Dr. Tommy L. Brown, General Secretary of the National Baptist Convention Appointed as New Pastor and Spiritual Leader of New Mount Zion Baptist Church

By Atty. Mattye Gouldsby Jones

The congregation of New Mount Zion Baptist Church is welcoming Dr. Tommy L. Brown with a spirit of celebration during this historical inauguration of the pastor as he embarks the role to lead a robust ministerial and trailblazing congregation.  After a national search, vetting over 500 applicants, Dr. Tommy L. Brown, a native son of Ennis, Texas,  was called as the fifth pastor in the church’s 68 years of existence.

New Mount Zion Baptist Church, Inc. located in the HamiltonPark and LakeHighlands communities in North Dallas, with members covering north Texas, is astatic about the election of a new Pastor, Dr. Tommy L. Brown.  New MountZion, which was led by Dr. R.E. Price until his passing on July 14, 2012, welcomes Dr. Brown as its fifth pastor. “Following into the footsteps of a legend, Pastor Price, who happened to be a mentor, model, and motivator of mine, is indeed an honor.”

Leaders throughout the country have sent expressions of congratulations regarding the appointment of Dr. Brown. In an interview with Moderator Lee Walton of the Greater Rising Star District Association, having known Dr. Brown for many years, he shared that it is his opinion that “Dr. Brown will bring into the North Dallas community a dynamic and rare level of leadership that will impact the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America on a local, state and national level”. He is joined by others in his opinion that Dr. Brown is a dynamic God-called preacher of the Gospel of Christ who is a great family man and community leader.  In addition to ensuring a strong worship experience for all age groups, it was the topic of leadership on which Dr. Brown was most vocal in visiting about the goals for the membership. He plans to conduct quarterly leadership workshops; he believes it is important to have leaders on the same page as the pastor for the vision of the church to be a success.  Dr. Brown shared that New Mt. Zion already has a solid ministry with wonderful history. His personal goal is to get to know the individuals in the church and continue to pray Solomon’s prayer: Lord Give me sense enough how to go in and come out before your people. The ministries of the Day Care and Credit Union he sees as opportunities to further enrich the lives of the members and families in the community. He believes to reach children during the formative years can prepare them for the rest of their life. He recited Proverbs 22:6—Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Beyond financial awareness and continuation of the literacy classes, he will encourage all members to join the credit union with a particular emphasis to have young adults save, not only for personal prosperity, but also for fiscal responsibility for one’s church and community.

The pastoral search process was a new encounter for the church leaders and congregation. After a two year search the membership elected Dr. Brown and the reception is one of exuberance and vitality as the numbers for services are at record highs and new souls are called to Christ. Dr. Tommy L. Brown serves as the General Secretary of the National Baptist Convention. Having pastored for over 25 years, Pastor Brown has touched many lives through his unique style of leadership and teaching skills, reaching all age groups through various ministries. He plans to foster the growth of the vibrant ministries currently in place at New Mt. Zion which he credits to his mentor and friend Dr. R. E. Price.  Dr. Brown when asked about the vision for the church Pastor Brown remarked that the membership is a church-centered people and he will keep Christ at the center of the ministries and focus on a broader reach. He has a particular passion to work with the young adults age 18-45. He recognizes that in our society there is a different relationship and he plans to reach out and engage young adults in ministry.

Pastor Brown has three adult children and his wife is Ruth Brown. The African American community is rich in history and bestows much regard for the first lady in our culture – announcing the title with respect by those who call it. First Lady Ruth Brown, when asked her reflections upon taking the role as first lady stated, “ I am proud to be a Woman of God, Being led by a man of God, serving an Almighty God.” In addition to be his helpmate she described herself as his “cut man” in the corner. First Lady Brown has embraced her role and was welcomed with open arms by Sister Price who formerly served as first lady and will always be a mother to the congregation.

The inaugural festivities began with a concert by national recording artist J. Moss and a second concert featuring national recording artists Ernest Pugh and Pastor Beverly Crawford. There will be guest pastors during three services on Sunday November 9, 2014 leading up to the Installation Services in the afternoon at 3:00 p.m.  The sermon for the 7:30 a.m. early morning service will be delivered by
Dr. C.J.R. Phillips, pastor of the St. Phillips Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. The message for the second service starting at 10:30 a.m. will be preached by Dr. David Groves, Director of Publications of R.H. Boyd Publishing Board, located in Nashville, Tennessee. The Installation Services, which is expected to be attended by many pastors, and leadership in the National Baptist Convention and elected officials and dignitaries, as is the tradition in the African American community, will start at 3:00 p.m. in the main sanctuary of the New Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Dr. Melvin V. Wade, pastor of the Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Los Angeles, California will deliver the sermon and preside over the formal installation of Dr. Tommy L. Brown. Dr. Wade, who expresses Dr. Brown as one of his Sons of the Gospel, is the former President of the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America.  The congregation has spared no detail in assuring that installation of the pastor is one that is befitting and reverent of the occasion. The membership of New Mount Zion invites the public to attend the services and official installation of Dr. Brown at 9550 Shepherd Road, Dallas, TX 75243.  There will be opportunity for well wishes to be memorialized from all members of the congregation as well as members of the community throughout the installation services and in weeks to follow. Details regarding the upcoming Inaugural events and Installation services may be found at www.nmzbc.com.