Frequently Asked Questions about Zion Baptist Church

FAQ's about Zion Baptist Church

What is Zion's purpose?

Zion's goal is to see believers mature into the image of Christ by developing Christ-like character that guides one in their moment-by-moment walk with the Lord.

Zion's Vision for Ministry and Philosophy of Church Ministry will explain our purpose and how we hope to accomplish it.

What does Zion emphasize in its ministry?

Zion Baptist Church emphasizes biblical expository preaching and teaching in a caring and supportive church atmosphere. We believe that the ministry of the word is of utmost importance to the Christian life and that sound doctrine is necessary for spiritual maturity.

Is Zion family-focused?

Zion values the family unit but we also welcome and seek to minister to those who are unmarried (never married, previously married, widow or widower).

We belive that the family is foundational, not only for society, but also for the furtherance of Christianity. Parents are responsible for raising their children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" which means discipline and instruction in the ways the Christian faith is of the utmost importance. We do not believe that such instruction is the sole responsibility of the church, but the responsibility of the parent(s) working with the church. The church's goal is to bring all members to maturity, adults and children alike, and to this end, Zion desires to work with parents in instructing their children in the teachings of Scripture and the Christian life.

Is Zion an independent church?

Zion Baptist Church is not affiliated with any denomination. We are an independent church but we are non-legalistic and non-charismatic.

We do not believe in blind obedience to man-made ordinances that have no grounding in biblical truth. We believe that Christians should obey the teachings of Christ's law by making informed decisions regarding things like lifestyle and worship. However, such liberty and freedom is never to be used to excuse wrong-doing or to excuse someone acting in a manner that is worldly, sensual, or immoral.

What version of the Bible is used at Zion?

Our pastor preaches from the New King James Version but several different conservative translations are in use by our members. Many of our members still use the King James Version.

Does Zion have any distinctive beliefs?

We unashamedly value and uphold the historic Baptist distinctives including, but not limited to, believer's baptism only, congregational church government, and soul competency. We also believe in and practice biblical church discipline. We also hold to the historic Reformed Doctrines of Grace.

Our Statement of Faith is expressed in the New Hampshire Baptist Confession.

Our Pastor has written on the meaning of our Church Covenant and this serves as our guide for what members can expect from the church and what the church can expect from her members. Read Teaching on the Church Covenant

We do not, however, hold to our beliefs in a contentious manner and instead practice charity toward Bible-believing Christians who differ with us on non-essential matters.

What is a typical worship service like?

On a given Sunday Morning, some of the following will be contained in our worship service:
-Classic hymns and praise choruses
-Public prayer
-Special music (from the choir, an individual or both)
-Worship through tithes and offerings
-A message (sermon) from the Bible lasting about 35-40 minutes

For more about our worship and our beliefs about worship, see our Vision for Ministry and Philosophy of Church Ministry.

When do you celebrate communion?

Lord's Supper Services are held several times a year and, while we encourage everyone to come and worship with us at every service, only members of Zion partake of the elements.

If you have any questions not answered by this website or would like to inquire further about Zion Baptist Church, please contact our Pastor at (313) 291-3128 or email him.