Life isn’t perfect.
Neither are we.
We grow by learning from and listening to Jesus.
Want to visit?
Here’s what to expect
You’ll want to start here.
You need to know we’re sinners. We NEED Jesus. We’re trying to grow up in Him. Most of the people you meet at Sharon RP will be nice and friendly. But, we’re about grace here and someone might be having a hard day. Remember, we’re all still growing.
If you’re looking for a church full of perfect people we’re not for you. If you’re looking to grow by being saturated in the love and word of Jesus — welcome home.
When we meet
Sunday at 10 am
Services last about 60 minutes including a cappella psalms singing, prayer, and the message.
Add Worship to your calendar:
Where we meet
We're between Mediapolis & Morning Sun.
Our address is 25204 160th Ave. Morning Sun, IA 52640.
Seriously, don’t fret too much. You’ll be loved here.
If you have any questions feel free to call (319)217-2388 or e-mail bryan@sharonrpc.org
About Us
Leadership
Pastor Bryan Schneider (Teaching Elder)
Pastor Bryan was born & raised in Southern California. He served in the Navy for 4 years. This is where the Lord graciously saved him. God prepared him for ministering to us by studying history at Geneva College and church history at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He then earned his Masters of Divinity at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary. While in college he married his wonderful wife Olivia. They have been blessed with 4 children: Nathan, Deborah, Daniel, and Ellie.
Our Ruling Elders
John Smith
John is a retired manufacturing engineer and instructor at South East Iowa Community College. Raised on a farm and married to his bride for over 60 years. John has led the as clerk of our session and a man who deeply desires to see God’s people to love Jesus and the Scriptures.
Jim Pilling
Jim is an active farmer with his brother and a lifelong resident of the Mediapolis community. Jim loves to care for his wife and spend time with the grandkids. Jim has a passion for prayer and gentle nature is admired by all. Make sure to follow Jim on instagram to learn more about ag life and rural tales.
Ben Turner
Ben is an engineer, inventor, and builder extraordinaire. Originally from Indiana Ben and Laura moved to Iowa to raise their children in the country and active members of the church. Ben is devoted to the Lord, his family, and the congregation. Ben thinks deeply and loves people thoughtfully.
Who We Are
What's this place all about?
We're all about Jesus Christ. Jesus told us to pray for His goal — “Your kingdom come. Your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven.”
That starts with God’s work — He gives us new hearts to love Him. We are people who desperately need His love and grace. We are His children. He grows us. He unites us to Jesus. And He makes us bear fruit.
We’re a multigenerational church. We want to see your children rooted in their faith. We want to see your young people walking in the light of the Lord. We want to see you finish the race well.
Loving Jesus Christ. Everything starts with who He is and what He has done. He’s given us the greatest gift — himself. He’s saved us and loved us and given us His Holy Spirit. Do you desire to grow in that love?
Where are you?
Come for a drive to the country and visit. We’re a few miles down the gravel road between Mediapolis and Morning Sun in South East Iowa.
Sharon RPC… That’s a Weird Name.
I wonder what it means?
Sharon?
The name for Sharon is from places in the Bible like Isaiah 35:1-10. God promises His grace to His people. In the valley of Sharon the people will the Glory of the Lord and the excellency of our God.
RP?
Okay, hold on. This one will have to be split up into 3 parts. The R. The P. And then RP.
R is for reformed
At the end of the dark ages (think end of the 1400s) the church in Europe had been corrupted. There was all sorts of teachings and practices that were not in line with what God taught. God began to stir up in peoples’ hearts a distaste for what the church had become. It was also at this time that ancient manuscripts of the Bible in started being studied again in their original languages (Hebrew & Greek). When scholars and priests began to read the Bible they realized something had gone wrong. People started wanting change. This started formally in 1517 when Martin Luther called a debate with scholars in Germany to hash out some of the issues. From here things bloomed as more and more started to read the Bible and desire a religion based on what God had said. This is where our theological roots are. There is WAY more to that story and the theology. You’ll love learning about it in Sunday School and being steeped in it as we study the Bible together. (click here to read more on our beliefs)
2. P is for Presbyterian
Presbyterian is a big scary word for some. That’s okay because it’s not English, per se. Presbyterian comes from a Greek word presbuteros. That word means is normally translated elder or overseer by most Bibles. When the Lord gave us instructions on how the church was to be organized he said it was to be ruled by elders (Titus 1:5). Presbyterian means that the church is governed by elders.
3. RP is for Reformed Presbyterian
Reformed Presbyterian is a link back to our history. In the 1500s and 1600s Presbyterianism was the official religion of Scotland. When the kings decided they didn’t like that they tried to stop the people from their worship and force them to do His will. They said no - He tried to kill them. When all of that had finally ended in 1688 Presbyterianism was reinstated in Scotland. However, those who persecuted the RP’s were allowed back into the church even as pastors and elders. Reformed Presbyterians maintained their church and beliefs. Eventually they immigrated to the United States where in 1774 the denomination was officially formed.
What does is it look like to be a disciple of Christ?
Click below to explore the steps of becoming and living as a follower of Jesus.
