Evangelical

Our congregation name is Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.  We are members of the denomination called the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

We need to clarify and reclaim the meaning of the word, “evangelical.”  Contrary to prevailing climate of opinion,  “evangelical” is not connected with the “Christian Right” or any religious movement that zealously promotes certain causes. 

The root of the word, evangelical, comes from the Greek and means, “good news” or “bringing the good news.”  In Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, it means that we proclaim and share the really good news about God’s loving mission to save, heal, reconcile, and to set people free to live in God’s gracious acceptance for all people.  We proclaim Jesus who welcomed those who had been cast aside, who shared his table with everyone, whose radical love has torn down every wall that separates us from God and one another.  This is what it means for us to be evangelical, i.e. good news sharing and proclaiming people.

Pr. Steve