Citizens Church Eugene
As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the good news of Christ.
PHILIPPIANS 1:27
The Story of God
We tell the true story of the whole world in nine movements. Only in this narrative can we discover the meaning of human history, and thus the meaning of our lives. This story culminates in the restoration of the entire creation and humanity’s reconciliation with God.
Creation
God created a world of abundance and took up restful residence in his Kingdom
Images
God created humanity with a royal status that reflects God’s rule in the world and cultivates flourishing.
Rebellion
Humanity did not trust God but ruled on our own terms, leading to cosmic fracture and exile from God’s space.
God pursued a familial relationship with his people and offered life-giving instruction.
Covenant
God dwelled with his people and provided a way to receive his presence on earth.
Temple
God chose a royal representative to lead God’s people into justice and faithfulness.
King
Jesus enters human history and reveals God’s restoration and forgiveness through his life, death, and resurrection.
Christ
God’s Spirit invites all those in Christ to live as his redeemed presence in the world, a new humanity.
Church
God will one day restore his presence and rule on earth in an abundanct garden city.
New Creation
The Practices of God’s People
We live our lives shaped by the story of God and find our place within this grand narrative. While we are all caught up in this story, we seek to respond faithfully to God’s mission in the world through nine correlating practices. These shape our communal and individual lives.
We rest and trust in God’s goodness and abundance, enjoying and caring for creation.
Sabbath
We grow into the image of God, becoming who we truly are in Christ.
Formation
Confession
We practice humble repentance and are quick to admit our blindspots and sin.
Wisdom
We delight in God’s word and humbly apply his instruction to our whole lives.
Communion
We abide in God’s presence through our union with the person and work of Christ.
Justice
We live as a compelling foretaste of the righteous and sacrificial kingdom of God.
We proclaim the gospel with wide tables, opening our doors and lives to strangers, outsiders, and enemies.
Hospitality
We share life together marked by love, diversity, costly forgiveness, and contribution to one another.
Community
We joyfully trust in God’s renewed world and proclaim this hope with unselfish kindness.
Generosity
Beliefs
We are affiliated with Thrive Church Planting Network and believe in the multiplying nature of the church. We are also connected to our local network of churches in the greater Eugene area through our partnership with the One Hope Network.
Affiliations
We read, interpret, and teach the Bible with a humble posture and in conversation with the historical, global, and local church. We emphasize our unity with other Christians, take Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount seriously, and doctrinally align with the Apostle’s Creed, Nicene Creed, and Lausanne Covenants. Our gatherings are casual, liturgical, and shaped around the historic church calendar.
Statements of Faith
Leadership Team
Jerell Carper
Jerell has a B.A. in Bible and Pastoral Ministry from Moody Bible Institute and an M.A. in Spiritual Formation from Wheaton College. He’s married to Lauren and has two kiddos! He enjoys teaching robust theology in everyday language and finding creative ways to apprentice whole-life disciples of Jesus. Jerell wishes he was a professional motocross rider but copes by commuting around town on his bike and putting stickers on things. His favorite spot in Eugene is the Riverbank Path System.
Teaching Pastor
Lauren Cervantes
Lauren has an M.A. in Clinical Counseling from Bushnell University, is a certified scuba diver, and loves spontaneous adventure. She’s endlessly curious about the stories of others, and her favorite spots in Eugene are Hideaway Bakery and Prince Pucklers.
Liturgy
Chris Johnson
Chris roasts and sells Pacifik Coffee in town, enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids, and is still bummed that Arsenal didn’t win the Premier League last year. He's the best question-asker west of the Mississippi, and his favorite spot in Eugene is any golf course.
Dinner Parties
Lauren Carper
Lauren enjoys caring for the marginalized alongside our local city partners as well as hiking Pisgah and the Ridgeline trails. When not hanging out with her two kids, you’ll find her exploring great food options in the Whit. Her favorite spot in Eugene is Sundance Natural Foods.
City
Sarah McClelland
Sarah is an elementary special education teacher and is passionate about literacy, reading intervention, and disability ministry. She has a dog named Finch, and if she could be any animal, she would be a deer. Her favorite spot in Eugene is Smith Family Bookstore
Admin
Janeé Schultz
Janeé is a beloved preschool teacher in town and enjoys camping with her husband and two daughters. She’s a foodie and loves writing recipes and cooking for her family and friends. Her favorite spot in Eugene is 5th Street Public Market.
Kids
Billy Zhang
Billy’s superpower is being wildly content with whatever life deals him. When he’s not at work, he enjoys hanging out with his wife and four boys, training for marathons, and working on his Steph Curry fadeaway. His favorite spot in Eugene is Osteria DOP.
Music