New Birth announces new senior pastor

New Birth Missionary Baptist Church near Lithonia announces Dr. Jamal Bryant of Baltimore, Maryland will soon take over the church.

The church's board of directors said Monday Dr. Bryant has been appointed senior pastor-elect. He will minister his first service as pastor on December 9 at 9:30 a.m.

Bryant is originally from Baltimore and served as the founding pastor of Empowerment Temple A.M.E. Church in the city.  

Church leaders said he "embodies the rare balance of spiritual gifts and practical educational experiences that connects pastoral leadership and discipleship teaching with prophetic preaching and courageous social action."

Dr. Bryant graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta.

The church has been searching for a pastor after Bishop Stephen Davis stepped down during the summer. He took over after the January 2017 death of Bishop Eddie Long.