On December 12, 1887, twelve members from the Oak Grove Baptist Church of Oak Grove, Virginia decided they wanted to establish a church closer to their home in Farmwell in order to worship. The members applied to Oak Grove Baptist Church for letters of dismissal for the purpose of organizing a new Baptist church in the vicinity of Farmwell, which is now known as Ashburn. The letters were granted on February 11, 1888 and they proceeded to negotiate for a church charter. The   church was named Zion Baptist. Two weeks of preparation were made for the corner stone dedication that was held on September 29, 1889. At a business meeting held on May 4, 1951, it was unanimously agreed that Zion would be called "Greater Zion Baptist."

Greater Zion has had many pastors during her first 100 years. They have included: Rev. James A. Scott, Rev. William Smith, Rev. James Edward Newman, Rev. Thomas Boykins, Rev. Thomas Long, and Rev. Louis Vondale Roberts. They all served diligently and dedicated their time and service to the Lord. Many improvements were made during their pastoralship, including a baptizing pool, a new fully equipped kitchen and dining room, electricity, restrooms with hot and cold running water and a pastor's study. The church grew both spiritually and physically.

Over the last sixteen years, Greater Zion has been blessed with four other wonderful pastors, Rev. Bernardo Snipes (1990-1994), Rev. Christopher Felton (1994-1998), Interim Pastor Rev. James Bell (1998-1999), Rev. James L. Swanson (1999-2009), and currently Pastor Tony Ray Smith (2002-Present). Each pastor has brought something new and different to Zion, but all have come with a determination to do the will of God.

In 2004, Greater Zion's name was changed to Greater Zion Community Church. The name change was necessary to reflect the changing demographics of our community.

Elder Smith joined Greater Zion in 2002 as a staff musician. It is from this humble beginning that the Lord elevated him from musician to Youth Pastor. Elder Smith served in the Youth Ministry until 2007, when he was again elevated to Assistant Pastor. Elder Smith served the church in many different capacities as Assistant Pastor. 

In May 2009, Greater Zion Community Church was without a Pastor and asked Elder Tony to serve as Officiating Minister.  Elder Tony assumed the position and kept the church moving forward. The church has grown spiritually and physically since his appointment. In June 2010, the church elected Elder Smith to assume the position as Lead Pastor. 

In September 2010, Greater Zion Community Church installed Elder Tony Smith as the 11th Pastor of the church.  Under his direction, the church has come under the covering of the Mt. Calvary Holy Churches of America, Inc. and has relocated back to Ashburn.

Recently, under the direction of the Lord, Greater Zion Community Church changed its name to The Empowerment Church.

The Lord has blessed the church and He has promised He would never leave us nor forsake us. Work never ceases in the house of the Lord. "For He has said, "Go ye also into the vineyard and whatsoever is right I will give you".

We thank the Master for those twelve faithful and determined members who were all on one accord and trusted God to give them a place of their own to worship Him.