About Us - Mission, Vision, Values, and Beliefs
Our Mission
Glorifying God by serving others.
Our Vision
Zion United House of Prayer produces a mature and active body of believers who love the Lord with their full heart, soul, mind and strength and who love their neighbors as themselves.
RISE UP - CORE VALUES
We give praise, honor, and glory to God, endeavoring to create an atmosphere for authentic worship in spirit and in truth. As the scripture says, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” (Psalm 22:3; Psalm 150:6 Hebrews 13:15-16)
PRAISING GOD
We aim to keep each other and the community encouraged and uplifted in prayer. (I Timothy 2:1-4; Hebrews 10:24-25)
UPLIFTING OTHERS
We seek to be of active service in the community, positively reflecting on the God who calls and enables us to be a blessing unto others. We let our let shine before men through our service to others so that God can be get the glory. (Matthew 5:16)
ENGAGEMENT
We are eager to serve – to be good shepherds to those God entrusts to our care and to be good stewards over that which He blesses us with to use for his service. (Matthew 25:20-21, I Peter 5:2-4)
STEWARDSHIP
We actively seek to know and understand God – His will for our lives, and how we can be a blessing in the community in which He has planted us. Sincere questions, doubts, divergent views and perspectives are welcome as we seek to make sense of and apply the scriptures to our daily lives. (Psalm 27:4; 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy 3:16)
INQUIRY
Everyone is loved and welcome at Zion! We endeavor to model, for all people, God’s grace and love, recognizing that love is the ultimate fulfillment of all that God expects of us. We look beyond social divisions and embrace the shared identity and worth of all individuals in Christ. (Hebrews 4:15; Romans 13:8-10; I Peter 4:8, Galatians 3:28)
RELATIONSHIPS
BELIEFS
We believe the “universal” or “invisible” church, founded on the Day of Pentecost, consists of all true believers in Jesus Christ throughout history and across the world, regardless of denomination, culture, or location. (Matthew 16:13-18; Acts 2:14-47)
The Universal Church
We believe those accepting Christ should repent of sin, confess their faith, and be baptized into Him. Sanctification is an ongoing process through which believers grow and are gradually transformed into holiness. (2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:13-14).
Sanctification
We believe forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life are available to those who have accepted Jesus Christ as savior and Lord. God is no respecter of persons. He holds no preference, favoritism or partiality based on any earthly distinction or differences. All who fear him and seek to do right are accepted by Him. (Acts 10:34; Galatians 3:27-28). No person who places their trust in Jesus shall ever be put to shame. (Romans 10:9-12)
Salvation
We believe Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God who died for our sins and rose from the dead. (Luke 2:11; I Corinthians 15:1-8; John 3:16; I John 2:2; I John 4:1)
Jesus
We believe in one God who exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 28:19; I John 5:7)
God
We believe the Bible to be written by inspired men of God through the work of the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:20-21). The scriptures contain all that we need to know and understand for salvation and right living (2 Timothy 3:16;) Proper handling of the scripture involves understanding the original meaning of the text within its historical, cultural, and literary context. (2 Timothy 2:15)
The Scriptures
We believe spiritual gifts and opportunities to serve in the ministry are freely given by Christ, for the edifying of the body of Christ without regard to ethnicity, social class, or gender. (Acts 10:34; Galatians 3:26-28; Ephesians 4:7-12)
Spiritual Gifts and Eligibility for Service
We believe that believers are to be both cheerful and generous in their giving, never giving under compulsion. (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). We give to meet the needs of the poor (Luke 12:33-34; Matthew 5:42; Matthew 25:35-45; Matthew 6:1-4); to support the needs of the saints (Romans 12:10-13); and to support the work of ministry including the material needs of those serving in ministry (I Corinthians 9:5-12; Luke 10:7; I Timothy 5:18; Galatians 6:6);
Giving
We believe church leaders are called and gifted to shepherd the congregation, not to Lord over it, and to guide the church in fulfilling its mission. Church leaders are expected to be individuals of integrity in both word and example. (1 Peter 5:1-4; I Timothy 3:1-7; Acts 20:28; Titus 1:5-9)
Church Organization and Leadership
We believe the local church exists to teach, preach, and make disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 5:42) to sustain a fellowship of believers ministering to one another’s needs (Acts 2:42-44; I John 1:1-3; 6-7); to promote and sustain an atmosphere of worship, prayer, and praise (Hebrews 13:15-16; John 4:23-24; and to equip saints for works of service ultimately bringing them into maturity and promoting unity within the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-15)
The Local Church
Marcus J. Pimpleton was licensed to preach under the ministry of the late great Bishop Eugene Drayton at Zion United House of Prayer in 2007 and ordained under the ministry of Bishop Dr. Willie McClain at Holy Temple Evangelistic Center in 2012. He received his seminary training at the A.L. Hardy Academy of Theology, earning his Doctorate of Ministry in Religious Education in 2010.
