We're glad you stopped by to check us out. We have a rich history, an active present, and a great future!
Click on the links to find out about the Staff, the Church Office, Visiting on Sunday Morning, and What we Believe.
AND... explore below for some commonly asked questions:
We certainly hope you'll consider becoming a part of our church family!
If we could summarize the history of Zion Community Church in one phrase is would be "Z.C.C. is a John 17 Church." What is a John 17 Church? It is a Church who strives to live out the prayer of Jesus in the Gospel of John, chapter 17. Jesus prays three purposes for us today in this chapter:
1. That believers would be one (17:21)
2. That the world would believe that Christ was sent by God because of the believer's unity (17:21, 23), and...
3. That the world would know that the Father loves the Church with the same love that He has for the Son (17:23).
Unity means more effective evangelism. We believe that when Christ prayed that His people would be one, He meant it!
In our one town, there were at least three different churches:
- Zion Evangelical Lutheran
- Zion Evangelical United Brethren
- Zion United Church of Christ
One small town, several churches? How does that help spread the Gospel? The Three Congregations, in March of 1967, voted to merge to become one church. On Sunday, January 14th, 1968, the three congregations merged to form the Zion United Church of Christ.
Like most main-line denominations, the United Church of Christ became increasingly liberal. While “officially” maintaining that the Bible is God’s Word, the UCC began to reject this doctrine as a standard for its leaders and member congregations. On November 30, 2005, the Zion UCC officially became the Zion Community Church and left the denomination.
Being a “John 17″ Church means that we believe in Christian unity under the authority of Scriptures, not denominational polity. Here is our approach to unity:
- In essentials, unity - Ephesians 4:4-6 (NKJV) - There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
- In opinions, liberty - Romans 14:1-2 (NLT) - Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables.
- In all things, love - 1 Corinthians 13:2 (NLT) - If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.
What are your practices?
We hold up the Bible in all that we do. Here are the actions that you will find at Z.C.C.:
Christ is Lord of the Church – Colossians 1:18
- The Bible is our authority – 2 Timothy 3:14-17
- We are called to love God and people - Matthew 22:37-38
- Elders & Deacons are called to lead - 1 Timothy 5:17-19 & 1 Timothy 3:8–13
- Every member has ownership of the ministries (priesthood of all believers) – 1 Peter 2:9 & Revelation 1:6
- Everyone supports the work of the Church by their offerings and tithes – Matthew 6:1-4
- We take the Lord’s Supper often – 1 Corinthians 11:26
- We baptize believers by immersion – Colossians 2:12, Acts 2:38
- We lead Spirit-Led lives– Philippians 2:12-13, John 15:5
- We pray for everyone & anoint when needed - James 5:14 & 2 Corinthians 1:21
- We share the Gospel – 1 Peter 3:15
What are your core values?
What you value will determine what you do. Here is what we value:
- Christ is Lord
- Being Warm, Friendly & Welcoming to All
- Kingdom Family Relationships (Love like Jesus would love)
- Clean Hands & Pure Hearts – Integrity & transparency
- Hearing & Seeing the Gospel
- Going the Extra Mile
- Broken Hearts for the Lost
- Holy Spirit-led Lives
- Inspiring Worship & Prayer
- Unity under the Authority of the Scripture (especially the leadership)
If you are not part of a denomination, then how do you operate?
We strive to take our name seriously: we are a community church. We are run by elders & deacons from the community. The pastoral staff is part of this team as well. The administration of the congregation is vested in what is called the Consistory: the Pastor, the pastoral staff, 4 elders, and 5 deacons. The elders & deacons are called from the membership. We believe that while the Consistory leads the congregation, the congregation is ultimately responsible for what happens. Every member is a minister.
