The mission is simple, but monumental: “Growing followers of Jesus to impact the world for God’s Glory.”

Vertical Church is a new Atlanta University Center-based ministry founded by Damian Boyd, Clark Atlanta University ’99, and his wife, Zarat Boyd, Spelman College ’99.“I’m excited to be back at the place I consider home,” Damian Boyd said about returning to the AUC.

Vertical Church is a service-oriented non-denominational ministry that will bridge the gap between the West End community and the AUC.

“If we can form a bridge between the campus and the community, we can help students find out who they are,” Mr. Boyd explained.

The Boyds want their ministry to be a haven for worship, fellowship, to serve communities, study, type papers and anything else college students require. The church aims to utilize service as an avenue to worship God, uplift the community, and to help students realize their purpose.

“Back then, the emphasis was more on finishing school so you can get a job. College was more career building,” Damian Boyd said about his time in the AUC. “I love how this generation cares about their community. I love how this generation wants to make a difference with their lives.”

The Boyds were heavily involved in campus life during their AUC years. Damian led a prayer movement at CAU and Zarat was Spelman’s SGA president. They understand how the AUC operates and see the need for a contemporary church within walking distance for everyone.

“We want to help develop college students not only in biblical literacy and spiritual understanding,” Mr. Boyd said. “But we want to also develop college students in the way they view their selves and the way they treat their entire lives.”

Vertical Church has established a relationship with Morehouse’s Bonner office of community service, and last week it was officially registered as a community service site on Tiger Points, Morehouse’s community service database.

Although the official grand opening is three weeks away, Vertical Church has already initiated a few community service efforts.  One of the projects was a scheduled Morris Brown College clean up.

“Morris Brown used to be the jewel of the AUC, and it’s heartbreaking that they’re no longer what they were. So we want to serve them, because the AUC is stronger when Morris Brown is strong,” Mr. Boyd said.

You can visit the AUC’s newest church at the official grand opening on Sunday, Feb. 12 at 4 p.m. in Rush Memorial Church on James Brawley Dr. in Atlanta.

Damian and Zarat have been college pastors for 13 years and have lived in Atlanta for 17 years. Damian Boyd is the author of College Impact:  Empowering Collegiate Students for Campus Influence.

Kobi Ansong

Associate Features Editor

Kobi.ansong@gmail.com