Local pastor celebrates 32 years of ministry

CHILLICOTHE — Pastor J Troy Gray at Zion Baptist Church recently celebrated his 32nd anniversary serving his congregation and the community at large. When he started at 29 years old he could have never imagined where God would lead the church.

Gray grew up in poverty, he and his single mother were often on government assistance and worked multiple jobs to afford what they needed. In his 20s Gray had plans to become a teacher and eventually a principal. He also worked closely with several organizations in the community working to better the area, giving him a good look at what those in the area needed.

Despite these plans, and his initial resistance, Gray would later become a Pastor of Zion Baptist Church in 1992 following in the footsteps of his grandfather and becoming one of only four pastors to lead the church since it began in 1912. He said back then he was just a "scared little boy" who was not sure what he was doing, luckily, God knew what to do with him.

Over his years he has seen the church grow largely in size eventually moving out of the church on Mill Street, which is now used as an outreach center, and moving to a new location that allows more congregation members to attend. He has also seen a large increase in virtual congregation members from all over the world in recent years.

Along with the expansions, Gray has helped to create a number of programs within the church to help those in the community. This includes partnering with the Ross County Christian Academy for the use of the church facilities during the weeks for the high school classes.

One of his favorite programs is the addiction recovery program for both men and women run through the church. The program was started to help those battling addiction find a way out by learning how to cope with their trauma and work through the problems the enemy throws at them.

Current and former members of the program speak highly of both the program and Gray. The program has resulted in many people being able to find a better path in life, make needed changes and become more active in their family's lives. The program also has over 15 houses around the area for those going through the program to live in, offering them a safe and drug-free environment to call home.

"Our beginnings don't dictate our endings," said Gray. "We have choices every day."

The church also runs a clothing bank and food pantry that serves thousands of community members each month. Gray has also worked to create visiting programs for members who are in the hospital or unable to attend church so they do not lose the connection to the congregation.

"I try to do something for everyone in the church," said Gray of the many programs.

His overall goal with all of the programs is to help those in need. He notes that the Bible tells the story of Jesus leaving the 99 to find the lost one which is what he always aims to do.

"I feel each one of us should be helping pull someone up," said Gray. "God blesses us to be a blessing."

While many credit Gray for the expansion and continued growth of the church he says it is all God and he never wants to take the credit for it. His primary goal is to be a vessel to share God's love and ideas for the community.

Having dealt with hard experiences in life Gray said God has helped him get through the tough times even when he didn't understand the bigger picture. After going through different battles in life he now has a better understanding of the members of his congregation.

"I know what hurt looks like," said Gray. "I know all of that, I lived all of that."

To help those in the situations he was once in Gray said he always tries to help relate people to the Bible. He believes that being able to relate to the book can help people in the walk with Christ as it makes it more relatable and understandable.

This way of preaching has led the Zion Baptist Church to regularly have full services with a variety of congregation members who have come from all walks of life. In fact, a large majority of those at the church are first-time churchgoers just now learning the word of God. When he looks out on the congregation Gray said he is proud to see so many different faces.

"Our church looks like what Heaven is going to look like," said Gray. "I'm excited about that."

While he is excited to have celebrated 32 years in ministry Gray continues to look forward as he aims to better the current programs offered by the church and stay open to hear what God says is the next step. He plans on staying in his current position for as long as he feels he can effectively help those around him by spreading God's word and light.

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Zion Baptist Church pastor recalls how church has grown