Jesus often spoke about the ‘Kingdom of God’, where everyone is invited to participate in God’s preferred vision and purpose, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, or socio-economic status. Everyone is made in God’s image and has divine value. The Brazos Church is simply a diverse community that wants as many people as possible to experience God’s rescue, presence, and favor personally. We have seven ‘anchors’ that are unshakable faith priorities that secure us to God's preferred vision for our church.
Anchors are the unshakable faith priorities that Like an anchor keeps a ship from drifting by wind and currents, these seven anchors secure us to God's preferred vision for our church. These unshakeable faith priorities keep us centered in how we follow God’s lead in engaging the world with this great news of love, rescue, and restoraion.
- Rooted in Biblical Truth
The Bible is God’s truth to all people, regardless of ethnic, social, age, gender, or political labels. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because it was inspired by God, it is completely relevant to our lives, culture, and world. It is the beautiful narrative of God choosing a people to demonstrate true rescue, love, and grace for the world.
- Kingdom-centered Vision
Jesus came to spread this good news of the Kingdom of God to the world. He meant that with his own coming to earth, God’s saving rule and reign has come near in a way that’s never happened before in all of human history. He means that God’s promises to establish his kingdom are beginning to be fulfilled and that God will one day usher in a new creation, which has even now been inaugurated through Jesus’ resurrection (Col. 1:18; 2 Cor. 5:17). This new creation will be a place of perfect righteousness and peace, a place in which all wrongs will be made right (Rev. 21:1-5).
Jesus also talked about the kingdom of God being here, and within our reach. People are healed. Lives are transformed. Signs and wonders occur. At other times, Jesus talks about the kingdom as a future reality, as our hope beyond this life. In other words, sometimes people are not healed in the present. Intractable social issues remain. Jobs are lost, hunger continues, and suffering is real.
Our theology of the 'already and not yet of the kingdom' enables us to believe God for miracles, with a theology of the miraculous, and to also trust God when pain is occurring, with a theology of suffering. We believe that both are necessary for a healthy Christian spirituality.
- God-centered Worship
God, the creator of what is known and unknown, is worthy of our worship and devotion. He has given us several ways to honor Him as a community, including singing, musical instruments, media arts, and much more. As we worship together, we experience His presence both intimately and collectively.
- Holy Spirit-powered Action
While people can accomplish many things in their own human power, it's nothing in comparison to what can be achieved by God leading the way. Our faith community follows the lead of God's spirit to accomplish the impossible. This requires us to constantly listen and submit to His leading in how we love, show compassion, teach, and strategize. The Holy Spirit’s presence assures us of our relationship with Christ, guides us into all truth, and exalts Christ. He comforts us, gives us spiritual gifts to build up the global Church, and makes us more like Jesus.
- Disciple-making Mission
dis·ci·ple /dəˈsīpəl/
(noun)
a personal follower of Jesus and His teaching
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we have answered God's call to be His bridge to all people; welcoming them into God's family, showing them how to follow Jesus in community, and equipping them to serve. The exciting part of this mission is that everyone participates! We all get to participate in developing each other into the best followers of Jesus we can be.
- Jesus-centered Compassion
As Jesus connected with people, he met spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional needs. As followers of Jesus, we want to do the same. God's vision for us is to provide both physical and spiritual food for those in need because he cares for every part of us. We do this through dignity & honor, relationship & partnership, creativity & beauty, and generosity.
- 'Culturized' without Compromise
The message that anyone could be a part of God's redemptive plan for creation was intended by Jesus to extend from culture to culture and from generation to generation. We believe and proclaim this message of love, that God sent his own Son Who died for our rebellious actions (sin) and lived again to rescue and restore humanity to Himself. We will share this great news (gospel) with as many as possible, using our spiritual gifts, creativity, and technology. Our methods and language may change, but our message never will.
Yep, we meet in a coffee shop each week and we love it! Brazos Church was started in 2019 with the understanding that we would not be a typical church. We’ve all been intimidated and uncomfortable visiting a new church, and some people are too uncomfortable walking into a traditional church building with no existing relationships there. Jesus spent most of His time teaching and meeting people in places where they lived and worked. We decided would also meet in safe, public spaces where people already meet in community; we would bring the church to them. There is a saying that “the Church is not a building, but a community of faith.” We are living proof that is true.
What's the bottom line? More than ever, Brazos Church is committed to God’s vision for the world, where churches are bridges of hope between God and humanity. And as we move forward as a church family, we are committed to developing other churches that bring Jesus’ message of hope and rescue to the world.
What does this mean for you? Most importantly, we're saving a seat for you. Wherever you are in your faith journey, you'll always be welcome as part of the Brazos family as we all walk together in obedience to Jesus.
Copyright Brazos Church 2023