MOUNT ZION
BAPTIST CHURCH
Our Story
More than a century of faith, community, and transformation in Boonton Township, New Jersey.
To see lives transformed by Christ as we pursue emotional, physical, and spiritual wholeness together.
MINISTRY FOR THE WHOLE PERSON · BODY. MIND. SOUL.
OUR HISTORY
Rooted in 1918. Growing
Ever Since.
Mount Zion Baptist Church was organized on March 15, 1918, in a hall on Main Street in Boonton, New Jersey. Under founding pastor Rev. David R. Russell, the young congregation worshiped for eleven years at the Community Church of Mountain Lakes while faithfully building toward a home of its own.
More than a century later — through eight pastorates, two sanctuaries, and generations of faithful deacons, trustees, and pioneer women — Mount Zion continues to grow and prosper at 4 Church Rd, committed to the course and call of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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1918
Mount Zion is organized
Founded March 15, 1918 in a hall on Main Street, Boonton, under Rev. David R. Russell.
1930
Construction begins in Boonton Township
Ground broken in 1929 on purchased land; the original sanctuary is completed in 1937.
1952
The Rogers era begins
Rev. Owen W. Rogers begins a 43-year pastorate; the Junior Church raises up generations of leaders.
1977
We move into our present church home
The congregation enters the new edifice July 10, 1977; the mortgage is burned in praise on October 21, 1984.
1993
First women licensed to preach
Ministers Aran McCullough Sterling and Carolyn Simms Aiken are licensed for the preaching of the gospel.
2015
Our first female pastor
Rev. Dr. Kimberly S. Credit becomes the seventh pastor — expanding ministries, technology, and the ministerial staff.
2022
Rev. Dr. Lisa A. Clayton called as pastor
Voted the eighth pastor — and second female pastor — of Mount Zion on January 8, 2022.
Today
A house of faith, healing, and community
Serving Boonton Township in person and online, with ministry for every generation.
OUR PASTOR
Rev. Lisa Ann Cayton
SENIOR PASTOR
Reverend Dr. Lisa Ann Clayton proudly serves as the eighth Pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Boonton Township, New Jersey. Since her election in January 2022, she has led with a vision centered on healing the whole person — mind, body, and soul — through transformational preaching, authentic leadership, and compassionate pastoral care.
Known for her relatable teaching style and healing-centered ministry, Pastor Lisa blends biblical truth, psychological insight, and practical application to help individuals grow spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. Her passion is to create spaces where people feel seen, restored, empowered, and challenged to live fully in their God-given purpose.
"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised."
PROVERBS 31:30
Our Ministerial Staff
The servants who shepherd, teach, and care for our church family.
Rev. Carolyn & Rev. LeRoy Aiken
SEASONED SAINTS MINISTRY
Along with preaching, teaching, and serving at their home church of Mount Zion Baptist Church of Boonton Township, Rev and Rev Aiken have ministered via bi-monthly closed circuit TV at the St Clare's Hospital of Denville NJ and the Dover General Hospital Dover, NJ Campus.
In addition, they have ministered the Gospel in various other nursing home facilities to the glory and honor of God.
Rev. Tiffani Green
YOUTH & TEEN MINISTER
A Poughkeepsie, NY native, Rev. Green was licensed to preach in 2005 and ordained in 2010, and holds a Master of Divinity from Drew University Theological School. With a true heart for God and His people, she leads our youth and teens in growing their own faith.
Min. Keisha Natalee Cole
YOUND ADULT MINISTER
Licensed to preach at Mount Zion in 2016, Min. Keisha leads Young Adult ministry — Bible study, "The Breakfast Club," and Second Fridays — and has ministered through gospel music since age 12. Her testimony of God's healing grace is at the heart of her calling.
Min. Stephanie Grinage
MINISTER OF DISCIPLESHIP & EVANGELISM
Licensed to preach at Mount Zion in 2017, Min. Stephanie holds a Master of Divinity from New Brunswick Theological Seminary and serves as Prayer Leader for small groups. Her passion is moving the congregation from membership to discipleship.
Min. Tanisha Tuck
MINISTER TO WOMEN
Women of every generation gathering for Bible study, prayer, and sisterhood — encouraging one another in faith and in life.
SEE FOR YOURSELF
Life at Mount Zion
A glimpse of our worship, our people, and the community God is building here.
Come Be Part of the Story
The next chapter includes you. Join us this Sunday at 10:00 AM.