Joheidi Lipscomb Finds Belonging and Purpose at Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Over 20 years ago, Joheidi Lipscomb heard a powerful message from Senior Pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Bishop Joseph Walker III, and her life was forever transformed.
Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Lipscomb was raised in the Catholic faith. Although she has now converted to Christianity, she credits her early Catholic roots with introducing her to a connection with God. “I come from a very rich heritage of family connected to the Roman Catholic faith. I went to a Catholic school and had my first communion and confirmation through the Catholic church. I can’t tell you how,” expressed Lipscomb, “but early on I felt a kinship to the nuns in my school and always felt the love they had for God. They taught me how God loves all of us.”
It’s this same love of all people that welcomed her into the doors of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Lipscomb was invited to attend her first service at Mt. Zion Baptist by a friend. “My first time at Mt. Zion, a friend from work invited me to the Antioch location. Before the service started, Bishop Walker said he felt the Holy Spirit telling him to have all the first-time members come and sit at the front of the sanctuary. I was nervous but obeyed.” It was during this service Lipscomb states she felt her “heart was pierced”, and she made a life changing decision to become a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.
As a Hispanic American joining a predominantly African American church, the experience can be a cultural shock however Lipscomb believes Mt. Zion is heading in the right direction when it comes to embracing diversity. “Mount Zion is predominantly an African American Church, but I believe that the essence of inclusivity is there. We just need to be more intentional in letting the world know.” She stated.
In fact, Lipscomb has answered the call to help make people more aware of Mt. Zion’s multicultural ministry. Her aspirations are to use her passion for evangelism to help spread the word of God and show others the beauty of multiculturalism in the ministry. “Though we may think and look different,” expressed Lipscomb, “There is no difference in the heart of the believer. I’m reminded of a song by Tasha Cobbs, “One Hallelujah.” The lyrics talk about one God, one Lord, one faith. God doesn’t exclude anyone from His salvation.”
Furthermore, she has also found a place in the church to develop her ministry skills. For many years, Lipscomb pondered on where God was calling her to serve. After a zoom call with Bishop Walker, he encouraged her to explore Mt. Zion’s Ministers in Training program (MIT), a three-year program focused on offering a deeper understanding of the Christian faith, while also developing ministers to evangelize and teach the word of God. The program aligns with Bishop Walker’s vision of “Growing Believers, Producing Achievers.”
Now in her final year of the MIT program Lipscomb can truly attest to the ways she has grown as a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. “I have always believed in Jesus,” expressed Lipscomb, “and have never denied Him, however, as I grew older and started making my own decisions for my life, I had no direction or guidance. I was just existing. When I heard Bishop Walker’s message over 20 years ago, I felt the Holy Spirit calling me into the fold, into purpose.”
She credits her support system at Mt. Zion for helping her remain inspired and motivated to become the best version of herself. Leaders like Bishop Walker, Elders Ricardo and Chaka Dorcean, Elder Marlise Collins, her parents and her husband Corey are just a few of the people who mentored her along her journey.
She is also hopeful she will be able to inspire a robust culture of multiculturalism at Mt. Zion, while still celebrating the historic and very important roots of the church.
Hispanic and Latino Americans make up an estimated 18.3% of the total U.S. population, growing as one of the largest ethnic minority groups in the nation. During Hispanic Heritage Month it is essential we recognize diverse members of our church like Joheidi Lipscomb and show appreciation to her contributions to our ministry and community. Diversity in image, culture, thought and so much more reflect the Kingdom of God. Genesis 1:27 reminds us we are ALL created in the image and likeness of God.
By LaConteau Williams | Executive Director of Marketing and Media | Communications Specialist
Facebook: Mtzionnashville
Instagram: @Mtzionnashville
