Guiding Principles for Zion United Church of Christ
The following “Guiding Principles” were adapted by the Zion Church Council on April 19, 2007. 

Mission Statement

The mission of Zion United Church of Christ is to worship and serve God, to hear God’s word, and to act upon it. 

We will encourage, strengthen and support our church family. 

We will share our faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ throughout the community. 

We will welcome all who know and seek to know salvation through the love of Christ.

The Authority of God

We affirm that the authority of God as declared in the Bible, revealed in the love of Jesus Christ and interpreted with the aid of the Holy Spirit stands above and judges all human culture, institutions and laws.

Freedom, Unity and Love

As individual members of the Body of Christ, we are free to believe and act in accordance with our understanding of God’s will for our lives.  We are united in our belief that we are called to live in a loving relationship with one another.  We believe that this unity of our church is not of its own making.  It is a gift from God.  But expressions of that unity are as diverse as there are individuals.  The common thread that runs through all is love.

Testimonies of Faith

Because faith can be expressed in many different ways, Zion United Church of Christ has no formula that is a test of faith.  We are guided by testimonies of faith rather than tests of faith, and value the Apostles’ Creed and United Church of Christ Statement of Faith as such.  We assume the primacy of the Bible as the source for understanding the Good News and as a foundation for all statements of faith.  We study the Bible with the expectation of gaining new insights and God’s help for living today.

Ministry of All Believers

All members of the United Church of Christ are called to minister to others and to participate as equals in the common worship of God, each with direct access to the mercies of God through personal prayer and devotion.  Recognition is given to those who have received special training, but these persons are regarded as servants, rather than as persons of authority.  We recognize our calling both as individuals and as a church to proclaim in word and action the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to work for reconciliation and unity, justice and freedom for all.

Autonomy

Zion United Church of Christ is an autonomous church within the denomination of the United Church of Christ.  We are free to make decisions about our worship life, calling of our pastor, governance, and financial resources.  All statements or stands adopted by our denomination’s General Synod, Conference or Association on issues of faith and practice are subject to our discernment and concurrence.

Zion at Worship

Standing at the heart of the Christian faith is worship of God.  Our church observes two sacraments, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.  We celebrate open Communion with all followers of Jesus Christ invited to partake.

Outreach

Zion United Church of Christ recognizes a ministry not only to our congregation but also to the community and the world at large.  We support numerous programs that meet the needs of our larger family.