Zion Baptist Church of South Richmond was one of two churches in Virginia recognized with a 2025 Servant Award for its work supporting the community. Senior Pastor Darrin Johnson and his wife, Lady Tonya Clark Johnson, accepted the award during the 7th Annual Servant Awards ceremony on Nov. 15 in South Hill. 

The awards were part of a two-day event hosted by Christians United Congregation. 

Zion Baptist Church has long been active in outreach through several ministries. The Zion Missionary Ministry tends to the needs of the sick, shut-ins and others in the community. The ministry provides visits, prayers and cards for bereaved members and delivers Christmas gifts to seniors and the homebound. 

Through its partnership with Caritas, a nearby organization serving people experiencing homelessness by offering drug rehabilitation and job training, the church donates clothing, toiletries and other items to support residents. The Zion Outreach Ministry works with the Richmond City Resource Office to distribute hygiene products to unsheltered individuals and residents at the Salvation Army Shelter on Chamberlayne Avenue. 

Since the pandemic, Zion has combined its outreach efforts into one annual Christmas celebration during the first week of December. The event provides meals, gifts for seniors and people experiencing homelessness, toys and gift cards to help families with food and holiday needs.