Launching 2027

A Church for Fort Washington.

We are Zeal Bible Church. We're gathering a launch team now and opening our doors in 2027.

Our DNA

Know the Word. Live the Word. Preach the Word.

Our prayer is to be a church that is zealous for good works and connects all people to the sacrificial love of Jesus, through bible-based programs, community initiatives, marketplace ministry, and church planting.

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A neighborhood shopping strip in Fort Washington, Maryland.

Hovermale's, a frozen custard stand serving Fort Washington since 1954.

The Need

Why Fort Washington?

There is a need for gospel-centered, culturally relevant churches here. Light 80, the lighthouse raised at Fort Washington Park in the 1800s to guide boat traffic up the Potomac into Washington, DC, could not be hidden. Neither will this church be.

Light 80, the lighthouse at Fort Washington Park on the Potomac River.

Gospel-Centered Churches

Many churches here do not appear to be gospel-centered, and that is true across the surrounding cities. We will be one, and we will plant others.

Gospel Renewal

Christians and non-Christians alike need to rediscover the biblical gospel. We want it renewed and treasured in the hearts of Fort Washington.

Multiethnic and Multicultural Churches

The area is still predominantly Black and steadily growing more diverse. Our churches have not caught up. We will train multiethnic leaders here.

View prospectus

What We Believe

Our Values

These four shape how we teach, how we gather, and how we send. They are not aspirations we hope to grow into somewhere down the road. They are the commitments we are planting with, and the ones we want this church to be known for in Fort Washington long after launch day.

Biblical Literacy

John 1 tells us that Jesus is the Word. If you love Jesus, you ought to love His Word. We have great zeal about this one.

Psalm 119:105

Preaching & Evangelism

Once you know the Word and start living it, you have to be ready to proclaim it: in the marketplace, at work, and on your street.

2 Timothy 4:2–5

Prayer

Prayer unites us with God's will and with each other. The early church devoted itself to praying together. We value it because Jesus does.

Colossians 4:2

Discipleship

Making disciples is multiplication, and we cannot do it alone. Church planting is not a side project for us. It is the mission.

Matthew 28:18–20

Titus 2:14 · our foundational scripture

Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Pastor Emmanual Benton with his wife Moriah and their daughter Elizabeth.

The founder of our church

Our Pastor

Pastor Emmanual Benton (also called Pastor E), 33, is a servant of Christ who is passionate about expository preaching and teaching, prayer and worship. He believes in the authority of God's word and the impact it makes on all people. Pastor Emmanual has been a ministry leader since he was 13 years old and credits his late grandfather, Rev. Dr. Harrison E. Benton Jr. as his greatest earthly influence. He is a huge fan of football and specifically the Washington Commanders. He also enjoys cooking, trying out restaurants, eating stracciatella gelato, and listening to music and podcasts.

Besides Jesus, Pastor E's greatest love is his wife Moriah and their daughter Elizabeth. He considers his family to be his first ministry and values spending time with them.

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