Pastor David Stallion Leads with Dedication to Faith and Community

By Janell Williams

The Rev. Dr. David L. Stallion Sr., pastor of Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church in Columbus is making a significant impact in the local faith community through his leadership in the Missionary Baptist Association. As an experienced pastor and community leader, Stallion has served in numerous roles, contributing to the spiritual growth and outreach efforts of the association and the broader region.

Stallion was called to the ministry in 2001 and ordained in 2004. With a deep commitment to preaching and teaching the Gospel, he has since become a prominent figure in both the church and local community. As Assistant Moderator of the Original Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Association, Stallion plays a crucial role in supporting the association’s mission to strengthen local churches and serve the needs of the community.

“Ministry is about empowering others,” Stallion said. “It’s not just about preaching; it’s about serving, teaching and equipping others to live out their faith in tangible ways.”

Born and raised in Phenix City, Ala., Stallion has always been deeply rooted in faith. He accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of 10 and became a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Phenix City. Over the years, he has built a strong academic and leadership foundation to support his ministry.

"I come from a family of preachers and singers and musicians," Stallion said. "Being around all these preachers and so forth, it led into the discovery of my own gifts that the Lord gifted me with."

Stallion has earned a bachelor of arts in pastoral ministry, a master of divinity in discipleship and church ministry, and a doctor of divinity from Frontline Theological Seminary in Columbus.

He has also completed comprehensive studies in Christian leadership, theology, Bible doctrine, and expository sermons.

In addition to his theological training, Stallion has received leadership training from various institutions, including Chattahoochee Valley Community College, Foxboro Training Institute, Data Color International School, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Before answering the call to ministry, Stallion gained extensive experience in management and leadership. He served as music director at Faith Tabernacle Community Church, bringing over 25 years of gospel music ministry experience to the position. His background in leadership and community service has been an asset to his ministry and has allowed him to inspire others in the congregation and beyond.

Stallion’s ministry has included teaching and preaching at revivals, worship services, Bible studies, and Sunday school programs. His focus has always been on empowering the next generation of leaders and encouraging spiritual growth in others.

"I love teaching. I love instructing. I feel like that. I'm in my element when I do that," he said.

In addition to his work in the church, Stallion has been actively involved in several civic organizations. He served as a volunteer for the United Way of Chattahoochee Valley, where he was a member of the allocations committee. He also has held leadership roles in the Auburn District Missionary Baptist Association, including serving as the vice president of the Minister’s Division.

Stallion was called to Mt. Pilgrim in November 2015, where he continues to lead with a vision of spiritual growth, community outreach and service.

"We (Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church) want better for the community. Our recent move to a new location has allowed the state of Georgia and the City of Columbus to facilitate what's going to be an interchange that's going to come off of the interstate," Stallion said. "It's going to come down into the area on Old Cusseta Road where we used to be located, and the objective behind the interstate interchange is to revitalize that community and become more attractive for developers to come and develop in that area and build it back up again."

Stallion remains committed to the growth and success of Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church, the Original Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Association, and the broader Missionary Baptist denomination. His leadership is marked by a vision of faith, service and community engagement.

"We have to be actively involved and make sure that we understand what type of development this is going to be and how it could impact the community. We just have to be involved to make sure we're all protected from things like gentrification," Stallion said.

Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church

409 Ford Drive, Columbus, Ga. 31907

(706) 687-8134