Establishing Zion Today

In order for zion to really be established there must be friendship towards each other, and a unity towards a common goal.

I have experienced zion communities 3x in my life. The first time was in the mission field. As missionaries we were all united in working towards a common goal. We met frequently, played, and studied together. We were united in matters spiritual and temporal. Everything we did was for one purpose and one goal. We were united as a group and united in a cause, and we held all things in common with one another. None of us were above another, but simply held varying responsibilities.
The second place I experienced a zion community was in the Orem Institute Singers. While in the choir room we worked to become perfectly unified in sound, vowel shapes, cut offs, swells, and emotion. Thus when we performed we did not need our director directing us, for he had taught us perfectly how to sing as one, and so we did. We were united in our testimonies. We also got to know each other and spent a lot of time together. You can't be united if you don't know the people you are united with.

The third place I felt a commonality of a zion heart was in my ward in Centennial. Everyone did everything together all the time. There were no cliques or groups. Everyone was welcome always and anywhere. We were led with vision by a loving bishop who would invite us into his home frequently, and would even host parties there.

In all 3 of these settings I learned many things about zion. 1. It starts with a leader who loves his flock and has a vision of what they can achieve. 2. Everyone must spend time with each other in informal settings to get to know each other's personalities and individual qualities, strengths and weaknesses. 3. When together, there must be a unity and a desire for unity towards a common goal. 4. Judgement is withheld and resources are willingly shared. 5. Love abounds and service is freely and willingly given.

Zion doesn't have to be some foreign or far away concept or idea. It can and does exist around the world today in small numbers here and there. As more and more people catch the vision of what it takes to create a zion community it will eventually fill the whole earth.