Zion Mennonite Church 950 N. Main* P.O. Box 186 Bridgewater, SD 57319 Phone 605-729-2301 Zion Mennonite Church is currently searching for a pastor to minister to our congregation and the surrounding community. Many of our members come from a Mennonite background and hold to that heritage, but Zion Mennonite is not associated with a Mennonite conference. We believe GOD calls us to proclaim his word and to minister to anyone willing to hear. It is our purpose to win the lost to Jesus Christ, Hebrews 10:25; I John 1:7; Matthew 28:19, 20. Our church stands firm on the Bible and is looking for a minister that will help us grow and mature as we walk with the Lord. Zion Mennonite Church, located in Bridgewater, SD, was organized on February 18, 1940 with the help and grace of God. A new church was built in 1973, and is located on the north edge of town. Bridgewater is about 40 miles west of Sioux Falls and about 30 miles east of Mitchell. Currently the church has an attendance of 35-45 for Sunday School and Worship Service. Attendance at Wednesday evening Bible study and prayer time is about 10-15. Our Bible School reaches 40-60 children preschool through 5 th grade, from the church and the surrounding communities. A number of these children come from un-churched families and we feel these families can and should be reached for Christ. The parsonage is a three bedroom home on the main level with a finished basement, built in 1981 and is located less than a block from church. Bridgewater-Emery Public School is just three blocks south of the parsonage. It is our belief that God has prepared a minister to lead our congregation. It is our prayer that God would lead us to this man. If God leads you, please contact our search committee, or if you know of someone who you feel should be made aware of this ministry please forward this letter to them. A church doctrinal statement and additional information on the position is available upon request. In the Hope we find in Jesus Christ our Savior: Zion Mennonite Church Committee Contact and phone numbers: Robert Stahl 605-729-2711 605-366-2791 Wally Janzen, church board chairman 605-351-1927
Profile of Zion Mennonite Church Name & Purpose Zion Mennonite Church, located in Bridgewater, SD was organized on February 18, 1940, with the help and grace of God. The purpose of this church is to gather together to worship God and to welcome anyone else who desires to worship God, to worship with us. It is the purpose of this congregation to win the lost to Jesus Christ in our local community. Zion also reaches out to the lost throughout out the world by supporting missionaries both financially and in prayer. Hebrews 10:25; I John 1:7; Matthew 28:19, 20. Doctrine This church stands firm on the following doctrines: a. Regeneration: Regeneration is necessary according to John 3:3. The act of regeneration is performed by the grace of God according to Ephesians 2:8-10, also John 3:16. b. Incarnation: We believe in the incarnation of Christ according to I Corinthians 15; I Thessalonians 4:13-16; John 5:28-29. c. Resurrection: We believe in the resurrection of the body according to I Corinthians 15; I Thessalonians 4:13-16; John 5: 28-29. d. Future Judgment: We believe in the judgment of both the righteous and the unrighteous as presented in Scripture. I Corinthians 3:11-15; Revelations 20:11-15. e. God: There is but one God yet there are three persons in the Godhead. Matthew 28:19; I Timothy 2:5. f. Outward baptism and its form: Baptism shall be administered upon confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior. Traditionally the form of baptism has been pouring. The congregation will support the candidate s wishes to use other forms of baptism. Matthew 3:16, Matthew 28:19-20. g. Sanctification: We believe in three aspects of Sanctification: Instantaneous at the New Birth, I Corinthians 6:11; Growing and maturing as we walk daily with the Savior, II Peter 3:18; Complete at the return of Christ, I John 3:1-3. h. Second Coming of Christ: We believe in the Second Coming as taught in Acts 1:11.
i. Lords Table: The Lords table shall be observed through out the year as a reminder of the sacrifice Christ made on the cross for us. We invite all those who have accepted this sacrifice and have made the Lord Jesus Christ their Savior, to join us at his table. j. Church Discipline: We believe in Scriptural church discipline. Matthew 18:15-20; I Corinthians 5:13; Galatians 6:1-8 k. Separation from the World: We believe in separation from the world, lodges and other secret societies according to II Corinthians 6:14-18. l. Current Social Issues: Same sex marriage, legalized drugs, abortion. The pastor and church leaders should lead people to understanding, finding clear Biblical references in God s word and help them to be able to appropriately respond, with confidence, to today s social issues. Having compassion for sinners, because we are also sinners, Romans 3:23. Being guided by God s word and careful not to accept, condone or ignore sin. Locations and Facts Zion Mennonite Church, located in Bridgewater, SD, was organized on February 18, 1940 with the help and grace of God. A new church was built in 1973, and is located on the north edge of town. Bridgewater is about 40 miles west of Sioux Falls and about 30 miles east of Mitchell. Currently the church has an attendance of 35-45 for Sunday School and Worship Service. Attendance at Wednesday evening Bible study and prayer time is about 10-15. Our Bible School reaches 40-60 children preschool through 5 th grade, from the church and the surrounding communities. A number of these children come from un-churched families and we feel these families can and should be reached for Christ. The parsonage is a three bedroom home on the main level with a finished basement, built in 1981 and is located less than a block from church. Bridgewater-Emery Public School is just three blocks south of the parsonage. Salary and Expectations The salary is negotiable; it is our hope to offer a financial package (including health insurance). In addition to the salary is a modern house within walking distance of the church for the pastor and his family to live in. Administration The pastor accepts appropriate planning and administrative responsibilities in a climate of delegated tasks and shared leadership with lay members. The congregation is represented by and elected church board that acts as a pastoral relations committee. The pastor and the board are to oversee the business and spiritual welfare of the church. It is their duty to encourage all members to assist with these tasks using the talents God has blessed them with.
Christian Education The pastor and congregation will identify the educational needs of persons of all ages and backgrounds developing programs to meet their needs. Educational goals are to support and enhance the total mission of the church. Community Activities The pastor should have compassion for and an interest in the needs of the community. The congregation believes its pastor should be involved in the community and assist members to be informed and involved as well. Counseling The pastor should be available to those in need of counseling both within and outside the church. Doing what he can and making the appropriate referrals to professionals when necessary. Evangelism & Church Growth The pastor and congregation will work at the goal of bringing people to faith in Jesus Christ. We believe this will result in the growth of our congregation. Dedication, Marriages & Funerals Pastor gives priority to important transitional rituals in the lives of individuals and families. The pastor should do his best to make these times meaningful and to share in the joy or sorrow. Music The pastor supports an active music program within the congregation, viewing it within the total goals of the congregation as part of its education and enrichment activities. Preaching & Worship Leadership The pastor places high priority on sermon preparation. The pastor and congregation will work to develop a creative and meaningful worship that honors God. Stewardship & Finances The pastor and congregation should work as a team in regards to stewardship. Good stewardship is God honoring and should support the congregational needs as well as world missions and its related institutions. Teaching The pastor accepts an active teaching role beyond that involved in worship and preaching. Teaching of the Scriptures, theology, and the history of the church; providing instruction for church leaders, in catechism, and for new members. Serving our Country: We thank God there are men and women that are willing to fight and risk their lives for this great land God has given us. The congregation believes in praying for and supporting
our military. We support and assist anyone that chooses to serve our country in a nonresistant roll.