OURSTORY
In the summer of 2011, God gave a vision for a vibrant worshipping church with a clear and simple focus on Jesus. There was no elaborate strategy, only a deep desire to see Jesus magnified in our city. A small group of people was gathered to share the vision and see if the Spirit of God was moving them to join in on what God was doing.
God stirred in those people, and Bayou City Fellowship was launched in September of 2011 in the Spring Branch area. By God’s grace, we continued to experience growth, including launching a second campus in Cypress in 2013 and a third campus in Tomball in 2019. We daily experience his gracious provision and are seeking to remain steadfast in our focus on Jesus and his purposes in our city and world.
RADICALLY FOCUSED ON JESUS
We will lift up the name of Jesus above every name and will be passionate worshippers
SERVING THE CITY AND WORLD
We will serve and give sacrificially to bring the gospel to the vulnerable and lost in Jesus’ name
STARTING CHURCHES
We will start new churches throughout the city to reach new people
OURDISTINCTIVES
We exist for the glory of God (Isaiah 43:7, 2 Peter 1:3, Revelation 1:6).
We will lift up the name of Jesus above every name (Philippians 2:9-10).
We will welcome the active and empowering ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26).
We will aim to please God with unshakeable faith (2 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 11, Ephesians 6:16).
We will be passionate worshippers (Psalm 29:2, Psalm 95:6, Hebrews 12:28).
We will preach and teach the Bible as the authoritative Word of God (Hebrews 4:12).
We will be a house of prayer (Mark 11:17, Acts 4:31, Romans 12:12).
We will be relentless in spreading the gospel through words and actions (Matthew 9:37-38).
We will use our resources for the good of the city and the world instead of exhausting them on our own physical and spiritual entertainment (James 1:27, Isaiah 58:6-11).
OURBELIEFS
Since our beginning, we have been deeply committed to preaching and teaching the Bible as the authoritative Word of God. The scriptures provide clarity and guidance in all of our decisions, and our doctrinal statement provides an outline of our core beliefs and affirmations.
1THE SCRIPTURES
We believe the Bible (both the Old and New Testament) is the inspired Word of God. It is without error in its original writings and is the final authority over all men (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21).
2THE GODHEAD
We believe in one triune God, eternally existing in three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — co-eternal in being, co-eternal in nature, co-equal in power and glory, having the same attributes and perfections (Deuteronomy 6:4, 2 Corinthians 13:14).
3THE PERSON AND WORK OF CHRIST
We believe Jesus is Lord and has been given the name that is above every name (Philippians 2:9-11). He is God, was with God in the beginning, and creation was made through Him (John 1:1-3). Jesus was sent by God to save people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). Jesus is the Son of God and was born of a virgin named Mary (Luke 1:34-35). He lived a sinless life (1 Peter 2:22). He performed miracles (Luke 7:1-17). He taught the way to God (John 14:1-7). He willingly let himself be betrayed, arrested, tortured, convicted, and crucified (John 10:17-18, Luke 22: 47-23:56). On the third day, God raised him from the dead; he made many appearances and then ascended back to heaven (Luke 24:1-52). He is now exalted at the right hand of God where, as our high priest, he acts as representative, intercessor, and advocate (Acts 1:9-10, Hebrews 7:25, 9:24, Romans 8:34, 1 John 2:1-2). Because of his life, death, and resurrection, we can be forgiven by God, justified before God, and free from the power of sin (Romans 5:9, Hebrews 9:22, Revelation 1:5).
4THE PERSON AND WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He is the supernatural agent in new birth, baptizing all believers into the Body of Christ, indwelling, and sealing them for the day of redemption (John 16:8-11, 2 Corinthians 3:6, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Romans 8:9, Ephesians 5:18). He empowers believers for ministry and to overcome sin (Acts 1:8, Galatians 5:16).
