5 Under 40: Paul A. Little II
Welcome to our 5 Under 40 young leaders for 2018. They are, as always, a talented, diverse group of young people who are moving our beloved Macon forward. We have always felt this annual project of Macon Magazine is an important one. Identifying interesting young people who are successful and giving back to the community in so many wonderful ways creates hope for our future. Each year past young leaders nominate, vote and choose the new ones. They are all a privilege to know and a privilege to introduce to Macon Magazine readers. Enjoy!
Paul A. Little II, 38
Pastor, Mount Zion Baptist Church
Macon Magazine: As you look to the future, what are your professional and personal goals?
Paul: My most important professional goal is to lead our congregation to be an oasis of holistic transformation and to participate in local efforts to improve the quality of life here. Traditionally speaking, the church is known as a place where people gather for worship on Sundays. Although this important, it is my belief that the church is a body of people who are called by Christ to impact the existential condition of people.
MM: You have shown a commitment to move this community forward in positive, important ways. Tell us about your activities in the community, especially those you’re most excited about.
Paul: Our congregation is known for its innovative approach and efforts to impact the Middle Georgia community. More specifically, we strive to be a leading catalyst for changing the trajectory of Middle Georgia’s youth culture. To that end, we are fortunate to offer after-school programming, summer camp opportunities, weekly tutoring services at no cost and an inclusive youth development program for children with special needs called the Champions Ministry. I am most excited about our newly developed partnership with Georgia’s Department of Juvenile Justice. This partnership has afforded us the opportunity to pilot a comprehensive program that will equip churches to provide mentoring for juvenile offenders and wrap around services that will empower them to successfully re-enter and contribute to our society.
MM: Right now, what is the best thing going on in Macon?
Paul: In my opinion, the best thing happening in Macon is the collective effort among our fellow residents to address and eliminate the barriers to our city’s progress. It is inspiring to witness people from various socio-economic backgrounds, racial ethnicities and political viewpoints joining together to contribute to the prosperity of our city.
MM: What really needs to change to encourage continued progress in our city?
Paul: The key to Macon’s continued progress is found in a clear vision and comprehensive strategy for addressing the various disparities that hinder specific populations from thriving. I believe these disparities can be eliminated when churches prioritize the needs of the community above congregational interests, when residents prioritize the prosperity of the city above personal successes and when local government prioritizes the welfare of residents above political agenda.
MM: What are you, personally, committed to accomplishing in Macon and why?
Paul: I am personally committed to adding value to the residents of Macon by being a voice for the voiceless, offering solutions for holistic progress and serving others with Christ-like compassion.
