Our Story

Zoar Church has stood on Zoar Church Road in Sumter, South Carolina since the 1800s — a little white church in the country that has served as a place of worship for generations across various denominations.

In November 2017, Zoar reopened as an independent church with a small but faithful handful of members. Just months later, in August 2018, Pastor Allen Johnson answered God's call to lead this congregation. A retired teacher and coach from Sumter High School, Pastor Allen brought with him a heart for people and a passion for the Gospel.

Under his leadership — and by the grace of the Holy Spirit — Zoar has grown to over 120 members attending most Sundays. We are proof that God can do much with a little, when a people are willing to be faithful.

What We Believe

We believe that all people are sinners in need of God's forgiveness, and that Jesus Christ — born of a virgin, fully God and fully man — willingly died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead three days later. By asking forgiveness and placing our faith in Him, we are saved by His grace alone.

We believe in the power of the Holy Spirit, who guides us on our spiritual journey as our ultimate counselor and comforter. We also believe deeply in the power of prayer as a foundation of the Christian life, both personally and as a community.

Meet Our Pastor

Meet the Team

Pastor Allen Johnson

Lead Pastor, Zoar Church

Pastor Allen Johnson came to Zoar Church in August 2018 after a distinguished career as a teacher and coach at Sumter High School. In retirement, God placed a clear and unmistakable call on his life to shepherd this little country church — and he answered with faithfulness and humility.

Since then, Pastor Allen has led Zoar with a steady hand and a Spirit-led heart, guiding the congregation in worship, discipleship, and community outreach. His leadership has helped grow Zoar from a handful of members to a thriving congregation of over 120.

His church family continues to lift him in prayer as the Holy Spirit leads him and those God has entrusted to his pastoral care.