Lester and Erma Zimmerman have served as the senior pastoral couple at Petra ever since its founding in 1983. Prior to their service…
We Believe...
- The Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative written Word of God.
- In one God eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- In the deity of Jesus Christ His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His vicarious and atoning death, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father and His personal future return to this earth in power and glory.
- In the deity and person of the Holy Spirit and His empowering baptism for ministry. All the gifts of the Holy Spirit are active in the church today. He desires to lead, teach, and fellowship with each believer.
- In the Blessed Hope the rapture of the Church at Christ's coming.
- In only one way of salvation through repentance and faith in the finished work of Christ. His blood cleanses us from all sin.
- In the New Testament form of church government as a theocracy led by elders and the fivefold gifts of Ephesians 4:11.
- In divine healing as part of our inheritance in the Kingdom of God.
- In believers' water baptism through immersion for those who are old enough to understand their sinful nature, repentance, and the Lordship of Christ in their lives.
Our Emphasis
We emphasize the centrality of Jesus, ministry of the Holy Spirit, and the father heart of God. We believe worship is the highest calling of every believer. We want to live a lifestyle that reflects our worship and commitment to God.
Small Groups
We believe that small group fellowship is an effective way to develop meaningful friendships and to disciple and nurture people in their Christian walk. At Petra, pastoral care is primarily given through care groups. We encourage everyone to become part of a care group both to give and receive ministry.
Children & Youth
We believe children and youth are vitally important within God's Kingdom. We want to lead our children to Jesus, to bless them in his name, teach them his ways, and release them for Kingdom work. This is accomplished through caring and capable teachers and leaders, wholesome activities, and Christ-centered discipleship. One of our top priorities is to actively prepare the next generation.
Prayer Ministry
Prayer is the key to effective ministry, renewal, and revival. Our desire is to see God raise up many prayer intercessors and prayer groups.
Evangelism & Missions
We believe reaching the lost is the most important concern on God's heart. God is preparing the church for a worldwide harvest of souls. Evangelism begins in our own homes and communities and extends to the ends of the earth. Our goal is to provide training and opportunities for service in our communities, in our cities, and to the nations.
Team Ministry
Leadership at Petra consists of a team of pastors and elders that give direction to the vision and ministry of the church. We promote team ministry with recognition of gifts and callings. We believe God has given the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher to equip every Christian to minister to others. We are all ministers.