I am here to serve—not to be served

Image: Pastor Jones is very happy to be the pastor for Mt. Zion AME church.

Pastor Jones is very happy to be the pastor for Mt. Zion AME church. (Cindy Sutherland)

Pastor Lamar Jones has been the Youth Minister for the last five years at St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church in Waco. While under his leadership the youth group grew to about 60 kids, all active in singing in the choir and participating in the Junior Stewards program.

Pastor Jones is the new pastor for Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church. This is his first church serving as a pastor. He was just ordained last year. He said, “It has only been six weeks, my being here, but I love it. I wouldn’t change it for the world. This is a dream come true. I think God had been preparing me for this for a while and I just didn’t know it.”

Pastor Jones said his favorite thing about being a pastor is being with the people. He explained, “I love helping the people. I love that they look up to me as an example and for spiritual guidance.”

When asked if he was excited to be at Mt. Zion AME he said, “I am over joyed to be their proud pastor. I drive forty five miles to get here every week and I can’t wait to get here. The congregation is wonderful and are very willing to participate and meet each day with new expectations.The new theme at Mt. Zion AME is, ’It’s a new season, it is a new day, there is a fresh anointing flowing your way’.”

Pastor Jones said he is not anticipating making lots of changes. He said, “Since I have only been here six weeks I still am finding out what the needs of the church are. I want to see where we are now and then improve on the programs already in progress.I am hoping to help the church members go to the next level of trusting and believing in God.”

He went on to say, “You are welcome to come and worship any time, any race, any gender. You will all be loved-come into a family that just loves you for who you are. I came here not to be served but to serve.”

Church services are:

Wednesday – 7:00 PM
Sunday – 9:45 AM (Sunday School)
Sunday Worship – 11:00 AM

The Address is:

Mt. Zion AME Church
733 Hardeman Street
Italy