doing life with people on similar spiritual paths!

130+ ACTIVE LIFE GROUPS

150+ GROUP FACILITATORS

1,000+ LIFE GROUP PARTICIPANTS

The Life Group Ministry offered pop-ups, trainings, prayer calls, and lots of unique programming that covered a vast range of topics and areas of support. There were more than 100 active participants in both the Divorce Care and GriefShare groups, which offered support, care and resources to those going through those seasons in their lives.

And how can we forget about the Get In The Game sessions featuring Hall of Fame and 2x Super Bowlwinning coach, Tony Dungy, and sportscaster James Brown.

Our Family Ministry supports Zion Church families through life’s seasons and stages, helping families navigate and overcome challenges to achieve positive outcomes for generations to come.

FAMILY MINISTRY VALUES

FAMILY WORSHIP: FAMILY GROWING TOGETHER IN FAITH

ALL IN: EVERY FAMILY MEMBER HAS A VOICE AND EVERY VOICE MATTERS

MARRIAGE MATTERS: MARRIAGE IS A PRIORITY

IMPACT: HOW WILL YOUR FAMILY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

LEADERSHIP: LEADERSHIP STARTS WITH PARENTS

YOU: YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH MATTERS

Dozens of couples made an investment into their future by participating in the highly anticipated SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) 6-week pre-martial prep class. Founded by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, SYMBIS explores an individual’s marital readiness by helping couples hold discussions around topics like love, up-bringing, finances, and longevity.

2023 brought the kick-off of the S.O.L.I.D. Marriage Ministry - Strengthening Our Love Intentionally Daily - to provide couples with the tools necessary to fulfill their vows and commitment to each other.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

– Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)

The Xtreme Kidz Ministry, also known as “XK” partners with parents to grow emotionally, relationally and spiritually healthy children, and 2023 brought tons of high-energy experiences that engaged more than 450 toddlers through sixth graders each Sunday across every Zion campus location. “Our hope is that each of the children in Xtreme Kidz will make a decision to trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior.” Last year brought a host of exciting opportunities for Zion Church’s youngest community members, and here are a few:

1620+ PEOPLE ACROSS ZION’S PHYSICAL CAMPUSES

“I love how well thought out the XK team anticipates the needs of our kids. There is so much thought & intention behind how you all meet the needs - from Tribe139 to the braid pop-up shop so the kids could get their hair done for the 1st day of school. Zion Church’s a model children’s ministry. I love how you all send texts requesting prayer requests (those messages are always on time). Keep up all the great work you do to impact the lives of our kids. My kids are always excited about attending XK & learning more about God. THANK YOU ALL!!” - XK Parent

150 FAMILIES

150 CHILDREN

320 KIDS

25 FAMILIES REPRESENTED

51 CHILDREN

Our OffScript teen ministry provides a safe space for middle and high schoolers to love God without shame through specialized youth-centered services happening every Sunday at our Zion campuses. 2023 marked 5 years of this powerful ministry, and the relaunch of OffScript Fort Washington and OffScript Woodbridge!

From Zion Anywhere takeovers and engaging social media videos, to the 6-week Dream Catalyst “Exploring Purpose” workshop that gave Zion youth opportunities to explore the unique reasons why God made them… OffScript’s impact was major!

“Being at Zion Offscript is literally the best part of my month”

– Larissa Irons

poem,

“My kids went for the first time on Sunday at Zion Landover and enjoyed it. They appreciate Pastor being down to earth and meeting other kids. Will be back next week at Greenbelt! Blessings!”

– Cindy Watkins

By Tamia Robinson

aGaIn

It was a special blessing to have everyone back TOGETHER AGAIN during our annual Zion Cookout. The event was paused due to the pandemic, but 2023 allowed the event to commence, and no rain could stop the party!

Outside of the Church walls

Zion Church continued to make connecting outside of the church walls a priority last year, with members of our team extending the gospel and lending their expertise in a range of areas. Check out some of these highlights...

Senior Pastor Keith Battle hosting the “Paving The Way Forward” virtual panel on finances in partnership with URBAN ONE and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling

Pastor Kevin Wright praying over and throwing out the first pitch at the Annual Negro League East/West Vintage Baseball Game & Autoshow

Senior Pastor Keith Battle giving the opening prayer to more than 10,000 Broccoli City Festival attendees

Weekly Wisdom began running on-air in 2015 as a way to reach a wider audience outside of the Zion sanctuary walls, targeting listeners who may work on weekends, or who just happen to hear our messages while tuned in on their morning drives.

