Skip to main content
✦ Join Us Every Sunday Morning — Worship at 11:00 AM ◆ Tuesday Bible Study — 6:00 PM ◆ 114 Bedford Street, Bluefield, WV 24701 ◆ Call Us: (304) 327-5249 ◆ Call Pastor's Mobile Anytime: 304-920-2631 ◆ ✦ Join Us Every Sunday Morning — Worship at 11:00 AM ◆ Tuesday Bible Study — 6:00 PM ◆ 114 Bedford Street, Bluefield, WV 24701 ◆ Call Us: (304) 327-5249 ◆ Call Pastor's Mobile Anytime: 304-920-2631 ◆
Second Message Leading Into Holy Week 2026

The Man
Who Missed His Calling

"But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions."

— Matthew 19:22
📹 Join Live on Zoom Plan Your Visit →
Gather With Us

Worship & Fellowship

Every gathering is an encounter with the living God. Come as you are.

Sunday Worship

Every Sunday · 11:00 AM

Spirit-led preaching, traditional hymns blended with heartfelt praise, and genuine fellowship in a welcoming atmosphere that honors 130 years of faith.

Bible Study

Every Tuesday · 6:00 PM

Deepen your understanding of Scripture in our weekly study. Engage in thoughtful discussion and grow in faith alongside believers committed to the Word.

Community Outreach

Ongoing

Reaching Our World, One Family at a Time. Our outreach programs serve Bluefield and the surrounding community — check back for our 2026 initiatives.

"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go."
— Joshua 1:7
The sanctuary of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Bluefield, West Virginia
Our Story

Welcome Home

Reaching Our World, One Family at a Time

For nearly 130 years, Mt. Zion Baptist Church has been among the brightest of beacons lighting the spiritual way for countless individuals and families in and around Bluefield, West Virginia. It has a rich legacy of bettering lives, instilling hope, and cementing faith.

It is a legacy we continue to honor — not by mere memorial and nostalgic reflection, but by blending timeless tradition with innovative programs designed to serve our community and all who seek spiritual growth and better navigation of their faith in a constantly changing world.

Whether you're a student from nearby Bluefield State University, a family looking for a church home, or someone seeking a community of faith, we welcome you with open arms.

Our Full History → Plan a Visit
Mark Your Calendar

Upcoming Events

Join us as we walk together through the sacred seasons of the Christian year.

March 29, 2026

Palm Sunday

Commemorate Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Our 11:00 AM service includes the waving of palms and a message preparing hearts for the journey to the cross.

March 30 – April 3, 2026

Holy Week Services

Walk with Christ through His final week. Special services journey from the Upper Room to Calvary, reflecting on the passion, sacrifice, and love of our Savior.

April 5, 2026

Easter Sunday

He Is Risen! Celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ with joyful worship at 11:00 AM — music, message, and the proclamation of new life.

May 24, 2026

Pentecost Sunday

Celebrate the birthday of the Church and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at 11:00 AM. Remember the power, presence, and gifts of the Spirit.

Our Shepherd

Meet Our Pastor & First Lady

Pastor James Palmer, pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church since 2001

Pastor James Palmer

Senior Pastor

Pastor James Palmer has served as the pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church since September 9, 2001. He was licensed to preach the Gospel in June 1981 by Tabernacle Baptist Church, Bluefield, Virginia, and ordained in February 1982. He has been in active pastoral ministry ever since — first at First Baptist Church, Pembroke, VA (four years), then at First Baptist Church, Northfork, WV (fourteen years), and now in his twenty-fifth year at Mt. Zion.

Pastor Palmer is married to Stephanie Williams Palmer and is father to their three sons and grandfather to seven grandchildren. By nature and experience he is an advocate, educator, and researcher — having served on the faculties of three colleges, practiced trial law for 25 years, and founded an independent insurance agency.

First Lady Stephanie Palmer, wife of Pastor James Palmer

Stephanie Palmer

First Lady

This has been one of the coldest, snowiest winters the Bluefields have seen in a long time. It was fifteen degrees this morning. Yet, spring is coming. It always does. And somehow, that never gets old.

The Prophet Isaiah wrote, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” — Isaiah 43:18–19. I love that God uses the language of seasons to describe His grace. New things spring up. Warmth returns. What felt frozen begins to move again.

Whatever this long winter has been for you in your spirit, in your circumstances, or in your heart, I want to encourage you: spring is coming for you too. So be encouraged by the warmth of a new season. Come worship with us. Let's enjoy the warmth of a new season in Christ together.

Our Congregation

This Is Who We Are

Every face at Mt. Zion tells a story. Every story is part of ours. Meet the real people who make this church what it is — and consider making this your family too.

Click to Meet the Mt. Zion Family →
Ristina Robinson, member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church
“The love has never changed.” Ristina Robinson Longest-Serving Member
We'd Love to Hear From You

Get in Touch

Have a question, a prayer request, or just want to say hello? We welcome every message.

Send Us a Message

Find Us

Bluefield, West Virginia

📍 Get Directions

Service Times

☩ Sunday Worship — 11:00 AM

☩ Tuesday Bible Study — 6:00 PM