“What should I expect to
experience?”
In the New Testament, Christ’s Church is depicted as circles of friends who gather to grow in Christ through communal songs, prayer, fellowship, learning, and serving needs.
The very reason we created BASICS was to offer a church community like the New Testament describes. That means meeting two foundational expectations that a reasonable person should have of authentic Christ-followers.
First, everything will be centered on Christ and the truth of His Word.
We believe Jesus is God, the Bible is God’s Word, and His Word contains timeless, invaluable truths about how to live.
“Everything in the Scriptures is God's Word. All of it is useful for teaching, helping, correcting, and showing how to live.” — 2 Timothy 3:16
“If you add or take away anything from this book, you will have troubles.” — Revelation 22:18-19
Along these same lines, we do not uphold any manmade religious tradition, ornament, denomination, or any human person as equal to or above God’s Word.
Many traditions and power hierarchies created by overly institutionalized churches reflect human preferences and designs as much as (sometimes more than) Biblical foundations. While they may have been added with good intent, resulting negative outcomes (abusive leadership, spiritually stifling environments, etc.) show this is a dangerous slope that is best avoided.
“It is useless for you to worship me when you teach rules made up by humans. You disobey God's commands to obey what humans have taught.” — Mark 7:7-8
Second, You will be RESPECTED
In this community, we are glad to see you!
Whatever your background, whatever you are working on, whatever hurts you may be working through, we want you among us and are better with you!
If you are exploring Jesus…
This is a welcoming place to explore. Take a chance on us.
We don’t guilt anyone into believing in Jesus. God says He is the one who draws people to Himself.
“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws them.” — John 6:44
We aim only to offer a warm environment and respectful two-way conversations that can help people make informed decisions!
If you are a believer…
Let us offer fellowship, good teaching, or sincere support for growing in Him!
“Encourage and build each other up.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
We know you bring experience and talent too!
This is why everything we do includes opportunities for everyone to contribute. This includes
Shared leadership, with opportunities to participate.
Discussion-based teaching, with 2-way dialogue.
Planning together to meet needs within our community and the community around us.
“We are each important parts of Christ’s body.” — Romans 12:5
We also endeavor to know each person well enough to join you in celebrating life’s highs and mounting or supporting the lows!
“Be happy with those who are happy. Weep with those who weep.” — Romans 12:15
Want to know more about shared learning, leadership, and Service? Read on!
Third, you will be APPRECIATED.
Fourth, you will be INCLUDED!
Back-to-BASICS means no one is a number or limited to being a spectator.
In everything we do, we work hard to create opportunities for everyone to contribute ideas, talents, and more.
Here are a few ways we work to be a true community.
1. Participative learning
We don’t talk about fellowship while giving monologues to people who see only the backs of other people’s heads.
Instead, we gather face-to-face and create space for facilitated dialogue.
This means opening spaces for questions and shared perspectives that cultivate better Bible exploration of life’s deepest issues.
Because God’s Word is food for life, we want to help people learn it in the most effective way we can.
Teaching by Active Learning (interactive discussion, dialogue, and cross-sharing) produces higher engagement, understanding, and 90% retention.
This is why classrooms have moved toward group learning approaches.
Conversely, speeches and sermons typically yield a 75% retention loss within 24 hours.
Facilitation teaching also produces high levels of life application. This is because group members ask questions, offer perspectives, and share ideas about ways to apply the explored principles.
“Let’s keep meeting to encourage each other in the faith and in doing helpful things.” — Hebrews 10:24
2. Participative leadership
We create leadership opportunities. Growing followers can help serve as teachers, worship facilitators, prayer leaders, care leaders, or other servant-leader roles.
“When you come together, each of you has a song, or a teaching or a special insight God has given” – 1 Cor. 4:26
3. Participative service
If you are looking for a community like this, we are looking for you! Let‘s connect!
We also invite (not require) everyone to participate in planning how we serve to meet needs within the group and our community.
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” — Hebrews 10:24