top of page
the community catalyst.jpeg

Empowering Communities Through Faith The Inspiring Journey of Pastor Terence & Co-Pastor Shantelle Hawkins


ree

Courtesy Photo-(L to R) Co-Pastor Shantelle and Pastor Terence Hawkins of Mt. Zion Church of Deliverance, Jackson, Michigan. Pastor. They lead side by side, a team forged by family roots, faith, and song. Their ministry pairs structure with compassion, old-school values, new-school reach, and so neighbors feel seen, supported, and welcomed exactly where they are.

Meet Pastor Terence Hawkins and Co-Pastor Shantelle Hawkins of Mt. Zion Church of Deliverance, a faith-leadership powerhouse answering the call to spread the gospel and touch the heart of the community through outreach. Their approach blends legacy and holiness with music, empathy, and modern tools, meeting people where they are and inviting them into a life made whole.


The Chronicle’s connection to Mt. Zion began at Zion Fest, a neighborhood celebration alive with music, laughter, and the easy warmth of a family reunion. Publisher Yanice Jackson attended with her children and watched them lean into the joy of the day. “We stumbled onto Zion Fest while parking for another event across the street,” she said with a smile. “Once we walked in, my kids didn’t want to leave. We were drawn to the spirit of the place, faith meeting action, love not only preached but practiced.”

  1. Zion Fest — Yanice Jackson and daughter Jillian share a smile at Zion Fest.Photo Credit: Chronicle Media Group

  2. Zion Fest — Liam waits for his turn to get his face painted at Zion Fest. Photo Credit: Chronicle Media Group

  3. Zion Fest — Liam rides a pony during Zion Fest. Photo Credit: Chronicle Media Group

For Yanice, the moment felt full-circle. Nearly 40 years ago, her parents founded The Chronicle Newspaper during the height of the War on Drugs to challenge harmful stereotypes and amplify local voices. “We wanted to be a voice for the community,” she said. “To highlight teachers, business owners, and pastors, the people doing the work.” With The Chronicle expanding regionally, Jackson felt led to partner with Mt. Zion, combining platforms to lift good information, share resources, and keep underserved neighbors connected.


After attending the event, Yanice felt led to reach out to the church leadership. After leaving a couple of messages, she was able to reach someone from the church and set up a time to meet with Pastor Terence and Co-Pastor Shantelle Hawkins. "It was an absolute pleasure to sit down with the Hawkinses, as I was able to learn so much about the dynamic couple and the ministry." Said Yanice


"I was excited to share my vision of connecting communities and to learn how both The Chronicle and Mt. Zion had quite a bit in common. I learned we both carry a significant legacy with the ability and willingness to combine the old with the new, allowing us to meet people where they are and carry out the missions commissioned to us by God." Quoted Jackson.


Furthermore, Yanice learned how Mt. Zion’s sanctuary is more than an address for Pastor Terence Hawkins; it’s home. He grew up in the church he now leads, was ordained by the longtime shepherd who pastored him as a child, and watched his father serve as pastor for 25 years. When illness required a transition, seasoned elders steadied the pulpit; in time, the mantle passed to him. That inheritance shaped his leadership: seek wisdom, invite counsel, and carry the church’s name with care.


“We believe the gospel should touch every part of life; economic, educational, relational, mental, and physical,” he said. “Jesus came so that we could have life, and that means abundant life in all its forms.” Growth, he teaches, is a rhythm of taking on and letting go; embracing what sharpens judgment and releasing what dulls it. “Not everything lawful is wise. If people can’t trust your walk, they won’t trust your words.”


Accountability is non-negotiable. Hawkins keeps his order of responsibility plain: God first, then the people he serves, his family, and the wider community. Mt. Zion’s systems reflect that priority: multiple eyes on finances and operations; active deacons and trustees; clear processes rather than personality. “Every pastor should have a mentor,” he added, crediting seasoned leaders and his co-pastor wife for counsel that keeps him grounded.


