FAQ
We believe that the Scripture teaches that everyone who is part of the body of Christ is a minister of the gospel. The role of elders, pastors, teachers, and other leaders is to help partners become prepared to be all God intends them to be. Because of this, we call our members “partners” to emphasize the fact that we hope and expect they’ll be more than spectators. Our partners use their unique gifts and talents to help fulfill our vision at The Austin Stone. Together, we are becoming a New Testament Church existing for the supremacy of the name and purpose of Jesus Christ.
2. Where can I learn more about The Austin Stone?
We have a Discovery Lunch from 12pm-1pm on Sundays once every couple of months. Lunch is on us and kids are invited. Meet with leaders and get to ask questions. Listen for announcements during Sunday worship or check the website for dates.
3. How can I join?
To become a partner of The Austin Stone, you must attend a Connections Class and take part in a Connect Group. Connections classes are scheduled periodically on Friday evenings or Saturday mornings. During the class, you will learn about the beginnings of our church and our vision, mission, and core beliefs along with their Scriptural foundations. We will clearly describe our commitment to you as a church should you decide to become a partner. We will also explain what is expected from all partners. You will have opportunities to ask any questions during the class and the groups to follow.
After connections class, you'll have an opportunity to be a part of a connect group. Connect groups are made up of people who are new to The Austin Stone as well as a few who have been part of the church for some time. They are a great way to build community, continue learning about the church, and find out where you can get plugged in. They last three weeks. At the conclusion of the class and group, you will have the chance to sign a commitment form if you so desire. If you elect to wait until a later point to sign the commitment, you are not required to repeat the process. Check our calendar for upcoming classes. For more information, email Todd Engstrom.
4. What is your denomination?
The Austin Stone Community Church is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention and agrees with the major tenets of faith included in the Baptist Faith and Message [to read it on their website, click here ]. You will notice that unlike many SBC churches, we are led by a team of elders and that our deacons have a slightly different role and job description as well. This is possible because the SBC is organized in such a way as to allow individual congregations like ours the freedom to structure our church as we believe God has called. We are grateful for that freedom and for the legacy of faithfulness to God, love for the Scriptures, and love for missions we have from Baptists. More important than our denominational association is our desire to lift up the name and life of Jesus and to live according to His Word and Spirit.
5. Do you have any weekday meetings?
Most of the life of The Austin Stone happens outside our Sunday worship gatherings. Corporate worship on Sundays is a great time to come together. However, it is in our small groups, equipping classes, and other gatherings where we are able to grow together, know one another, and really live life together.
- Small groups happen on various nights of the week and in homes all over the city. They are a time to come together in a relaxed environment to read the Word, pray together, and be encouraged.
Go to List of SMall Groups - Get Trained classes are often on Sunday evenings but also sometimes occur on other nights and cover a variety of Biblical and practical topics
Find out about classes - First Tuesday Prayer is a time in which we gather on the first Tuesday of every month to pray and seek the face of God together.
Find out more about prayer - Church Under the Bridge is an opportunity for us to serve our community together. The Austin Stone sponsors CUTB twice a month. Some of us go more often.
More about CUTB
6. Why do you have elders?
Since we hope and plan to be a New Testament church existing for the supremacy of the name and purpose of Jesus Christ, we desire to structure our churches the way the early church did. One thing we’ve noticed is that those churches were led by elders. In most cases, there were several elders rather than only one. These elders were the spiritual fathers of the early church and were responsible for praying for the people, for teaching, and for leading their local church. Our elders are the spiritual leaders of our church. They are Chuck Baker, Kyle McDaniel, and Matt Carter.
Learn More about our elders