These weekly doses of Bible-based principles and teachings make worship accessible for more than 30,000 people who may not be able to attend in-person church services or stream online.

Many people who have never stepped foot into a Zion Church location have made this their church home, naming Senior Pastor Keith Battle their pastor.

The impact of this unique radio broadcast is major, and has proved vital in getting the message of Jesus Christ out to those who need to hear it most! Weekly Wisdom is truly a hallmark program of Zion Church, as well as the DMV area.

The Thomas J. Simmons Equipping Institute provides in-person and virtual events and ondemand learning modules that help participants experience God in their day-to-day lives. The Equipping Institute also supports Zion Church campuses and ministries by facilitating team training programs.

44 TEACHING MODULES

235 ENGAGED LEARNERS

50+ BIG SUNDAY SCHOOL EVENTS HAPPENING WEEKLY 16 RETREATS

In 2023 alone, the Institute graduated the Basic Training Class of 2023, created & co-facilitated a hybrid, 6-month training for Zion Diaconate, culminating in the ordination of 31 new Zion Deacons, piloted our first Silent Retreat, and launched short-term High-Intensity Interval Trainings, also known as H.I.I.T.s.

“I would say that equipping is a training that helps others to fully serve God with purpose. First, you find out who you are, and it leads you to trust who Christ is to all of us and to understand how your purpose lines up with God’s purpose of being a true disciple of Christ, not necessarily having to be in the pulpit but to your family, co-workers, people you meet on the streets, etc.” – Pastor Thomas J. Simmons

bLaCk MOMS MattEr tOO

Zion Church is committed to bridging the health disparities in communities, and hosted the Black Moms Matter Too education panel in the Spring of 2023 to address the alarming maternal mortality rates of Black women.

Hosted by Zion’s Health and Wellness Resource Center, The Circle Women’s Ministry and CCI Health Services, the first-ever Black Moms Matter Too panel discussion equipped more than 250 new and expecting mothers, and their partners, with valuable education and resources to help them ensure a healthy and happy childbirth journey.

CLICK

Pastor

The B.I.G. post-service Bible study experience saw lots of growth in 2023! B.I.G., which stands for “Belief in God”, happens at both the Greenbelt and Landover campuses, and helps attendees embrace their own personal study of God’s Word, build community through interactive class discussions, and become disciples of Jesus Christ. B.I.G.’s impact is substantial, as it’s also been the key to helping new members find their fit within the Zion Church family.

A few of the 2023 B.I.G. Study Topics:

Spiritual Growth

Decision Making

God-Honoring Entertainment

Jesus’ Statements From the Cross

John the Baptist

“B.I.G. has been instrumental in my spiritual growth and heart’s desire to continuously get closer to God. It has helped me to study scripture, receive fresh revelation knowledge, and share biblical truths in a setting that is engaging and relational.”

- Minister Jeanie H.

“B.I.G. has truly changed the way I approach studying and understanding the Bible, because it shows me the details that I didn’t see on my own. It has pulled out the majestic natural of the God we served. I am able to fellowship with seasoned believers that add their faith to my faith, compelling me to continue my walk and life with Christ, bearing witness to the fruits of a committed life of obeying the heart of God.”

- Temprest M.

God has gifted each of us with talents and passions that allow us to serve Him in uniquely different ways. He just needs you to say YES…

The work of Zion Church is not possible without the dedication, ideas, hands and feet of hundreds of men, women and youth across every single campus. These individuals epitomize what it means to SERVE, and it was a privilege to honor them during our first-ever Volunteer Appreciation Gala.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

– Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Serving a total of 58 services, to include our Sunday experiences and special events like our jam-packed Worship Nights and the “Slay Your Day” Summit, this team is comprised of dedicated individuals who are passionate about making sure all congregants can experience God. Members of the Deaf Ministry not only gave their time and skill during services, but they also provided helping hands during many of our outreach efforts, like the food donation days, the Xtreme Kidz “Trunkor-Treat” and our Christmas Joy Shop!

“Happy Sunday to all! I went to Zion Church this morning and the service was awesome. Thank you to the two interpreters, who were also awesome! Have a blessed one.” – a Deaf Congregant

beneVolence

Zion Church continued engaging in compassionate initiatives that addressed the diverse needs of our communities. Through outreach programs such as weekly food deliveries, purchasing medications, and assisting with emergency living expenses, Zion Church provides immediate emergency connections to a host of our brothers and sisters who were in need during crises.

