Our values at The Commons:

  • We will value people more than programs. We believe that all people are of sacred worth and reject world views which hold people as a means to an end or a “notch” in the belt.
  • We will be risky in ministry. We believe that God honors a risk-taking, double downing, money where-your-mouth-is faith. We will not play between the boundaries of safety, practicality, or convention.
  • It ain’t about us, it’s about them. We do not own God – but God owns us and calls us to a life of radical other-centeredness. We will love hard, serve well, and give freely.
  • We will pursue innovation with excellence and abandonment. To reach those who have not been reached, we must do what has not been done.
  • We will be defiantly optimistic. We are a community of dreamers, shapers, and influencers who refuse to view life through the lens of scarcity. Our God is the source of all good and the hope of all nations.We will stink of hope.

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Our History

The Commons began as an idea; a conviction that 'church' shouldn't be about 'church', a desire to build (from the ground up) a missional community focused on reaching out to and meeting the needs of young people.  Over the course of a few years (and a some bumps & bruises) the 'idea' became a dream - and the dream gave birth to a vision.

In June 2011, my family and I relocated to the Pine Mill Ranch subdivision south of Katy (proper) to begin planting this new faith community.  That summer, we built a “launch team” which assisted us in evaluating ministry needs and opportunities, and began reaching out.  We hosted a "family picnic", took the launch team & friends to a ballgame, and began hosting gatherings in our homes.

In October, we held our first test-drive worship service ('preview' service) at FUMC Katy's gymnasium.  We followed that with a preview on November 20 before moving to our semi-permanent worship site at Tuscany Villa in December 2011.  On January 8, 2012 we held our final preview service in preparation for 'launch' on January 22. Our newest chapter of life had us move into Wolman Elementary in Firethorne on January 4, 2014. We are excited to see what the future holds as we enter a larger, more visible, centerally located location.

Why a New Church?

Why not?  As followers of Jesus, we are called to radically embody God’s love. I believe that God envisions a world where mercy and justice roll, a place where each of us can be and belong, and a community where life is shared in the experience of Jesus. We call this community “church” and believe that God is equipping us to live out His vision in our neighborhoods, schools, and places of business. Our ‘mission field’ in South Katy numbers approx. 15,000 residents and is expected to swell to over 48,000 by 2020.  Within the last year, Katy ISD has opened five newly constructed facilities - 3 elementary schools, a jr. high, and a high school - all within 2 miles of my doorstep!  Historically, the church has always sent out those with pioneering and entrepreneurial gifts to serve new communities.  As new development springs up in South Katy, planting a new faith community is a practical way we can express and embody God’s love for the world.

Where we are at Now

We believe that good things really do come to those who wait - and patience (although not easy) is a virtue.  We categorically reject ‘one size fits all’ ministry models and hold strong convictions that the church should be organic to the community.  Like a fine wine or a smooth whiskey (hey, I haven’t always been a pastor) this is a process that requires fermentation - it should not be rushed.  We believe that worship should be indigenous; reflecting the unique needs of the community both stylistically and in depth/breadth of content.

In other words, we are not a static community...we are a living, breathing, and growing community who will continue to look for innovative and pioneering ways to be in ministry to our community.  We recently began worshiping weekly at Wolman Elementary in the Firethorne neighborhood and are excited to see what God has planned for The Commons!