Thank you for your interest in Mount Zion.  Below is information on some topics you might be wondering about.

We have been around a while.

Mount Zion was established almost 200 years ago.  Faithful people have been gathering to worship on this piece of land in the corner of Johnston County almost since the USA became a nation.  We are proud of our heritage, but we are also looking ahead in order to continue serving Christ and this community into the years ahead.

We are a United Methodist Congregation.

That means we are part of a worldwide denomination of some 8 million members.  We trace our roots back to a reform movement within the Church of England back in the early 1700's led by John Wesley.  He taught that the Bible was the source of authority for Christian teaching and living, that a personal relationship with God was available to all through repentance and faith, and that believers should live out that relationship in fellowship with other believers and in service to all.  We strive to maintain those particular denominational emphases while also understanding that we are just part of the entire body of Christ made up of all those who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord.

Our worship style is best described as blended.

Our two Sunday morning worship celebrations (8:30 & 11:00) are “identical.”  Our musical selections span the ages from classical to contemporary and span the genres from bluegrass to rock. We intentionally include a variety of styles and presentations. We always have a special teaching time for young children during our worship service as well as a “Children’s Church” time in a separate area.  The sermon is always biblical, practical, and relevant.

We serve “Open” communion.

On the first Sunday of February, April, June, August, October, and December we celebrate the Lord’s Supper in worship.  Everyone is welcome to participate regardless of church membership or background.  We believe that communion can be a time of growth in anyone’s understanding of God’s grace in Christ Jesus.

We safeguard the well-being of children.

We are continually seeking to better implement “Safe Sanctuary” policies and procedures to protect children and youth from physical and/or sexual abuse.  This includes nursery check in/out procedures, background checks for those working with children and youth, and policies that guide the interaction of adults with children.

We take membership seriously.

We do not pressure people to become official members, but before someone joins Mount Zion, we ask him/her to attend our Discovering Church Membership Class (offered quarterly), sign a membership covenant, and affirm/reaffirm his/her faith in Christ.  We teach that the number one privilege of membership is service.