We are an independent, progressive, member-led faith community in the Baptist tradition.
Members lead our church. From setting budgets to calling pastors, members make all the big decisions at our church. The church membership collectively owns our property, oversees our budgets, and discerns how best to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.
We are part of no denomination. We remain proudly Baptist and part of that tradition’s history of member-led, or “congregational” churches. We were kicked out of the Southern Baptist Convention in 2010 after calling Rev. Mimi Walker as pastor. We have chosen to affiliate with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and the Alliance of Baptists, networks that share our values, to support common endeavors.
We get it. You’re tired of feeling like an ATM and having no idea where the money goes.
We try to be different.
We receive no funding from a denomination or other outside source. Our church is able to stay independent thanks to rental income, an endowment from previous members, the previous sale of a portion of our property, and the generous offerings of the congregation.
Our budget is lean, 100% transparent, and approved by members annually. Finance committee members monitor our finances throughout the year, alongside our managing director and outside bookkeepers, and makes bi-yearly reports to the full membership. The committee proposes a budget that is discussed, revised, and approved at a general business meeting in June for the next fiscal year starting July 1.
Most big important membership decisions happen at either the winter or summer general business meetings. In between those meetings, our teams, committees, deacons, and staff keep the church going.
Teams are the church. They provide opportunities to participate in the life of the congregation. Anyone is welcome to join these teams at any time, and one may serve on multiple teams and/or if they are on a standing committee. We currently have missions/service, hospitality/events, children’s ministry, and welcome teams.
Committees run the church. In the Baptist tradition, the church is autonomous and not subject to any denomination, pastor, or outside authority. Committees ‒ finance, personnel, property ‒ handle church business. Committee terms are for 3 years, and committee members must be church members.
Deacons serve the church. Deacons partner with the pastors and church ministry team to perform the pastoral ministry work of the church. Just as the pastor and other ministers are called by and are accountable to the church, so too are the deacons. Deacons must be members of the church and commit to serve for a three-year term. At the end of this service period, they must remain inactive for a minimum of one year.
Our staff includes a managing director/CFO, three equal co-pastors who make decisions by consensus, a community chaplain, a director of music, an accompanist, and a variety of staff singers, AV techs, security guards, and custodial staff. All staff report ultimately to the members via the co-pastors and the personnel committee.
Membership here is open to all. Given the importance of membership to our future as a church, we do ask people spend at least 6 months as an active part of our worshiping community before considering membership. You can also read more about what membership means to us.
