Mount Zion Baptist Church recently announced that Minister Nate Miles has been named president of its Men’s Ministry, marking a new chapter for one of Seattle’s most historic congregations.
A member of Mount Zion for more than 40 years, Miles steps into the role with experience spanning business, government and community leadership. Miles retired as vice president of Eli Lilly and previously served as chief of staff to former Washington state Sen. George Fleming. Miles also worked closely with longtime Seattle City Council President Sam Smith, one of the city’s most influential civic leaders.
Church leaders describe Miles as “a bridge-builder between the sanctuary and the marketplace,” reflecting a vision that connects faith with practical leadership. As president of the Men’s Ministry, Miles plans to focus on equipping men to lead in their homes, in the church and throughout the broader community.
Under Miles’ leadership, the Men’s Ministry will convene two meetings each month at Mount Zion Baptist Church, located at 19th Avenue and Madison Street. The first will be an evening leadership gathering centered on spiritual growth and practical empowerment. The second will be a regionwide community forum featuring keynote speakers and substantive agendas addressing pressing issues, including youth safety.
Miles will also host a recurring Saturday Morning Brotherhood Breakfast to create space for mentorship, fellowship and strategic dialogue among men in the congregation and surrounding community.
Planned discussion topics reflect both spiritual priorities and contemporary challenges. The ministry will explore wealth-building strategies for families and entrepreneurs and examine health as a preserver of wealth, including what communities need to understand about medicine in a rapidly changing health care landscape. Conversations will also address navigating technological disruption as automation and artificial intelligence reshape the workforce.
Community safety will be another focus, including dialogue with respected former Seattle police leadership. In keeping with Seattle’s sports culture, the ministry also plans to host spirited discussions about the Seahawks and the repeat dreams of a Super Bowl championship, as well as the possibility of welcoming back the SuperSonics.
“Mount Zion has always been more than a church; it is a cornerstone,” Miles said. “If we strengthen our men, we strengthen our families. If we strengthen our families, we strengthen our city. I need one thing—and that’s you.”
The Men’s Ministry aims to serve as a catalyst for faith-driven action by combining spiritual depth with practical knowledge, preparing men for leadership in a rapidly evolving world.