5HUMANITY
We believe God made human beings different from the rest of creation by placing his image or likeness in them (Genesis 1:26, 2:20). However, Adam’s sin became our sin because he represented us as our head; therefore, all men and women are born corrupted, sinful, and condemned (Romans 5:12-21). Since we are born corrupted, sinful, and condemned, we are enslaved to sin and unable to understand the things of God (Romans 6:20, 1 Corinthians 2:14).
6MARRIAGE AND SEXUALITY
We believe that God has established marriage as a lifelong, exclusive relationship between one biological man and one biological woman and that all sexual activity outside that God-ordained marriage relationship is immoral and therefore sin (Genesis 2:24-25; Exodus 20:14, 17, 22:19; Leviticus 18:22-23, 20:13, 15-16; Matthew 19:4-6, 9; Romans 1:18-31; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 15-20; 1 Timothy 1:8-11; Jude 7). Further, we believe that God has wonderfully and immutably created the human race biologically male and female, and that these two distinct, complementary genders reflect the image of God.
Thus, all conduct with the intent to adopt or identify as a gender other than one’s birth gender is a rejection of God’s plan for his image bearers, and therefore sin (Genesis 1:27). Our beliefs do not provide grounds for bigotry, bullying or hate, as we fully believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity, regardless of his or her lifestyle. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated as sinful and are not in accordance with the Scriptures.
Thus, all conduct with the intent to adopt or identify as a gender other than one’s birth gender is a rejection of God’s plan for his image bearers, and therefore sin (Genesis 1:27). Our beliefs do not provide grounds for bigotry, bullying or hate, as we fully believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity, regardless of his or her lifestyle. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated as sinful and are not in accordance with the Scriptures.
7SALVATION
We believe salvation is the gift of God offered to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose sinless blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins (Ephesians 2:8-10, John 1:12, Ephesians 1:7).
8ETERNAL SECURITY AND ASSURANCE OF BELIEVERS
We believe that all believers are held by God’s power and are secure in Christ forever (John 6:37-40, 10:27-30, 1 Peter 1:5). We also believe the Bible teaches that our Christian freedom is not an excuse to sin (Romans 13:13-14, Galatians 5:13, Titus 2:11-15).
1THE MINISTRY AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS
We believe ministry and evangelism is the work of all Christians. Spiritual gifts are assigned by God to each member of the Church and should be used with faith for the common good (Romans 12:3, 1 Corinthians 12:7). We are to be informed about and eagerly desire the spiritual gifts, especially prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:1). We believe all the gifts listed in the New Testament are still active and good for this generation of the Church; however, any spiritual gift used without love is useless and unprofitable (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
2THE CHURCH
We believe the Church is the people Jesus ransomed with his blood from every tribe, language, people, and nation (Revelation 5:9). In scripture, the Church is called God’s House (Hebrews 3:6), the Temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16-17), the Body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23), and Bride of Christ (Revelation 19:7-9). The local expression of the Church gathers to worship, encourage each other, and be salt and light in their community (Hebrews 10:24-25, Matthew 5:13).
3BAPTISM
We believe baptism by immersion is for those who have definitively placed their faith in Christ and are choosing to follow him (Acts 8:35-38, 16:1-15). It was commanded by Jesus and identifies us with his death and resurrection (Matthew 28:19, Romans 6:1-4).
4THE LORD’S SUPPER
We believe the Lord’s Supper is the breaking of bread and drinking from the cup by followers of Jesus to remember Jesus’ broken body and his shed blood (Luke 22:17-20). It is to be observed often and with reverence (1 Corinthians 11:23-30).
5CHURCH DISCIPLINE
We believe membership in a local expression of the Church should be a commitment to love, pray for, and encourage each other (John 13:34, Romans 15:30, Hebrews 10:24). In extreme cases, an unrepentant member should be gracefully confronted multiple times in an organized, thoughtful way (Matthew 18:15-17). If that person will not listen and repent, they should be removed from fellowship for the good of their own soul (1 Corinthians 5:1-5).