Outside of his ministry work, Dr. Pimpleton is highly regarded as a public school administrator and teacher. He holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Washington and has served in a variety of school and district leadership roles including as a high school principal, a secondary schools principal supervisor, and a district level Executive Director for Racial and Educational Justice. For over 20 years Dr. Pimpleton has served as Director and Program Coordinator for the Seattle Schools All-City Marching Band. He also serves as Board Chair for the League of Education voters.
Dr. Pimpleton's vision for Zion is that it be a house of prayer for all nations, a church where individuals of all backgrounds and walks of life can gather together to worship, pray, connect, and grow. All are welcome.
Marcus J. Pimpleton, Ed.D, D.Min
PASTOR
Gloria King
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Donna Kirvin
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Minister Donna R. Kirvin is the third of four children born to the union of Charlie Kirvin Sr. and Ruby Lee Kirvin. She accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at the age of 12 at Zion United House of Prayer, under the leadership of the late Bishop Eugene Drayton, where she received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and was water baptized as an outward confession of her faith in Jesus Christ. Minister Kirvin graduated from Garfield High School in Seattle, WA, in 1985 and received her Doctorate in Theology from the Bishop A.L. Hardy Academy of Theology in 2016.
Minister Kirvin has worked in the community and the Church for over 40 years. She does not take her service lightly. She has demonstrated her passion and dedication of servitude throughout the years in the following areas: Youth leader, basketball coach, leadership development facilitator, transporter for Cascade Job Corp, 30 years as Teen Development Leader, Camp Director, employment supervisor Youth and Young adult counselor, Foster Parent, CEO of C.H.A.N.C.E. - Community Helping Assertively Negative Circumstances Evolve and as a Community builder and special event coordinator. She served under the late Bishop Eugene Drayton for 18 years at Zion United House of Prayer, under the late Pastor Doug Wheeler for 17 ½ years at Christian Restoration Center, and under Bishop Willie J. McClain for 4 ½ years at Holy Temple Evangelistic Center before answering the call of Pastor, where Bread of Life Christian Faith Fellowship Outreach was born in 2019. She was ordained in the office of pastor by God through the vessel of Bishop Curtis Doakes Sr. of Holy Ground Community Church of Seattle, WA. She later joined the ministry team at Integrity Life Church under Pastor Joseph J. Bowman IV. Pastor Kirvin received the Word of the Lord to return to Zion United House of Prayer for the third time before finally answering the call. She believes she is called to help restore His house, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and financially, under the direction of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of the Word of God. She presently serves as Executive Assistant to Pastor Pimpleton.
Joy Moton
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ASSOCIATE MINISTERS
Mary Favors
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Overseer Mary Favors, is a native of Sondheimer, Louisiana. She moved to Seattle, Washington for a broader and rich spectrum of life. She is married to Waymond Favors. They have 5 children, 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
She was commissioned to preach the gospel in 2004 under the leadership of the late Bishop Eugene Drayton of Zion United House of Prayer for All Nations, where she served in many capacities of the church including Sunday School Teacher, Youth Choir leader, Youth Children Church Leader, Intercessory Prayer Team Leader, and Homeless Feeding Team.
In 2007, she founded ForeRunner to the Nations Ministry As a minister of the gospel, Overseer Favors has knowledge in both Church and Street Ministry. She has ministered in many states - Washington, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, and Virginia - and several countries around the world, including Kenya, Dublin, Ireland, and Nigeria
Oversee Favors believes she was born to serve with compassion, to reach the lost, to walk beside those in need, whether it be prayer, food, clothing, education, housing, assisting, or ministering by the bedside of the sick. She believes every soul deserves dignity, restoration, or just a held hand!
Ronnie Rolax
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In 1958, as a member of the Mount Zion Baptist Church, Eugene Drayton answered God’s call to the ministry. Under the guidance and teachings of Reverend Samuel B. McKinney, he was licensed and preached his first message in December of that same year. On March 7th 1959 he married Sister Coreather Fluker and together they joined the House of Prayer for All Nations under the leadership of the late Bishop Edward Dennison.
