About Us

Church Vision

  • WORSHIP

  • EVANGELISM

  • DISCIPLESHIP

  • FELLOWSHIP

  • MINISTRY

Our History

Our rich history began 90 years ago in a meeting at the home
of Rev. E.Z. Hall and Sister Emma Hall.

  • 1925


    In 1925, the first church was built on a lot donated by Rev. Hall and his wife. It was built on a solid foundation of Christian believers that withstood all trials and tribulations during its time.
  • 1960


    From 1920 to 1960, Zion Hill was under the leadership of several men of God, respectively, Rev. O. Simon, Rev. S. S. Simmons, Rev. Don Smith, Rev. J. Todd, Rev. Elvin Wells and Rev. Samuel T. Johnson, who rebuilt the church all while serving the church for no salary. Rev. George Smith continued to stand on the Word of God, as he faithfully served as pastor from 1960 to 1962.
  • 1963


    In 1963, Rev. Dr. Richard Bennett became pastor. Under his pastoral leadership, the church members became tithers and the Baptist Street location was constructed. It was a church used for God’s Glory; revivals were held, membership increased and the Matrons’ Ministry was formed. Rev. Bennett served until his death in 1980.
  • 1980


    Rev. Edmond D. Pointer became pastor in 1980. He was Zion Hill’s first full time pastor. Under Rev. Pointer’s leadership, community outreach ministries began, where we partnered with the Shepherd’s Center, offered a summer tutoring program and a feeding program for the needy. To serve alongside of her husband, Mrs. Pointer started the first church newsletter, the ZIONITE, and served as the editor.
  • 1996


    Then in 1996, Dr. Joshua Joy Dara, Sr. moved to Central Louisiana and became our current pastor.  He has served longer than any pastor in the history of Zion Hill.  The membership increased from 75 to more than 3500 through his charismatic and unique style of preaching and teaching the Word of God.  There are now over 50 ministries in the church that serve every aspect of life. Church services are broadcasted weekly on more than two television stations across Louisiana as well as multiple social media Platforms that reach national and international audiences. 

"We know that God can do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask
or think, according to the power that worketh in us."

Our Pastor

DR. JOSHUA
JOY DARA


Dr. Joshua Joy Dara was born in Ipee, Kwara State of Nigeria, West Africa. In 1980, he came to the United States to pursue higher education. In 1998, he became a United States citizen. He and his family now reside in Pineville, Louisiana, USA.

Dr. Dara earned an Associate of Arts degree from the Kwara State College of Technology and Basic Studies, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the California Baptist University, Riverside, California. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Southern University School of Law, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He earned the Masters of Law degree from the University of Arkansas School of Law, Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Dr. Dara is licensed to practice law in the states of Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Additionally, he is licensed to practice law before the United States Federal Circuit, United States 5th Circuit, United States 8th Circuit, United States Court of Claims, and the United States Court of International Trade.

Our Staff

  • Harrel Davis
    CFO
  • James Smith
    CEO, Family Life Center
  • Jackie Loyd
    Finance
  • Mathew Wilson
    Music Director
  • Terrence Williams
    Praise Worship Leader
  • Pam Baker
    Custodial Services
  • Morris Haynes
    Media