182 - TOTAL HOUSEHOLDS ASSISTED $248,000+ TOTAL DOLLARS SPENT IN KINDNESS GIVING

Celebrating our Mothers & Fathers

The mothers and fathers of Zion Church play a very important role in building and nurturing our communities, and we were blessed with the means to honor them during various Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations across every Zion campus. Tokens of love included college tuition assistance, clothing, household appliances, dental and medical support, home repairs, gift and gas cards, Zion gear, car repairs, financial support, and more!

$100K - DISTRIBUTED TO MOTHERS AND FATHERS

381 - MOTHERS AND FATHERS SUPPORTED ACROSS ALL ZION CAMPUSES

OUtrEaCH & MISSIONS

The Global Outreach ministry focuses on Health and Wellness across the communities we serve through a wide variety of campus and community-based activities including Z-FEST , farmers markets, and our Health and Wellness Center.

Our regular Z-FEST Wellness Clinics provided free COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, HIV testing, and general healthcare checks to address the ongoing health disparities that exist in the Black and Brown communities.

PARTNERSHIPS THAT MATTER: GUN TURN-IN PROGRAM

Our annual Gun Buyback partnership with First Baptist Church of Glenarden and the Prince George’s County Police Department resulted in even more firearms being returned than last year. Popular media personalities Guy Lambert, Monique Samuels and Just Poet joined, welcoming dozens of anonymous participants from all over the region who came together to help keep our streets and communities safer!

215+ GUNS OFF THE STREET

HEALTH AND WELLNESS FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM

We continued to extend our love to the community through the Health and Wellness Food Distribution program, which encompasses various efforts that provide nutritional options to communities and individuals in need. Last year, we served approximately 100 families monthly with items from our food pantry.

A new partnership with Truist Bank made it possible for Zion Church to bless more than 100 families with full Thanksgiving baskets - turkeys included!

BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS SUPPORT

The Food Distribution program provides healthy options to Bowie State University students via the campus nutritional lounge. Zion also provides healthy snacks and produce directly to their football team, ensuring our local college students are well-nourished and ready to learn.

Zion Church’s Prison Ministry reached hundreds of inmates in facilities across Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia, introducing them to Christ so that their lives can be changed and restored.

baCk tO SCHOOL

Our commitment to ensuring that our parents, students, educators and supporters, had all they needed in 2023! Campuses reached out into the community, adopting schools and providing faculty and staff members with a host of supplies to help them and their students have a running start to a productive school year.

And, hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies were donated and distributed to schools and families

fully stocked backpacks distributed to youth in grades pre-school through college

$12,500+

in scholarships awarded to high school and college students

550+ families served

GLObaL MISSIONS

Zion Church is always mindful of the incredible opportunities we have been given to reach the world for Christ. Not only locally do we serve as the hands and feet for Christ, but through our global missions support, Zion touches lives in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Ukraine, Kenya, and other parts of the world.

In 2023, members of our External Engagement & Impact Division traveled to the Dominican Republic providing financial assistance, housing support and nutritious meal baskets to dozens of families in one of the country’s most poverty stricken areas.

Recently members of our missions’ team traveled back to Africa for the Kenya Strength Tour, which gave our staff and volunteers an opportunity to assess and observe the work we have supported for years looking for new opportunities to impact that nation while worshiping with our brothers and sisters thousands of miles away!

tHE rEaSON FOr tHE SEaSON

SEASONS OF BLESSINGS

During our 6-week long Seasons of Blessings campaign, we were all encouraged to be the hands, feet, voice and even smile of Christ throughout the holiday season. And, in addition to the many acts of love that you participated in during this Season of Blessings, our campuses and ministries also took heed by helping to care for the homeless, distributing Blessings Bags, serving women living in shelters, and so much more!

CHRISTMAS JOY SHOP

Zion Church brought Christmas Joy to more than 250 children and families, and counting, through our first-ever Christmas Joy Shop.

We spread love and happiness to families in need, partnering with their local schools to provide gifts, coats and food to families, and blessing children of incarcerated families. None of this would be possible without the invaluable support of our Zion community.

HaPPY NEW yEar!

THE 2023 NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION WAS SPECTACULAR!

We wrapped up our year with two high-energy services, featuring live performances by the one-and-only Kirk Franklin! Whether bringing in 2023 with us at our Greenbelt campus or streaming services live from the Zion Anywhere YouTube channel, worshipping with the Zion family while singing Kirk Franklin’s timeless gospel hits was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In Memoriam

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18

Barbara Rust

Michelle Jackson

Shirley Overton

Carl Brundridge

Virginia Davis

Barbara Posey

Joann Wilson

Tanise Waiters

Paulette Clark

Julius Hines

Francis Agbebaku