What we're about
We kinda think "What we believe" pages on church websites are weird. Who's the "we" in that sentence? It's certainly not everyone who sits in the chair or walks through the door on a Sunday morning.
What unites us is the person and way of Jesus, who shows us what God is like. Our preachers and co-lead pastors hold particular beliefs, and you're free to agree, disagree, or still be figuring it out.
Our vision is to embody a more beautiful gospel that announces collective liberation and the renewal of all things. Our mission is cultivating communities of authentic belonging, following in the prophetic, thoughtful, and radical way of Jesus.
Straight answers
The church has hurt a lot of people, so you have a right to know what to expect here.
- Are you LGBTQIA+ affirming?
- Yes. LGBTQIA+ people belong here fully, at every level of leadership, and our pastors marry LGBTQIA+ couples. Weddings at The Table
- Who can take Communion?
- Everyone. We don't keep anyone from the Table.
- Can women preach and lead?
- Yes, in every role, including co-lead pastor.
- Do you read Genesis literally?
- We read it literarily: as ancient poetry and story that tells the truth about God and about us.
- What about climate change?
- It's real, humans are causing it, and caring for creation means doing something about it.
- Do I have to believe all of this to come?
- No. You're welcome here whatever you believe, and so are your questions.
What the co-lead pastors believe
The Apostles' Creed serves as a decent summary of what our co-lead pastors believe.
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
English translation © 1988 English Language Liturgical Consultation.
Our eight-sermon series A More Beautiful Gospel lays out the beliefs our pastors find most helpful. Start with "The Gospel in Chairs."
Hear A More Beautiful Gospel (opens in a new tab)
Our values
Radical friendship
“I call you friends” (John 15:15, CEB).
Because God sent Jesus to be radically with us, we answer with radical friendship toward God, our neighbors, ourselves, and creation.
Revolutionary justice
“He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly” (Luke 1:52).
Jesus proclaimed a commonwealth where the last are first, so we work to reverse the status quo that marginalizes so many and to redistribute power to the least and the left out, in our own systems and in the streets.
Relentless curiosity
“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37).
Jesus taught through questions, doubt, and contradiction, so we learn and unlearn together and expect answers that read more like a long essay than multiple choice.
Restorative play
Jesus came “so that they could live life to the fullest” (John 10:10).
God calls us to abundant life and rhythms of rest, so we play together in ways that restore our souls.
Rooted improvisation
“The Holy Spirit has led us to the decision” (Acts 15:28).
Jesus' ministry was an improvisational riff on the story of Israel, so we improvise our way into the future with creativity and respect for our community.
