Zao MKE Church

Zao MKE Church is a Jesus-rooted, justice-centered, and radically inclusive congregation based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The church emphasizes community, liberation, and social justice, with a strong focus on inclusivity for queer individuals and marginalized communities. Zao operates as a network of digitally connected house gatherings, or 'harbors', fostering a welcoming environment where all are embraced. Learn more about us.

Zao MKE Church is a vibrant, community-driven congregation rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Learn more about us and our beliefs. The church is committed to living out the values of justice, liberation, and radical inclusivity, aligning with Jesus' teachings to uplift the oppressed and marginalized. Zao is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and works to push the denomination toward a more liberated, queer-affirming, and anti-racist future.

Zao recently transitioned from a traditional single-site church to a network of digitally connected house gatherings, or 'harbors.' Learn more about our harbors. Most harbors meet on Sunday mornings at 10am and include music, sermons, group discussions, rituals, and community social time. Some harbors also offer childcare and children’s programming.

The church is deeply involved in social justice work, including the Movement for Black Lives, queer liberation, and immigrant rights. Learn about our justice work. Zao also runs The Depot, a supply drop and distribution center for protest support, and offers a queer clothing boutique to support gender-affirming individuals. Kids Church is available on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month for children aged 5–10.

Zao is known for its welcoming and affirming environment. What to Expect emphasizes that no belief is required to participate, and the church is explicitly affirming of queer individuals. The leadership team is majority queer, and the church is committed to creating a space where all people can be authentically themselves.

Zao MKE Church in Milwaukee, WI, offers a welcoming, justice-centered community rooted in Jesus’ teachings. First-time visitors would notice a focus on radical inclusivity, with a queer-affirming environment and a network of house gatherings called 'harbors' that emphasize connection and liberation. The church’s commitment to social justice and accessible, digitally connected services reflects a modern, community-driven approach to faith.

Pros

• The church emphasizes radical inclusivity and explicitly affirms queer individuals, creating a welcoming environment for all.
• Zao operates as a network of digitally connected house gatherings, or 'harbors,' fostering close-knit community engagement.
• Services include music, sermons, group discussions, and rituals, with most harbors meeting weekly at 10:00 AM on Sundays.
• The church offers Kids Church on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month for children aged 5–10.
• Zao is actively involved in social justice initiatives, including the Movement for Black Lives, queer liberation, and immigrant rights.
• Facilities include The Depot, a supply drop center for protest support, and a queer clothing boutique.