At the root of all our doctrinal commitments is the Good News that Jesus was raised from the dead and now rules over his entire creation. As the Dutch theologian Abraham Kuyper once wrote, "There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!" What this means is that this Gospel is an announcement with power to change the world: to bring justice, to heal people, to extend mercy and forgiveness, and to unite across all barriers and lines. 

St. Paul says the Gospel is "the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." Therefore, we believe the Good News of Jesus Christ will have a significant impact in Sugar Land and beyond.

  • people

    The Gospel changes people because it secures our identity and our future in Jesus rather than our own effort or status. We no longer take our identity from what others think of us or even what we think of ourselves, but from what God thinks of us in Christ (1 Cor. 4:3-4). This new identity removes any sense of inferiority (since we are beautiful in Christ) and superiority (since we are sinners standing only by grace.) Instead, we are given a new reason for joy. We rejoice that Christ sets us free from anxious self-righteousness and worry. We delight that our heavenly Father cares for and delights in us.

  • families

    Those who believe in the resurrection of Jesus are made into a new family. This new family does not replace our natural families, but serves as a model family. Because we are brothers and sisters in Jesus, we are able to love and serve our natural families without using them and without fear of rejection. We are even capable of loving and forgiving family members who have mistreated us, because we have been recipients of God's forgiveness. The Gospel heals broken relationships.

  • churches

    The Gospel unites us with other Christians. The Gospel breaks down all barriers (race, class, gender) and makes us one in Christ (Gal. 3:28). Therefore, we will celebrate what Christ is doing through other churches and ministries in the city. We will partner with them to learn from and serve one another (1 Cor. 12:7), to advance the Gospel (Phil. 1:5), and to demonstrate the reality of the Gospel to the city (John 17:21).

  • sugar land

    The Gospel changes our attitude toward the city, making us a church that serves the people of the Sugar Land area. We have not come to use the people of Sugar Land for our own advantage, but to strive for the improvement of others. We will recognize the tremendous spiritual receptivity of people in the suburbs. We will teach love and respect for our neighbors. This church is being planted in Sugar and for Sugar Land. God wants to redeem this place and this people and we are called into that act of redemption.

  • society

    The Church is the society of God's people and should serve as the model society in this world. Therefore, we strive to display and promote the healing of social divisions in Sugar Land. Because we have received every good thing in Jesus, we are free to give that which we have for the benefit of others. Our security in Jesus also enables us to learn from and be helped by those who are not like us. Christianity, therefore, serves as the basis for civil relationships in a pluralistic society. Christians should be the best citizens of the city.

  • culture

    The Gospel produces cultural renewal. First, all of our work matters to God. When the Gospel clears out religiosity, which makes religion and church work an idol, then so called "secular" work is as valuable and God-honoring as Christian ministry. Second, God matters to all our work. That means the Gospel enables Christians to work in their vocations both with excellence and Christian distinctiveness, thus transforming the culture in which we live from the inside out.