“As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms.”
1 Peter 4:10
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"Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time pray for us too, that God may open a door for the message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may make it known as I should." Colossians 4:2-4 (New Living Translation)
Rev. Dr. Robert Ashley Whitehead, Sr., is the third of seven children born to James W. Whitehead, Sr., and the late Geraldine J. Whitehead of Portsmouth, Virginia. Educated in the Portsmouth public schools, Rev. Whitehead received a B.A. in Political Science from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Masters of Divinity from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of theology at Virginia Union University, and Doctor of Divinity from Regent University in Virginia Beach, with an emphasis on Leadership and Renewal. He has also taken additional graduate courses in business from Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Richmond. As Pastor of New Zion Baptist Church, Dr. Whitehead has overseen the expansion of church involvement in the broader community on issues such as education, mentoring, health and stewardship. He is a member of the Williamsburg Tri-County Pastor's Council, past board member of the Williamsburg Aids Network, past board member of Faith In Action, and past board member of Housing Partnerships of Williamsburg. Dr. Whitehead is currently on the Pastoral Advisory Council at Sentara Regional Hospital, a Silver Life Member of NAACP, and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. While serving as part-time pastor of New Zion Baptist Church, Rev. Whitehead also had a career in finance and accounting with the former Circuit City Stores, Inc. at their corporate offices in Richmond, VA. He worked for Circuit City for more than 14 years and was part of their management team. Dr. Whitehead is married to Dr. Jocelyn Henry-Whitehead. They have two sons, Robert, Jr. and Mathew.
The Whitehead Family |
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Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way . 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 The pleasant voice that you are most likely to hear when you call the church office, or the friendly face that will likely greet you when you visit the church on week days is that of LeAnne Wilson, the Church Administrator. In addition to being “Greeter-in-Chief”, LeAnne’s duties are many and varied. First and foremost, the mission of the Church Administrator is to contribute excellence in all areas of administration at New Zion Baptist Church by developing, coordinating, and maintaining an orderly environment which supports the Vision, Mission, and Values of the church. ![]() LeAnne Wilson
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For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
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“Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:3-4 “Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.” 1 Timothy 3:8-10 The Deacon's Ministry is scripturally based in The book of Acts, chapter six and 1 Timothy, chapter 3. The primary function of the Deacon's Ministry is to assist the pastor in carrying out the responsibility of ministering to the needs of the "church". A principle component of this ministry as it relates to the congregation is the "Family Care Plan". Each household (family) of the church is assigned a deacon who belongs to one of four teams of deacons. The deacons are in regular communication with members under their purview to provide spiritual counsel, encouragement, prayer, and to assist them in their faith walk however practicable. The Deacon's ministry works in conjunction with the deaconesses and ministerial staff as well as the pastor as to address needs at all levels. The Deacons Ministry has initiated a Household Item Donation Program, whereby parishioners can donate household items such as furniture, electronic devices, appliances, etc. to others who might be in need of them. Dea. Robert Ashby Jr. ![]()
New Zion Deacons |
The Deaconess Ministry at New Zion partners with the deacons to serve the congregation and community in numerous ways. Primary responsibilities of deaconesses include assisting the pastor and deacons in their work. The deaconesses assist baptismal candidates before, during and after the ceremony. They also prepare the table in preparation for the holy Communion. New deaconesses are recommended by the Deaconess Ministry or the pastor and approved by the church. Usually deaconesses assume membership of the Deaconesses Ministry the year following the year that their spouses are ordained into the diaconate or licensed into the ministry. New Zion deaconesses are currently partnering with the Missionaries to collect and distribute food to the needy. Deaconesses also lead or assist with various other community efforts such as coordinating volunteers for the annual Salvation Army Bell Ringingfund raising drive. Delores Jones ![]() |
Robert martin ![]() TheTrustee Ministry is responsible for the purchase and maintenance of church properties and assets.Trustees hold legal title to the property of the church and are responsible for its financial affairs. Designated Trustees provide the official signature of the body on all notes, loans and official documents. They are responsible for the maintenance and operation of the cemetery, the supervision of the custodian and the upkeep of the church building and grounds. New trustees are recommended by the pastor and the Trustees Ministry and are elected by the church body. |
![]() Deacon Frank Jones |
Leadership