What’s “the church?”
It’s Universal.
Simply put, the church is the family of God that’s made through faith in Jesus. All people from all places and across all time who belong to God by his grace are part of the church. This all-encompassing definition of the church is sometimes referred to as the universal church.
It’s Local.
Local churches are expressions of the universal church in particular places, times, and groups of people. Timeless truths take shape in timely ways: language, music, norms, etc. Therefore, local churches are the primary means for God’s mission to make disciples among the nations.
It’s us.
As a community formed by the gospel and sent on mission, we make, mature, and multiply disciples of Jesus so that God might be made known in every part of his city through every part of our lives. Since 2009, we’ve been gathering together in gospel community and scattering among neighbors on gospel mission to do just that.
What’s The Village like?
A few of our members shared their thoughts for our 10-year anniversary in 2019.
How’s The Village organized?
Christ-Centered > elder-led > Deacon-served > member-informed
Local churches are organized differently, and that reflects the freedom the Scriptures give us in mobilizing God’s people for ministry. However, we do find three distinct local church roles in the New Testament: elders, deacons, and members.
The People & the Practical
Our organizational structure isn’t built around personalities or power, but around our purpose and the scriptures. With Jesus as our Chief Shepherd, The Village is overseen and equipped by elders (pastors). Under their leadership, deacons mobilize the church to care for the people via community groups and to carry out the practical through teams.
How do we define these roles at The Village?
Elders
Also referred to as pastors, overseers, bishops, etc., a plurality of qualified male elders are responsible for knowing, feeding, leading, and protecting Village members in their life of faith.
Deacons
Deacons are qualified men and women who lead by recruiting, training and supporting teams who carry out tasks, fulfill needs and meet opportunities in the church and in the community.
Members
Members are men and women who commi to the community and mission as of Jesus as it’s expressed through The Village.
Where can I learn more?
Connect Months: February, June & October
While you can ask us questions, read (or listen to!) our membership content, and browse the rest of the website at any time, we have Connect Months three times a year to regularly make space for those who are new to Jesus or The Village.
I’m New Here! Huddle
If you’re new to The Village, join us after a gathering (usually the first Sunday of a Connect Month) to learn a little bit about us, hear from elders and other leaders, and ask any questions you might have.
Baptism Basics Class
If you’re new to Jesus (or just haven’t been baptized yet!), this class talks about what baptism is, how we do it, and why!
Village Gate Gathering
Whether you’re new to The Village or have been around a long time, The Village Gate is our class for those ready to become members or wanting to explore the ins and outs of Village life.
What’s membership mean?
Just as God knows who belongs to his people, the local church should, as well. By inviting people into membership, we’re making expectations about life in the local church clear and our desire to disciple one another known. We all can lead and live alongside one another better when we know who is committed to living as a community on mission together and what that commitment looks like!
These expectations are spelled out in our Village Membership Covenant, and the kind of church we’re inviting folks into is laid out in our Village Gate content. While this content is available year-round, we have Village Gate gatherings three times a year for those interested in learning more or pursuing membership with The Village.
How can I become a member?
There are three simple steps:
Walk through the Village Gate content.
Attend a Village Gate Gathering in a Connect Month.
Meet with an elder.
Is it a lifelong commitment?
No! People change and God pulls us in different directions. Because of that, members renew their membership annually. This creates a regular opportunity for members to reflect on their own alignment and commitment with The Village and address any concerns!
Our Beliefs
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Our Leaders
