“What do we want to be known for?” This question sits at the heart of Followers of Christ Church in San Antonio. It defines their mission. Christ Church San Antonio embraces seven core values. These values shape their gospel centered work. To understand these priorities is to truly know Followers of Christ Church.
The gospel changes everything. It is the power of God. The gospel transforms unbelievers and believers alike. It addresses spiritual, personal, and societal problems. Followers of Christ Church commits to aligning everything with the gospel. They allow it to reshape their actions.
Joyful worship is central to their identity. Christ Church values worship highly. It should be reverent and joyful. Joyful means genuine worship with heart, soul, and mind. Reverent means approaching God humbly. They stand in awe of his holiness.
Loving community defines their relationships. The gospel transforms interactions. As a loving community, vulnerability is welcome. Authenticity in brokenness is encouraged. Hope remains that the gospel can change relationships. It humbles and assures of love and acceptance. The church empowers living for others. It is a church for the unchurched, burned out, skeptical, and wayward. They welcome the lost and hurting.
Missional living extends beyond Sundays. It fills every moment of every day. Followers of Christ Church believes in the priesthood of all believers. They equip people to engage the world. This includes work, school, home, and all areas of influence. God’s kingdom advances to solve the world’s problems. Justice and mercy are lived out by individuals changed by grace.
Commitment to discipleship involves intentional relationships. Friendships encourage one another on the path. The gospel empowers ministering in the Spirit. It also allows receiving ministry from others in times of need. Through faith, they encourage, rebuke, admonish, and help each other.
Partnership and unity bring churches together. They celebrate God’s work in the area. They support community needs. The gospel unites them. They celebrate God’s work wherever it occurs. Unnecessary division is rejected. They seek to learn from various churches. This demonstrates the gospel’s reality to the city.
Love for their place means loving San Antonio. They seek its welfare. They promote the flourishing of their city. They value the true, good, and beautiful aspects of the area’s culture and history. They lament the bad. They long to meet physical and spiritual needs. This is done with the gospel’s message. Works of mercy and service also play a part.
Followers of Christ Church is a member of the Presbyterian Church in America. This denomination stays faithful to the Scriptures. They commit to the message of grace emphasized in the Reformation. Obedience to the Great Commission guides them.
Christ Church is also a member of the Redeemer Network. This network catalyzes church planting, replanting, and revitalization in Texas and beyond. The network started with Redeemer Church in Lubbock, TX, in 2007. The formal organization happened in 2016. From the start, they have planted and replanted over 30 churches. These include 2nd and 3rd generation plants. All commit to collaborative strategies. They multiply healthy churches across Texas. They have coached and consulted over 20 existing churches. These churches are in the replanting or revitalizing process.
Finally, Followers of Christ Church is a founding member of REACH South Texas. This church planting network plants healthy Gospel alive PCA churches. They cultivate healthy Gospel alive leaders in South Texas. Luke Evans currently serves as the Chairman of the Board. The commitment of the Followers of Christ Church to San Antonio is clear.