Zao MKE Church

Teresa Toohill

3 months ago

Legit have never felt more love and acceptance anywhere. Beware of the one-star reviews with "cherry-picking"-- they like to "cherry-pick" who gets Jesus's love.

Galen DiDomizio

a year ago

I was brought up in an Evangelical Christian church, attended an Evangelical college, and subsequently struggled with the disconnect between Jesus' teaching and the American Evangelical Church, particularly as it continues to be strongly influenced by conservative political ideology. Zao has been a port in that metaphorical storm, as someone who wasn't sure if there actually was a church for me anymore. Zao proudly proclaims that it is Jesus centered, justice rooted, and radically inclusive, and I feel that it succeeds on all 3 fronts. For those who have been rating bombing Zao because it doesnt' fit YOUR narrow definition of a church- shame on you. As someone who sits in the pews every week, I can guarantee you that our lead Pastor Jonah dives into the Bible every week and does not cherry pick verses, but looks at entire passages not just in their relationship to the rest of the Bible, but its larger cultural context at the time it was written, as well as its applicability in our culture and time- a fact that I cannot attribute to any other church I've attended in my life. Importantly, Zao truly cares about all of its parishioners- As a group of folks who often exist in the margins of society, Zao is home to a tremendous group of vibrant, sensitive, and sometimes fragile souls who are nonetheless resilient, creative, selfless, and driven to practicing Christianity in the way Jesus taught us- to care for the least of these, to care about your neighbor before yourself, to not compromise your faith to the temptation of empire and power. If I ever leave Milwaukee I will mourn the loss of this unique, beautiful, Christ-filled community. It's a truly special place that should be protected and celebrated.

Rachel Froehlich

a year ago

Zao MKE is everything a church should be - it is sound in theology with Pastor Jonah often referring to original translation and/or language to help provide context for what is happening in the Bible. it is inclusive - everyone is welcome, truly. it is focused on social justice and bringing the marginalized forward. above all, it's a community that is loving and caring and shows up for each other and the community. I'm so beyond blessed to have found a home at Zao.

S B

a year ago

Came for the community, stayed for the praise and worship. So thankful for the invitation to receive God's love, and to overcome the obstacles to practicing my faith that were put in front of me by my childhood Baptist teachers. Zao is radically inclusive as Jesus is! Zao is justice centered as Jesus is! This is a congregation and membership of care and mutual aid, and helps us access the power of faith, that will help us overcome all obstacles. I am because we are - and I am stronger every week I attend. 💖

Taylor Minan

a year ago

Am incredible community of safe, inclusive, specific, and brilliant individuals all sharing the same mission of being Jesus rooted (brown, radical, table-flipping Jesus), justice centered, and radically inclusive. A rare space where inclusivity is not just preached about but enacted. As a queer person who is skeptical about my faith and has been hurt by The Church in the past, ZAO is a save refreshing space to explore that among others who have shared experiences and not feel pressured to "follow the script" of evangelical modern Christianity.