At Mt. Zion, we recognize that a church is not an organization or a business. It is a body of believers in Jesus Christ who gather regularly to worship, serve, and administer the ordinances given to us in the New Testament.
We also believe that Christ is the Head of the church, that the greatest concentration of local authority rests with the congregation, and that God gives gifted individuals to help lead, equip, mentor, and teach His body (Ephesians 4; Acts 20; 1 Timothy 3). Below, you will find a brief description of the staff and leaders currently tasked with helping fulfill these roles at Mt. Zion.
Staff and Leadership
Senior Pastor- Dr. Zach Kilpatrick
Zach has been married to his wife (Amanda) since 2008, and they have five wonderful children! (Chip, Addy, Chase, Jett, and Hope) He holds degrees from Mississippi State University, the University of West Alabama, and two degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Zach is passionate about teaching the Word of God, equipping people to serve in the local church, and local and international missions.
In his free time, Zach loves coaching his kids in various sports, running, cooking, listening to audiobooks or podcasts, and spending time with Amanda.
Bro. Zach has served as Senior Pastor of Mt. Zion since December 2017.
Associate Pastor- Adam Martinez
Adam is married to Skylar Martinez, and they have one son, Christian.
He holds a degree from Mississippi College and is working towards a second from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Bro. Adam is originally from Lincoln County and has served at Mt. Zion since January 2024.
Lay Pastor- Don Hollis
Don and Sherri married in 1973 and have been members of Mt Zion since 1993. They have two children, Darla and Donnie.
Don and Sherri are retired and enjoy traveling and spending time with their 10 grandchildren.
Don has served in various leadership roles at Mt Zion and began serving as a lay pastor in 2024.
Minister of Music- Shane Easterling
Shane and Leigh have been married for 18 years. They met and dated while attending Mt. Zion in the ’90s and were married here. Leigh has attended Mt. Zion since birth, and Shane has been here since he was 9. They have two wonderful boys, Riley and Casen.
Shane has a degree in Electrical Engineering from Mississippi State University and works for Entergy. Shane helped form a praise team at Mt Zion in 2010 and has been leading music since 2015.
Children’s Minister- Amanda Havard
Mrs. Amanda is passionate about teaching children of all ages, evangelism, and caring for her community. She is very gifted in teaching, connecting one-on-one, and planning events.
Mrs. Amanda has served at Mt. Zion since October 2024.