Rev. Dr. Keith William Byrd Sr., is the Pastor of the historic Zion Baptist Church in Northwest, Washington D.C. He was called as the church’s ninth pastor in its 160-year history. Rev. Byrd first accepted the call to preach in 1997 and was both licensed and ordained at the First Baptist Church, Inc. of North Brentwood, Maryland under the pastorate of the late Rev. Dr. Perry A. Smith, III.

Dr. Byrd is a gifted preacher, teacher, leader, mentor and community activist. With God’s guidance and Dr. Byrd’s visionary leadership, Zion desires to be a family church, empowered by the love of Christ, to serve the family of God. With this vision in mind, Dr. Byrd has overseen several church renovations at Zion, including extensive technology enhancements and a renovation of the Church’s sanctuary. Dr. Byrd was blessed to lead Zion through a five-year Strategic Plan for Ministry. This Strategic Plan helps guide Zion in the areas of Christian Education, Leadership, Evangelism, Disciple Engagement, Diaconate Effectiveness, and Facility and Technology Enhancements. The strategic plan culminated in a merger with the former New Creation Baptist Church in Silver Spring, MD and as a result, Zion is now one church in two locations.

Dr. Byrd’s current denominational leadership includes:

• First Vice-President of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.

• Board member of the Conference of National Black Churches

• Immediate past President of the Baptist Convention of DC & Vicinity

A native of Washington, D.C., Dr. Byrd received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland at College Park, a Master of Divinity Degree from the Howard University School of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Church Leadership from the Wesley Theological Seminary. He is also a member of the Morehouse College Board of Preachers.

Dr. Byrd is an avid Commander’s fan and family man. He is supported in ministry by his wife, Kimberly Byrd and together, they have two adult sons.