Co-Pastor Shantelle Hawkins, a gifted vocalist and leader, met Terence years ago while singing at a wedding. “I was drawn to his strength and steadiness,” she recalls. Today, they lead as partners in covenant and calling.

ree











Courtesy Photo-Pastoral Duo — Musical Ministry

Terence Hawkins and Co-Pastor Shantelle Hawkins, a musical ministry couple, pose together with Pastor Hawkins’ saxophone.

“We’re called kingdom builders,” Co-Pastor Shantelle said. “Our vision is to win the lost, show people the love of Christ, and point them to the Savior, not to us. We teach our people to ‘know and grow’: get to know God, then grow in Him.”


Sustaining one another in leadership looks practical and tender: prayer, good communication, making time, giving “grace and space,” and helping carry each other’s burdens. As a woman in ministry and a leader in her professional life, she keeps the focus simple. “I don’t major in being a woman; I major in being called. I apply what I’ve learned about effective leadership and aim to please God.”


She is clear about welcoming those navigating church hurt. “Church is a family of imperfect people working toward a common goal. We offer resources and spiritual guidance, and we walk people through healing and deliverance. We don’t expect perfection; we expect progress.” What does she want visitors to feel? “We do life together. I want people to feel loved and supported, and to leave knowing they encountered God.” When life feels heavy, Shantelle leans on her favorite scripture, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (KJV).


Mt. Zion’s ministries mirror its message: men’s and women’s groups, a revitalizing youth ministry led by a youth pastor, community care through Bible study and outreach, and a steady push into education. A former athlete and adjunct college professor, Pastor Terence encourages believers to “practice” their faith the way they trained on the field: small habits, repeated, that build spiritual muscle. “Salvation is a gift,” he often says. “Sanctification is a process. Jesus came to do an inside job, and He’s still working.”


Hawkins speaks with tender urgency about boys and young men. They need visible “men” to emulate, steady, prayerful, and emotionally mature. His goal is balance: a sanctuary as full of brothers as sisters, with men who match the faithfulness women have long modeled. “The struggle is real,” he said, “but you don’t win with your lips or your hands. You win in prayer.”


Mt. Zion blends holiness roots with modern reach. maintaining fellowship with a sister church in Detroit, hosting in-house Bible study theon  of each month, and meeting via Zoom on the remaining Thursdays so shut-ins and seekers can join from anywhere. The shout, the song, and the Spirit still ring true; Wi-Fi simply widens the room.

ree
ree

The Gathering Weekend

Theme: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8

Dates: October 17–19, 2025

Hosts: Pastors Terence & Shantelle Hawkins

  • Friday, Oct 17 – 7:00 PM (Mt. Zion Church of Deliverance)

  • Speaker: Lady Bonita Shelby


  • Saturday, Oct 18 – 10:00 AM (Encounter Church · $35 lunch tickets)

  • Gospel Worship Leader: Antwaun Cooks ·

  • Speaker: Pastor Tina Lee · Psalmist: Shavona Morgan


  • Sunday, Oct 19 – 11:00 AM (Mt. Zion Church of Deliverance)

  • Speaker: Evangelist Kim Milton Mackey


Locations

Mt. Zion Church of Deliverance 208 E. Franklin St., Jackson, MI 49201

Encounter Church 620 Robinson Rd N, Jackson, MI 49203

Connect 517-787-4662 · mtzionadm@outlook.com · mzcod.org

(Sunday worship at 11:00 AM each week.)

The Chronicle's Mission to Connect Communities

As The Chronicle expands regionally, we’re committed to elevating ministries that pair transparent leadership with community impact. Mt. Zion’s blend of integrity, family-first discipleship, and education-minded outreach aligns with our mission to tell stories that build people up and knit cities together. We look forward to growing this partnership, amplifying events like The Gathering, sharing resources, and connecting neighbors across Michigan with news that serves.

Have photos from Zion Fest or The Gathering? Tag The Chronicle and Mt. Zion—we’d love to celebrate your story, too.

bottom of page