The Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day’s main objectives are to worship God, make disciples for Jesus Christ of all people, teach the Word of God, and foster Judeo-Christian fellowship among its members for the edification of the body of believers. Our mission is to forge our families, our friends, and ourselves into a biblically functioning community of Christ’s disciples.
The Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day in Brooklyn is a growing diverse group of individuals; a mixture of young and old, married and single, large families and small families. We’re a people dedicated to the extraordinary work of God through Jesus Christ. Established in 1970, this historic landmark houses a vibrant church that worships God every Sabbath, teaching modern applications of biblical truths directly from the pages of God’s word. Worship services are straightforward, focusing on praise and worship and the Spoken Word. All members who wish to do so, including the youth, enjoy active participation during services in special music, exhortation, testimony, and even praise through interpretational dance. With the highest respect for the word of God, the Mt. Zion Church of God provides Bible study through weekly Bible series and lectures held on Wednesday evenings.
When you come, you will find our church to be a loving, and caring community where faith is renewed, lives are transformed, and power for positive living is received. We are a small church with a big heart.
Pioneered in 1967 at 4405 Snyder Avenue, in Brooklyn, New York, The Church of God 7th Day Incorporated began as a small but dedicated following of fifteen congregants. As membership blossomed, the purchase of the former congregation Ahavath Achim located at 203 East 37th Street was pivotal to the solidification of The Church of God 7th Day's dedication to spiritual guidance, community development and the dissemination of the gospel. On March 26, 1979, The Church of God 7th Day Incorporated amended its name to become the Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day.
Less than a decade later, the still developing Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day expanded its missionary efforts into the state of Connecticut during the fall of 1986. As Mt. Zion’s Connecticut branch proved itself to be a committed and vital gathering of followers; the purchase of the existing temple at 40 Beatty Street in New Britain, CT was necessary to accommodate the growing membership.
Under provisions of the State Historic Preservation Act of 1980 and on the National Register of Historic Places on April 30, 2009, the Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day former congregation Ahavath Achim was established as a historical landmark in recognition of its significance in American history.
Acquiring yet another branch of followers in the state of New Jersey within the last decade, the historic Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day has established itself to be a congregation of people rooted in faith, growing in community and living the very embodiment of the word of Jesus Christ.
What We Believe
The Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day believes that there is a marked difference between what the Bible teaches and what is generally taught to be scriptural “truth” by many believers. Since “truth sets humans free (John 8:32)”, it is our responsibility to study the Bible openly and honestly to find further truth and enjoy a standing of approval before God. We are always open to spiritual growth and to new and better understandings of the Bible.
The Mt. Zion Church of God is a congregation of believers in Jesus Christ held together by our mutual commitment to Jesus, our love for each other, and our belief in biblical distinctions. Such include:
- God, the creator of heaven and earth
- Jesus of Nazareth, the only Son of God
- The observance of the seventh day Sabbath
- Baptism by immersion
- Holy Bible as divinely inspired word of God
- Reigning on earth for 1,000 years
- Christ's resurrection on Saturday and his shed blood on the cross that redeems man from sin
In addition, we believe that the body is the temple of the Holy Ghost and that we should refrain from narcotic substances, and tobacco in all its forms. In order to maintain this temple we ought to exercise clean eating habits and a healthy lifestyle.
Gilford T. Monrose, a native of the US Virgin Islands, and founder of Brooklyn Center of Quality Life, moved to New York in 1999 to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology and Bible Studies at Nyack College and Alliance Theological Seminary, and to marry the love of his life, Dianne Thomas.
Gilford Monrose had a lifelong dream of serving the church, especially the youth, and as such functioned as Youth Director for five years, developing programs for young people at the now historic Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day. He worked at their level, demonstrated that he understood their struggles, and worked tirelessly to enhance their spiritual maturity. In this capacity, Gilford flourished and became a ministerial and visionary trailblazer, as well as a spiritual shepherd to many. In May 2005, Gilford was ordained to the ministry as a pastor and continues to show great and unyielding love for his church and its members.
Gilford's efforts to give in a capacity beyond himself goes beyond the four walls of the church, which has driven him to serve locally and beyond, as well as create and partner with several organizations. In 2002, he established the Catch The Vision (CTV) Youth Conferences, which has empowered youth, leaders, and marriages, and has attracted youth and adults alike from around the world. He also initiated the annual Unity Gospel Fest at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center to bring together spiritual and physical wellness. Gilford was instrumental in the establishment and development of the East Flatbush Ready When the Time Comes Disaster Team, which through the American Red Cross in Greater New York, provides disaster-relief training to volunteer teams from local community groups, and currently serves as Team Leader.
Gilford's life of service is also portrayed through his work as a chaplain for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Additionally, through his role as director of the Faith Based and Clergy Initiative at the Brooklyn Borough President's Office, Gilford proves that not only is there a thin gap between church and state, but that this gap can be bridged. He is a Board member for the Flatbush YMCA, and is on the Advisory Board for Boys Town. Gilford Monrose, a man whose life of service has no restrictions, also serves as Chair of the Community Leadership Council of Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center.
Furthermore, Gilford Monrose served as Vice President of various organizations — The St. Lucia House Foundation, The Church of God 7th Day Pastor's Network, Inc., and Churches United to Save and Heal. Gilford’s dedication to save youth from gun violence and gangs prompted him to become the founding President of the 67th Precinct Clergy Council, which serves as a liaison between the police and the community. He is a graduate of the New York Police Department Citizen Academy, as well as the FBI Citizen Academy.
Gilford has travelled extensively across the United States and internationally, where he has partnered with groups across the Caribbean, Africa, Brazil, Moscow, England, and Israel. He has been a guest speaker for several events, where he empowers youth, and likewise adults, to become active in their communities, and to be responsible citizens of the world. Locally, Gilford works with various elected officials and community leaders as a moral voice and spiritual counsel on issues affecting the community at large.
As the loving husband of wife Dianne, and father to Gianne and Joshua, Gilford Monrose is a passionate advocate for families and children. Gilford and his family reside in Weeksville, Brooklyn.
"We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done." Henry Wodsworth Longfellow.
The Historic Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day
203 E 37th St, Brooklyn, NY 11203
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