Purpose, Values & Beliefs

Our story

Begun in 1926 directly across the street from the University of Miami, our church was born as a dream that would unite this city and the world under the grace of a loving God. A resilient group of people faithfully pursued this life with eternal meaning and impact. After a devastating hurricane in 1926, we rebuilt. Our people have been growing stronger ever since.

“The future beckons us to build a great church…making North and South America one…Our future is as bright as the promise of God.” 
– William Russell Owen, University Baptist Church Pastor

It's About People

Our hearts beat for the nations because we are the nations.  We serve across the globe – caring for people with HIV AIDS, educating the illiterate, clothing and feeding the under-resourced, building churches schools and medical facilities, funding orphanages, delivering children out of prostitution, providing disaster relief, bringing the Gospel to unreached and hostile areas of the world.

We are a diverse community of imperfect people seeking out the perfect God. The God who is within reach. We are followers of His Son, Jesus Christ, and want our lives to have an eternal influence on our families, in Miami, and the world. We welcome people from all walks of life, regardless of where they are in their spiritual journey and hope to develop real relationships that last. We want to be marked by God’s love and distinctive work in each of our lives.

Our values

Mission

We live God's purpose.

Gospel

We share Christ's story.

Generosity

We give our time, talent and treasures.

Community

We do life together as a family.

Our core beliefs

Our core beliefs are rooted in scripture.

God

God is the perfect Creator and Ruler of the Universe. He has eternally existed as Father, the Son, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. 

Genesis 1:1,26-27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit makes us aware of our need for God’s salvation through Jesus’ death. The Holy Spirit provides the Christ-follower with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. We daily seek to live under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. 

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13, 5:18; Galatians 5:25

Jesus

Jesus (a.k.a. “Y’shua,” which means “God is our Salvation”) is both fully human and fully God. Jesus’ sinless human life, execution, and death on a cross combine to form the perfect sacrifice for the sins of every person. Jesus arose from the dead (a.k.a “resurrection”) after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 

Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13

The Bible

The Bible is God’s Word to us, inspired by God, written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for living. It is our primary authority for faith and practice. 

2 Timothy 3:16, 1:13; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 119:160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5; Psalm 19:7-11; Matthew 24:35

Salvation

We can never “make up” for our sin and disobedience by self-improvement or good works. Only by accepting God’s free gift of forgiveness through the death and resurrection of Jesus can anyone be saved from sin’s eternal penalty: Hell. Salvation begins the moment we admit our need and trust Jesus Christ to be the payment for our sin. 

Romans 6:23, 5:1; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26

Our Humanity

God created people in His spiritual image, to be like Him in character; we are the supreme object of His creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, we are all marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates us from God and causes many problems in life. 

Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2

Eternity

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God (hell)  because of our disobedience, or eternally in union with God (heaven) through His forgiveness and salvation. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence. Our eternal destiny is determined by our acceptance or rejection of God’s salvation. 

John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 25:41, 46

Eternal Security

Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God not by our self-efforts; if you have been genuinely saved, you cannot “lose” your salvation. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security. 

John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5; Ephesians 1:13-14

The Church

Every church in the New Testament possesses a unique soulprint that testifies to the heart of who they are. The church in Jerusalem is strong in Jewish flavor and gave birth to a massive small group ministry in their members’ homes. The Antioch church is filled with Gentiles, people who virtually have no real acquaintance with the Jewish background of their newfound faith in Christ. Yet the hand of God is upon them as a vital missional congregation. The seven churches of Revelation 2-3 each have their own unique identity in their respective community with their own set of challenges and shortfalls.

There is no such thing as “the” New Testament Church. The truth is there are many New Testament churches. And we are one of them with our own unique identity/personality in community following Christ on mission in Miami

Christ Journey welcomes:

Jim Burns

Guest Speaker Jim Burns, Best-Selling Marriage & Family Author, joins our Family Made series this weekend! Attend in-person or online.

This Sunday
June 11th - 9:30am & 11am