Our Story

ZPC’s story begins in the early 1980s, when local Presbyterians felt led to establish a new congregation in the Zionsville area. Nineteen people attended the first organizational town meeting in the summer of 1982. Worship began in the cafeteria of the Zionsville Middle School in February of 1983, with 23 people attending. Rev. Glenn McDonald was called to be the organizing pastor shortly afterward. Property was purchased at the corner of Michigan Road and 116th Street, and the church began to grow. ZPC was chartered as a member congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in October 1984 with 143 members.

Construction of the first building unit (10,000 square feet) was completed in June of 1987, and 13,000 more square feet of education space were added in 1990. About this time, ZPC made a significant course change in ministry philosophy, choosing to give up “clergy-drivenness” and to empower lay people to do ministry. Small groups and ministry teams have been at the center of ZPC’s life ever since. Exploding growth in the mid-1990’s called for more construction, and 42,000 new square feet – including our current worship area, gathering space, and gym – were dedicated in 1997. As the 21st century dawned, our Sunday attendance had grown to 1200. 

In June of 2000 the congregation concluded a Year of Discernment, a strategic planning process that provided a “map” or blueprint for our next ten years. ZPC has embraced the focus of Bringing, Equipping and Sending Out Disciples. Our essential mission is making disciples of Jesus Christ, who share spiritual life in shepherding teams (small groups), and are led by called and trained as lay leaders. Trusting the Spirit’s continued guidance and empowerment, we look forward to what God has in store for us in the future!