Frequent Questions

Is Mt. Zion part of a denomination?
No. We are an autonomous local church that is self-governing and self-supporting. We are in fellowship with MFI for accountability and relationship.

To whom is the Senior Pastor accountable?
The Senior Pastor is the executive overseer of the general vision and direction of the church. He works within the Leadership Structure in giving direction to the overall vision and future of the church and is accountable to the eldership. The Senior Pastor is also part of Ministers Fellowship International (MFI), an independent fellowship of pastors.

How is the government of the church structured? Who runs the church?
The eldership has the accountability of the overall vision, doctrine and major structural changes. The church in the book of Acts provides a biblical pattern of eldership rule. Elders are chosen and ordained according to the qualifications found in Titus 1 and 1 Timothy 3 and are the legal directors of the corporation and the spiritual governing body of Mt. Zion.

I'm not sure about God. Am I still welcome?
Yes, you're absolutely are welcome. We do expect that you’ll be open to exploring your questions about God and wrestling with what you find.

What theological background does Mt. Zion have?
We are an evangelical charismatic church that believes the basic tenets of the Christian faith and that the church of the 21st century will need the fullness of the Holy Spirit’s power to impact our culture.

What kind of relationship does Mt. Zion have with other churches?
We believe there is one Body of Christ with many expressions as seen in the varied local churches in the Utica Rome area. Through our Senior Pastor we are in regular relationship and communication with many different kinds of churches in the region and around the country.

Money? How's this place funded? How's money handled?
At Mt. Zion you'll find a bunch of people who have experienced God in a real way. It's the generosity of these everyday people that fuels the life change that takes place here and helps others connect with God. These people give a tithe (ten percent of their earnings) and offering to what God is doing in our midst. There is strict accountability in the handling of all monies, from the counting process through the accounting process. Financial decisions are made by the eldership. A financial report is reviewed monthly by the eldership and an annual report given to the congregation. The church books are reviewed by an outside CPA.

There seem to be a lot people working on the weekend, are they all paid?
Nope. Most of what you experience around Mt. Zion happens because of a bunch of incredible people who volunteer their time to make coffee, serve your kids in our Children's Ministry and help people find a seat. They're volunteers and we like to think of it as a Servolution.