6CHURCH GOVERNMENT
We believe there are two levels of leadership in the Church. The Bible calls the primary leaders overseers or elders. These men are responsible for giving leadership, care, and protection to the church (1 Timothy 5:17, Acts 20:28). Elders or overseers should meet the requirements listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. There should be consensus, unity, and shared authority among the elders and overseers; however, it is also wise to have a leader among the leaders similar to Timothy and Titus.
The secondary leaders are called servants or deacons in the Bible. They serve the members of the Church and give leadership to the specific ministries of the Church (Acts 6:1-7). Deacons are appointed by the elders and overseers with input from the members of the Church (Acts 6:1-7). These servants or deacons may be men or women and must fit the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:8-13 (Romans 16:1, 1 Timothy 3:11).
We are diligently praying and working to identify and train leaders to serve at both levels of leadership.
The secondary leaders are called servants or deacons in the Bible. They serve the members of the Church and give leadership to the specific ministries of the Church (Acts 6:1-7). Deacons are appointed by the elders and overseers with input from the members of the Church (Acts 6:1-7). These servants or deacons may be men or women and must fit the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:8-13 (Romans 16:1, 1 Timothy 3:11).
We are diligently praying and working to identify and train leaders to serve at both levels of leadership.
7LAST THINGS
We believe God, in his own time and in his own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to his promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth, the dead will be raised, and Christ will judge all men in righteousness (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Corinthians 5:8-10). The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment (Revelation 20:14-15). The righteous, in their resurrected and glorified bodies, will receive their reward and will dwell forever with the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:35-44, 2 Corinthians 5:6-8).
BAYOUCITYFAQS
1This will be my first time to visit the Bayou City family. What should I expect?
We often refer to our church as a "house". Because we are a "house", we are a family. The scriptures refer to us as sons and daughters, brothers and sisters. The first time you visit, we hope you have a sense that this is a warm and inviting family with the expectation that God will do something powerful when we gather in his name.
You will also find that we have a clear and simple focus on Jesus. We love to worship and welcome the active and empowering ministry of the Holy Spirit when we gather. We preach and teach the Bible as the authoritative Word of God and are deeply committed to prayer.
2I am in need of pastoral care. Who can I contact?
We have pastors at all our campuses who can provide support, prayer, and Biblical guidance. You can use the Contact Us form below to reach out to a minister for care and guidance.
3How can I stay up to date on what is happening at Bayou City Fellowship?
There are lots of ways to stay connected to what is going on at Bayou City Fellowship. One way is by subscribing to our weekly newsletter. Also, consider downloading the Bayou City Fellowship mobile app for your campus. Finally, be sure to follow us on social media.
4I have attended worship but want to get more connected. How can I do that?
The best opportunity to gain a sense of connection is to join a small group with people who meet regularly throughout the city. We have groups that meet to share life and study the Scriptures weekly. Check out Community Groups, Men, Women, and Students ministries on our website for more information.
5I understand Bayou City is very active in serving the city and world. How can I get involved?
From our beginning, we have been committed to using the resources God provides to serve the city and world. Our desire is that every person is serving through the many outreach efforts we help fund and support. Visit the Outreach sections of our website to find out how you can serve.
6I have questions about giving and finances. Who could I talk to about this?
We are committed to financial integrity and transparency. You can find out more about giving options on our giving page. If you would like to speak with someone about the church budget or other financials, you can use the Contact Us form below to reach the Accounting office.
7How is Bayou City Fellowship governed and organized?
The overall policy, direction, and management of the affairs and finances of Bayou City are vested in an Elder Board made up of representatives from each of the campuses. The majority of the Elders are not employed by the church and are considered "Lay Elders". The Senior Pastor and lead Campus Pastors are Elders and also lead the staff. For questions regarding Elders, governance, or bylaws, you can use the Contact Us form below.