Rev. Dr. Keith W. Byrd, Sr., Pastor
A native of Washington, D.C., Rev. Dr. Keith William Byrd, Sr., is Pastor at the historic 148 year old Zion Baptist Church in Northwest, Washington D.C. He was called as the church’s ninth pastor in January 2006. Rev. Dr. Byrd first accepted the call to preach in 1997, and was both licensed and ordained at the First Baptist Church of North Brentwood, Maryland under the pastorate of Rev. Perry A. Smith, III.
Rev. Byrd is a full-time Servant and Shepherd for the Lord. He is a gifted preacher, teacher and leader. His Zion congregants characterize him as "energetic", "generous" and "motivational". For 2012, Zion Baptist Church has adopted the theme "The Year of Leadership". This theme is taken from Rev. Byrd’s seven year plan entitled "Building on a Firm Foundation", which is based on Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Zion Baptist Church has thrived under his leadership. God gave Reverend Byrd a vision for Zion Baptist Church which is: Zion desires to be a family church empowered by the love of Christ, to serve the family of God. With this vision, Rev. Byrd has combined the Diaconate ministry to include both men and women; reestablished the Young Adults and Parenting Ministries; expanded the Bereavement Ministry; developed a new computer lab which offers classes to members of the church and the community. He has overseen church renovations which included the installation of a new elevator, new pews, sanctuary lighting and most recently the installation of our glorious stained glass windows. Pastor Byrd has re-structured the Youth Ministry to increase the number of activities as well as participants. Under Rev. Byrd’s leadership, Zion has adopted a revised church constitution as well as created a Community Relations Ministry to facilitate greater communication and cooperation between the church and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Rev. Byrd is an active member of the Progressive National Baptist Convention; the Baptist Convention of DC and Vicinity, where he is an executive board member; D.C. Baptist Convention; Missionary Baptist Minister’s Conference of DC and Vicinity, Carter Baron Cluster of Churches and a member of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choices’ Black Church Initiative.
He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Maryland at College Park, a Master of Divinity Degree from the Howard University School of Divinity, and a Doctorate in Church Leadership from the Wesley Theological Seminary.
Rev. Byrd has preached at various revivals, retreats, conventions, as well as other church and academic venues across the nation. A gifted vocalist, Rev. Dr. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. is married and has two sons.
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