Following God’s call to move to a higher level in the ministry, Reverend and Sister Drayton opened the doors of Zion Holiness Church on August 11, 1960 in Seattle, Washington. Later the name of the church was changed to Zion United House of Prayer for All Nations. Working together Pastor and Mother Drayton continued to press towards the goals God had set before them. In the fall of 1982, with the support of the church, they opened Zion Christian School, fulfilling a vision God had given Pastor Drayton many years before. Opening with just seven students initially, by the turn of the century, the school had over 500 children enrolled ranging from PreK to 8th Grade. The school ultimately succumbed to financial pressures and closed its doors in 2015 leaving behind a legacy of educational excellence.
In October 2007 following Bishop Drayton’s retirement from full time ministry, Reverend Wallace L. Drayton was installed as pastor. Under his leadership the church began several key partnerships with community groups including the launching of Tuesday night community feeding program and a discussion series promoting cross racial dialogue about issues of race and racism.
Now in its 65th anniversary year, the members of Zion United House of Prayer take great pride in its history and the critical role the church has played in launching many ministers, pastors, missionaries, evangelists, teachers, and singers. Many churches, both in Seattle and around the world owe a great debt of gratitude to the foundation their founders received at Zion United House of Prayer.
As we move into the next 65 years, Zion looks forward to building on its historical legacy, while continuing to be a place of refuge and hope that produces a mature and active body of believers and a force for good both in the community and in the body of Christ.
Honoring Our History
IN MEMORIAM - BISHOP EUGENE DRAYTON, D.D.
Eugene Drayton, born in Longview, Texas attended church from an early age. He served in the United States Army during World War II ad segttled n Seattle upon the discharge from the Army in 1945. After arriving in Seattle he began a career with the United States Postal Service.
In 1957, Mr. Drayton gave up a twelve year career with the United States Postal Service to develop a supermarket - Volume Food Basket located in the central area of Seattle. In 1958 as a member of the Mount Zion Baptist Church, he answered God’s call to ministry and under the guidance and teachings of Reverend Samuel B. McKinney, was licensed and preached his first message in December of that same year.
In 1960 he dedicated himself fully to following his spiritual calling and began an outreach ministry that would “reach all nations or races of people,” opening Zion Holiness Church on August 11, 1960. In 1966 Zion Holiness Church was renamed Zion United House of Prayer and Pastor Drayton was ordained Bishop of United House of Prayer serving as overseer of 11 churches.
After ministering under the leadership of the Holy Spirit for many years, Bishop Drayton took notice of an increasing number of students in his Sunday School classes who were unable to read or write. He developed a vision for a private school that could provide great learning opportunities for those who might not otherwise be able to afford. This vision was realized in 1982 when he opened the doors of Zion Christian School which was later renamed Zion Preparatory Academy.
Over the course of his long career, Bishop Drayton contributed to the community and youth by serving on the boards of many service and children’s organizations. In 1993 he was honored with an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from United Theological Seminary and in 1995 he completed a Doctorate of Divinity from the A.L. Hardy Academy Theological Seminary. In 2001 the Washington State Senate passed Senate Resolution 8645, honoring his outstanding achievements and life of service to Seattle’s underprivileged and minority youth.
Bishop Drayton retired from full time ministry in 2007 installing his son Reverend Wallace Drayton as pastor of Zion United House of Prayer. Bishop Drayton went on to be with the Lord on December 26, 2016 at the tender age of 96, leaving behind his wife of 57 years, Mother Coreather Drayton.
IN MEMORIAM - MOTHER COREATHER DRAYTON
Mother Creather Drayton of Blaydon Springs, AL received her “heavenly wings” on the November 29, 2021 at the glorious age of 100 in the comfort of her home in Seattle, WA.
In 1960 she stood beside her husband, Reverend Eugene Drayton as he began an outreach ministry “that would reach all nations and races of people” and founded Zion United Jopuse of Prayer. In 1982 they founded Zion Christian School otherwise known as the “Miracle on 32nd Street” which was later renamed Zion Preparatory School. She was known far and wide for filling the hungry bellies of students. parents, and staff with her $1 Big Breakfast.
IN MEMORIAM - PASTOR WALLACE DRAYTON
Wallace Leon Drayton was born December 24, 1942 in Longview, Texas to the union of Earlene Hunter-Drayton and Eugene Drayton. He graduated from Franklin High School and received his BA from Western Washington University. He organized the Central Area Coalition in the 1970s.
He was a lifetime member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and he was a member of the Prince Hall Masons. He was the proud pastor of Zion United House of Prayer from October 2007 until his demise on January 19, 2025.
Pastor Wallace is sorely missed by the loving and loyal members of ZUHOP and his loving wife, sons and a host of grandchildren.
