Mount Zion Baptist Church

I was invited here with my good friend Debra. This was the Best Black Gospel church I have experienced in Washington. The congregation is very warm and welcoming. The music was very moving. There was even a stage play of the resurrection! And, it was just good church, black, white or whatever. Can’t wait to go back.

I know what you’re thinking! Why am I reviewing a Church let alone a Baptist one, right?
I attended their Sunday service today as part of a project I’m doing for a class for school. I was really apprehensive about going for a multitude of reasons, but one very significant one being that I am Jewish. That said, this was probably the best Christian church experience I could have had. No, I’m not converting any time soon but what a great experience!
I knew I’d be in the minority not only because I’m not a Christian, but I’m white and my hunch was right, I was in the minority. But from the minute I walked in I was greeted with a friendly hello and smile from literally everyone I walked by. I did not feel out of place here at all. It was actually quite surprising.
I have no idea if it’s like this every Sunday or if I just got lucky but the whole service was basically a concert. It was mostly singing and even a few dance groups performed. It doesn’t matter what you believe in, there is no way not to have enjoyed it. I was up and clapping with everyone else and it felt totally natural. I was also surprised by how much humor was used throughout the service. It wasn’t like anything I’ve ever experienced before.
Lastly, I appreciated the fact that they have a Sunday service at 10:45am! Not too early and not too late for the lazy Sunday type of people (read: me). If you have any urge to check out some great music or just have a new experience, I highly suggest going to Mount Zion. You will be welcome with open arms and have a surprisingly good time!

I’m not a big organized religion fan, but one random Sunday, I was filled with a desire for live gospel… thus I attended, along with my wonderful white Baptist grandmother. Despite being the minority, we have never felt so welcome in a new space. They have been in the community for 120 years, so you know they are doing it right.
Reverend Williams is witty, fun and relatable. He also hops like a cricket, which I needed as I get sleepy in most Judeo-​Christian services I’m dragged to as a heathen.
If you like a chorus of strong voices that rock your core, go the first Sunday of the month — it will bring you to tears. Seriously.
and get this… I went back.
Mt. Zion broke my one timer trend as we felt so welcome.

I have attended a number of functions and memorials here and am happy that such a place exists for the community. While I need to come to terms with faith and what goes with it (at a later date, maybe!), it is a privilege to see outreach programs, elderly services, youth programs and a facility that seems to care about what happens in the world.
The choir will inspire. There seems to be a music program too.