Do I Fit Here?
We know what it’s like to not fit somewhere.
So here are some things you might want to know about who we are up front:
“God Shows Up”
The easiest way to describe what we believe and do is by saying “God shows up.” This goes for everything: your own heart, poverty, community development, architecture, art, etc. If you are interested in the idea of a loving and present God showing up in your life and in your community in creative and fresh ways, you should come and see.
Based in the Hidden Valley area
Hidden Valley is an amazing neighborhood with a deep history full of people who care about the community. We hope to both honor and join the work and story of the neighborhood.
Our Vision - Up In Out
We want to be a church where people are transformed by the presence of God (UP), discipled and equipped in a Jesus-centered community (IN), and empowered by the Holy Spirit to join God’s work in everyday life in society (OUT).
In everything we do, we will provide an opportunity for people in our city to experience God's presence and Kingdom life. This rhythm produces maturing disciples and creates momentum for launching new churches.
UP
Up is about you and God. We believe that Jesus is here, actually here, and that when you experience Jesus you are transformed. Not transformed into some weird perfect person who doesn’t seem like you, but made new and made to be who God truly made you to be.
IN
In is about you and others. It’s about being part of a Jesus=centered community where you are loved and learn to love others, where you are discipled and learn to disciple others, where you are served and learn to disciple others. We constantly invite each other into the presence of Jesus in day-to-day life.
OUT
Out is about you and society. The church has a bad history of creating subcultures that disconnect from the normal world. We believe that God shows up and is always doing something in society around us, so we can’t stay in our little Christian groups all the time. We go out, empowered by the Spirit, and join the work God is doing in our everyday lives - in our families, workplaces, schools, grocery stores, etc.
Values
These are core values that shape what we do and who we are
Expect God to Show Up
We believe that God is with us and God is always up to something. We do everything, from worship services to mission trips, aware of God's presence and ready for God to move.
Ask God what He is doing
Because we believe God is always up to something and He wants to include us in it, we believe in the power of simply asking. We strive to remember to ask the bigger question, “God, what are you doing?” in the midst of daily life and larger decisions.
Rhythm of Life
We believe that followers of Jesus are called to live a rhythm of life that includes the big and small, public and private, hospitable and intimate. This leads to a life characterized by UP (relationship with God), IN (discipling relationships), and OUT (mission and service).
Be a Place for Hard Questions and Tough Times
We will be a safe place for people in crisis and those actively struggling with uncomfortable questions and doubts.
Always Thinking about the Poor/Marginalized
In everything we do, from scheduling events to budgeting for snacks, we always think about how it connects to the poor, oppressed, sick, and hurting.
Always Thinking about the Lost
In everything we do, from lesson planning to organizing small groups, we always think about how it connects to those far from Jesus.
Live in the City
We will be ethnically, culturally, and economically diverse. We will be biased towards engaging in, being generous toward, and partnering with the city versus doing things on our own.
Plant Churches
We want to plant 100 new churches. From day one, we will be biased toward multiplication in how we allocate our budget, resources, and time