“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.
We created BASICS to offer a community similar to what 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
We do not uphold any person or any traditions, ornaments, or denominations as equal to or above God’s Word. Our primary allegiance is to Christ, Jesus.
While religious traditions may originate from good intentions, they often lead to harmful consequences when mistaken for or equated with scripture. This confusion can result in abusive leadership, spiritually suppressive environments, and other damaging outcomes.
“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
Because of this danger, we willingly hold any traditions loosely and refrain from having control hierarchies.
Second, you will be respected, appreciated, and included.
Whatever your background, whatever you are working on, whatever hurts you may be working through, you will be appreciated and treated with respectfulness.
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
You are not a product to us. You are a person. We offer a warm environment and respectful two-way conversations.
If you follow Jesus…
We offer fellowship, good teaching, and sincere support for growing in Chirst!
No one here is trying to build a personal kingdom or use others to build ourselves up. We are building each other up as part of Christ’s kingdom.
“Encourage and build each other up.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
You can expect transparency...
This community makes no decisions that cannot be shared with everyone.
Ministry decisions are made collectively by prayer and bible study. Nothing is dictated by any one person.
… and acknowledgement that everyone has insights.
Every aspect of how we perform the functions of planning, teaching, worship, and meeting needs includes opportunities for members to share insights and skills.
See more below.
More about opportunities to contribute.
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 (not requirements) 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 and conversations 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.
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 can 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
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
If you are looking for a community like this, we are looking for you! Let‘s connect!
How appreciation and recognition happen in the Basic G56 community.
Appreciation of talents God has brought together.
We are not a commercial business, don’t charge for anything, and don’t mandate giving. As a result, we don’t pay salaries (not even to the founding pastor).
Instead, we rely on active involvement of our community members to accomplish anything. Everything we do, at every level, includes opportunities (not requirements) for everyone to contribute.
“We are each important parts of Christ’s body.” — Romans 12:5
Recognition of contribution.
Instead of status or money, we give appreciation and recognition to all who give of themselves.
“Outdo one another in showing honor.” — Romans 12:10
“The elders who (serve to) lead well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.” — 1 Timothy 5:17
Remembering important life everts.
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
If all this sounds like your kind of community, let's meet!
