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Baptist Hill Missionary Church in Lowndesboro would like to officially welcome Reverend Jay C. Coleman Jr. as the new pastor elect.

Coleman took over the position of pastor in early December. He is local to Lowndes County, graduating from Central High School in 1982.

Coleman went on to attend Alabama State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Communication and a Masters of Counseling. He is currently working on his doctorate.

Coleman is employed full-time as the site coordinator of The Dannon Project.

The Dannon Project assists youth in many ways, including a re-entry program geared to help youth get back on track, help identify barriers that may prevent them from succeeding in life, and help them obtain their GED.

Coleman and his wife, DeeDee, have been married for 26 years and have four children. DeeDee began her teaching career at W.O. Parmer in Greenville, Ala. and currently teaches fourth grade at Vaughn Road Elementary in Montgomery.

Coleman said it feels like coming home when describing his new position in Lowndesboro. He was previously the associate pastor an Antioch Missionary Baptist Church for the last 20 years.

“I hope to bring leadership and resources to improve not only Baptist Hill area but Lowndes County as a whole. I want to not only minister from the pulpit,” Coleman said, “but in all lives.”

Coleman is looking to use his education and training in mental health and counseling to ensure his congregation is well cared for.

“It is my prayer and hope that the congregation will follow me as I follow God to where he wants us to go,” Coleman said.