In Steubenville, Ohio, Zion City Church holds inaugural service under new name as nondenominational congregation

Zion City Church in Steubenville, in Jefferson County, Ohio, has begun a new chapter with an inaugural ceremony marking its new name and its transition to a nondenominational church. Pews were filled as the service opened with worship and thanksgiving, and the source reports that people from different backgrounds took part.

Bishop Jermaine Moore said the church is focused on who people are now and where they are going, not on where they have been. “We’re not interested in the person’s past, but we are looking to promote their presence and their purpose to a much brighter future,” Moore said. He added that “sometimes when we’re affiliated with certain denominational labels, one makes people feel like they don’t fit into a box or fit into category.”

The new name comes with new leadership. Rasonia Nicholes, who has served as a pastor for nearly 17 years, is stepping in as executive pastor. She said she wants to focus on leadership, guidance and support within the church and throughout the community.

Nicholes said many people lead without knowing it, or lead without ever having been trained to do so. “When we can do that here on a spiritual level, it should transcend into their natural lives in the business place, on their jobs, in their homes as leaders of their families,” she said. “So it’s not just simply here at Zion City. It should flow out into the highways and the hedges.”

Church leaders said the overall goal is to bring people together and promote unity. Ralph Petrella described the change as an opportunity for inclusion across the community, a picture of living together in harmony (Psalm 133:1). “I really think that this is a great opportunity for bringing all walks together, no matter of creed, ethnicity, background,” Petrella said. “It’s a really big step as we are the most diverse city in the area. I think that’s really great for Steubenville.”

Church leaders said they hope people will come as they are and keep Christ at the center of their faith.

Source: Read the original report