DECATUR—Beulah Missionary Baptist Church this year is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its leader and visionary, the Rev. Jerry D. Black. 

To mark Rev. Black’s milestone with the church, the congregation is planning several events this month that will bring the church, friends and the community together for joyous celebrations.

The events include a Step Extravaganza, Celebration Gala, Praise and Worship Concert, Wonderful Wednesday Services and Celebration Sunday Services with the culmination celebration worship service on Feb. 12, nearly 20 years to the date of Pastor Black’s installment. Pastor Marvin L. Sapp of Lighthouse Full Life Center, Grand Rapids, MI will lead the culmination service.

Pastor Black was installed as the seventh pastor of Beulah on Feb. 9, 1992. In the two decades under his leadership, he has not only helped transform the church from 800 members to more than 8,000 members, but he has also helped developed Beulah’s congregation into a 100 percent tithing church, said Christopher Hightower, the church’s media spokesperson.

With Pastor Black’s guidance, Beulah has instituted numerous ministries to serve the community, assisting the homeless, elderly and needy with food, clothing and other necessities.

Last October, the United States Postal Service recognized Pastor Black as a Living Legend and dedicated a postal stamp in his honor.

Pastor Black, who has been in ministry for 33 years, was also the recipient of the Faith-Based Award given by the DeKalb Branch of the NAACP at its 55th Annual Freedom Funds Awards Banquet in 2011.

The community is invited to participate in the celebrations. For more information, visit www.beulahbaptist.org or contact the church office at 404-241- 3307. Beulah Missionary Baptist Church is located at 2340 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur, GA 30034.