Meet Our Pastor ~ Darryl K. cox
Darryl K. Cox
Pastor, New Zion Missionary Baptist Church
Reverend Darryl K. Cox has been an ordained minister for over 30 years -- licensed, 1983, ordained, 1988. He has served as an associate minister during the pastorates of Revs. Richard Daniels and Walter Matthews at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, and here, at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, under Rev. Dr. Normal S. Greer. In 1998, he came Pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church, Cairo, IL., and served there until 2010. He has held several key positions during his ministry, including secretary, chaplain, educational coordinator and First Vice Moderator of the Mt. Olive Baptist District Associate of Southern Illinois.
Rev. Cox received both his Baccalaureate and Master's degrees in Social Work -- and is pursuing his post-graduate degree -- from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. He has obtained his Administrator's and Principal's certifications, and is a member of both the Illinois Principals and Illinois Deans Associations. He is also a member of the Social Work Alliance and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. He has received many academic and professional honors and awards. including the Social Welfare Academic Award, and "Outstanding Young Men of America," 1996. He believes in volunteerism, and has assisted in many programs that aid in humanitarian endeavors and efforts to provide a better quality of life for the people of this region.
Married to LaVell Hayes-Cox, for the past 46 years, they've been blessed with one daughter, Danielle Nichole, and two granddaughters, Jayla Nakiya and Kayelyn LaVell.
Rev. Cox began serving as Interim Pastor, January, 2011. The result of the pastoral election, August 27, found Rev. Cox in the unique position of being the first of New Zion's own 'sons' to serve as Pastor. During this period, special days have been established, including Church-wide Clean-up, Friends & Family Sunday and African Attire Sunday. The Youth Department (renamed: STOMP: Serving the One Most Powerful) has experienced renewed energy, with plays, trips, and numerous activities for our children, teens -- and their parents. The launch of the church media center is on the horizon. Pastoring through a pandemic, sickness, health, births and deaths, the one true and constant thing has been The Word. "Down through 42 generations . . ."
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A Shepherd's Gratitude
From: Pastor Darryl K. Cox
To: New Zion Church Family
Beloved New Zion Missionary Baptist Church Family,
As I reflect on these fourteen years, my heart overflows with thanks to God and deep love for each of you. It has been my job to walk this journey together -- worshipping, serving, and growing in Christ.
You've welcomes me into your lives in times of celebrations and in seasons of deep sorrow. I've stood with you at weddings and baby dedications, and I have held your hands through hospital stays, graveside farewells, and many home goings. In moments of loss, I have seen the strength of your faith and the comfort of the Lord poured out on our church and community.
Together, we have witnessed incredible blessings -- none greater than the lives touched by God's grace. And I thank Him for the tangible milestones as well, including the tremendous blessing of being able to pay off our church mortgage. That accomplishment is a testimony to your faithfulness, sacrifice, and commitment to the vision God has given us.
The words of Philippians 1:3-5 ring true for me today: "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you... for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now."
Though fourteen years have passed quickly, I believe our greatest days are ahead. Let us continue in unity, love, and the power of the Holy Spirit, trusting the Lord to lead us forward.
In His Name... Rev. Darryl K. Cox, Pastor