FAQ

1. What is partnership?

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. More on partnership.

2. Where can I learn more about The Austin Stone?

A few times each semester we have something we call Discovery after our Sunday services. Discovery is an opportunity to hear more about The Austin Stone, meet church leadership and find out more about getting involved. Check our upcoming dates for the next scheduled Discovery. 

3. How can I join?

That depends what you mean by "join". Joining The Austin Stone starts with finding a place and getting involved. Check out a missional community or a service opportunity and get involved. Partnership Classes are offered several times each year for people who have been involved at the church to formally commit to partnering with us in our mission. Check out the partnership page for details on the next class.

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. 

  • Missional Communities gather throughout the week, throughout Austin. These communities are the primary expression of our church throughout the week.
    Find a missional community
  • 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

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 Matt Carter, Kyle McDaniel, Kevin Peck, and Derek Cortez.
Learn More about our elders