'Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.'
EPESHIANS 3:20-21
Pastor Chris + Abby Sanchez
Our lead pastors
Pastors Chris and Abby Sanchez have devoted their lives to loving Jesus, serving people, and building the local church. With more than 25 years of combined ministry experience, they have served in worship, leadership, pastoral ministry, and church operations, carrying a deep passion to help people encounter God and grow in authentic community. Chris and Abby are known for their heart for people, their love for the local church, and their desire to create a healthy, life-giving environment where individuals and families can experience hope, healing, and lasting transformation through Jesus.
As a family, Chris and Abby are raising their two daughters with that same heart and conviction. They believe church should be a place where everyone feels welcome, where grace is real, and where the next generation is valued and discipled well. Their mission is to help people far from God come close to God, and their vision is to build a church where everyone is welcome, nobody is perfect, and real change is possible through Jesus. With a deep love for Keokuk and the tri-state region, Chris and Abby are committed to serving their community with compassion, truth, strong leadership, and a genuine heart to see lives changed by the power of God.
WHO WE ARE
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We exist to help people far from God come close to God.
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We see a church where everyone is welcome, nobody is perfect, and real change is possible through Jesus.
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Jesus Changes Everything: We believe real life change is found in Jesus. He is the hope of every person, the foundation of our church, and the center of everything we do.
Everyone Is Welcome: No matter your story, your background, or your struggles, there is a place for you here. We want every person to feel seen, loved, and invited in.
Nobody Is Perfect: We are all in need of grace. Our church is not for people who have it all together. It is for people who are honest, growing, and learning to follow Jesus together.
Real Change Is Possible: We believe God still transforms lives. Freedom, healing, restoration, and new beginnings are possible through the power of Jesus.
People Matter: Every person matters to God, so every person matters to us. We want to serve, love, and lead people with compassion, truth, and humility.
We Do Life Together: Church is more than a service to attend. It is a family to belong to. We believe growth happens in community, and nobody should walk alone.
We Live on Mission: We are here for more than ourselves. We want to reach our city, serve our community, and help people take their next step toward God.
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Know God: We create weekend experiences designed to help people take their first step toward Jesus and their next step in following Him.
Find Freedom: We believe life change happens in community. Small groups are where people find healing, care, discipleship, and meaningful relationships.
Discover Purpose: We help people understand how God has wired them and equip them to use their gifts to serve others and build the church.
Make a Difference: We empower people to live on mission by serving on teams, developing as leaders, and making an impact in the church and in the community.
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WE BELIEVE IN GOD.
Not just any god, but the God of the Universe. The same God who created this earth, who spoke light into existence, who created each and every star, and hung them in place. The same God who loves us so much that He eternally defeated death, not only ransoming us from our sins, but also giving us a rich and satisfying life. God is loving, fair, perfect, all-powerful, all-knowing, and is eternally present in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Scripture References: Genesis 1; Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 43:10-13; John 10:10; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2
WE BELIEVE IN JESUS.
Jesus is the Son of God. While being fully God and fully man he lived a sinless life and voluntarily died on the Cross in our place as full payment for our sins. But unlike anyone else throughout history, Jesus defeated the power of sin and death by rising from the dead. After he appeared to over 500 people, Jesus ascended into Heaven to provide access and reconciliation between God and people, and we now have hope through Him. When God has fulfilled His purpose with this earth, Jesus will return and reign as Lord of all.
Scripture References: John 3:16; 1 John 3:5; 1 Corinthians 15:6; Mark 16:9; Romans 5:10; Acts 1:11; Revelation 11:15
WE BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.
The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, Counselor, and Helper sent for all believers. The Holy Spirit empowers us to tell others about Jesus. He makes people aware of their need for God and draws people into this relationship. The Holy Spirit, who lives within us at the moment of salvation, provides guidance in righteous living and understanding for spiritual truth.
Scripture References: John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13-14
WE BELIEVE IN THE BIBLE.
We believe the entire Bible is the inspired Word of God and that men were moved by God to write the very words of Scripture. Therefore, we believe the Bible is without error, and is the source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. The Bible’s truth is timeless and speaks to our everyday lives.
Scripture References: Psalm 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5; 2 Timothy 1:13, 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21
WE BELIEVE IN SALVATION.
We believe every person is disobedient to God’s desires and plans in varying degrees. Any disobedience to God, regardless of how large or small, is sin. Sin separates an individual from God, which is spiritual death, and is not God’s desire. People can be united with God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and Him alone; Jesus died for sinners. Anyone who accepts and believes in Jesus’ death for their personal sins, and desires to have Him as King of their life, is forgiven for every sin.
Upon this personal decision, God re-establishes a personal relationship with that person and promises eternal life. And we believe salvation is not just for eternal life, but for this life, providing freedom and joy day to day. Therefore, every Christian should live for Christ and not for him or herself. By reading and applying Scripture, and yielding daily to the Holy Spirit, every believer should mature and be conformed to the image of Jesus.
Scripture References: John 1:12-13, 14:6-7; Romans 3:23, 5:1, 8, 10:9-10; Galatians 3:26; Titus 3:5; Deuteronomy 6:5; Proverbs 3:5-6; Mark 12:29-31; Acts 17:2; Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 8 & 9, 10:23-11:1
WE BELIEVE IN THE CHURCH.
We believe that the Church is the body of Christ, of which Jesus Christ is the head. The members of the Church are those who have been trusted by faith to finish the work of Christ. The local church organizes Christians to reach unbelievers with the message of salvation, serve as a corporate body for worship of God, provide fellowship for Christians with each other, develop the gifts and talents of Christians for godly service, and practice baptism and communion.
Scripture References: Matthew 16:18, 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:32-41; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, 12:12-13; Ephesians 5:22-24; Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 10:24-25, 13:17