SAN MARCOS CHURCHES
Livin’ Out Loud, the young adult ministry of New Zion Baptist Church, formed an executive board earlier this year to promote a safe and welcoming community where young people are valued and supported, according to L.O.L board member Lauryn Small.
L.O.L offers fellowship for men and women between the ages of 18 and 30 by providing the opportunity to discuss life topics pertaining to Christian living through Biblical principles and fellowship, Small said.
First founded in 1866 at the historic location on Martin Luther King Drive as the Colored Baptist Church Zion, New Zion has been in its current location at 420 South Mitchell St. since 1986. Current Pastor Colby Cotton introduced L.O.L, which has grown to its current size through fish frys, Bible studies and social gath- erings.
After formation of the executive board in August, the L.O.L kicked off September with a meet-and-greet for young adults to have the opportunity to meet new leaders and learn about L.O.L.
On Halloween, L.O.L. helped to host “Wild n’ Out for Jesus,” a spinoff of the popular show “Wild n’ Out,” which was open to the public and was created to appeal to all ages. With the collective efforts from the members of New Zion, “Wild n’ Out for Jesus” was a hit filled with great memories, funny biblical jokes, and people of all ages laughing and enjoying Halloween night together, according to Small.
Last month, L.O.L. helped to organize New Zion’s 159th Church Anniversary on Nov. 16, and the executive board is planning on hosting multiple events each month of 2026.
“This is a multigenerational church [and] a multicultural church, Pastor Cotton told the Daily Record. “We don’t just identify with the Black community. We identify with the Hispanic [and] the white community. It is a very diverse church. Just to see the diversity on a Sunday morning is absolutely amazing.”
