Why We Exist
God has a mission in this world. We are that mission.
Rock Creek Church exists to help people take the next step to life with God by following in The Way of Jesus.
It’s true for each of us as individuals, as well as for all of us as a community of followers.
Since the beginning (yes, the very beginning), God has been acting to create a humanity that lives in harmony with the universe, each other, and Him. Behind what we call “history” is His story of working to make this a reality.
The focus of it all was a man (but much more than a man) named Jesus who we proclaim and follow as The Way, The Truth, and The Life. He’s changed our lives by giving His. He’s still changing our lives by leading us deeper into what it means to really live with Him and for Him.
Helping someone else take their next step is our greatest privilege.
What does it mean to take the next step?
Our long‐term, big‐picture strategy is two‐fold.
First, guiding closer followers.
The Way always leads closer to God, to character that resembles His, to a real life lived on His terms. No matter how far away you are or how far you’ve already come, there is a next step that will lead you closer into a relationship with God. We want to help you take the next step—whatever it is.
Second, engaging more followers.
Not everyone is on the path. We long to see each person take the first step to life with God through a relationship with Jesus born out of a trust. Among all the steps you will take, the first is the most important. Helping others take it is made possible when we cultivate relationships with those around us, when we express God’s love in tangible ways, and when we talk honestly and graciously about our faith and other’s questions.
We do both of these because we’re captivated by a vision of the future:
It’s simple really: a changed world. Simple, but huge. We believe that helping people take the next step to life with God by guiding them to be closer followers who engage more followers leads to a changed world. We really believe that. It may seem like an outrageous claim, but many of us have had our lives changed by following Jesus. Change a person’s heart—the direction of their life—and who knows how the future changes. Change it in enough people and over time whole communities can be different. One day, Jesus will return and make all things completely right. For now, we’re just doing what we can in our own lives to see as much of that come true as is possible as God works through us. We intend to live as if the future is already present.
How do we take the next step at RCC?
This enduring strategy is expressed and executed in different ways.
Last year, our focus was on actually doing something to love someone without limits.
This year, we’re immersing ourselves in the story of God, cover to cover, wanting to know it better so we can live into it better. Sunday gatherings focus on the BIG PICTURE. A daily study allows individuals to take a CLOSER LOOK. LIFE|groups do a DEEP DIVE into difficult issues raised. And periodically, we stop to make a DIRECT CONNECT with the Author in a special prayer event.
A great way to begin is to participate in one of our Point Gatherings.
Starting Point takes place at Pastor Chris’ house on a Sunday after the second service. It’s a great opportunity to make a personal connection that allows us to share the church’s story, heartbeat, and dream and to hear some of your story too.
Connecting Point takes place at Pastor Gary’s house on a Sunday evening. We share more of what we believe (theological distinctives) and how we engage in a relationship with God and each other (spiritual life) as a prelude to taking the next step a long-term relationship and/or formal church membership.
