Belonging Matters
Here at Brentwood, we strive to cultivate deep forms of community and belonging so people can experience the spirit of Christ’s strength and love through one another. Here are some ways you can connect at Brentwood. Feel free to contact us to let us know which groups you’re interested in, and we’ll get you the information you need.
Many of us have gone through the process of what’s popularly called deconstruction. While this can refer to several things, most commonly it refers to those who’ve grown up — or been around — toxic versions of Christianity, and it includes those who are in the process of reconsidering/rejecting/rethinking what they’ve been taught. In the process of deconstructing, sometimes it’s hard to know what, if anything, to hold onto. That’s where this series comes in.
The Reconstruct series at Brentwood:
- Affirms the value of deconstructing and gives space for people to sort through their questions together
- Supports those who no longer know what they believe, or even if they do believe
- Offers introductions to non-toxic expressions of Christianity rooted in justice, love and liberation
- Helps people put the pieces back together in a meaningful way, whether or not one wishes to continue identifying as a Christian or not
Dinner groups at Brentwood offer regular opportunities to build deeper connections with one another, often through sharing meals together and gathering in homes on a weekly or monthly basis.
Pub Theology follows in the traditions of people gathering in pubs and public spaces for ages, talking about life, philosophy, faith, and deep questions of meaning. We gather to explore and express our own doubts and questions, learn from others, and engage people from various walks of life. In our increasingly fractured society, these spaces are not only welcome, but needed. The format is simple: food, drinks and conversation. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and pull up a chair. Be ready to engage with people of varying religious traditions, philosophical perspectives and life experiences. You’ll be able to share your own wrestlings and thoughts while learning something new along the way. We gather at various locations (as announced) on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
The format of Coffee & Conversation is similar to Pub Theology; the main differences are that it meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. and gathers in the coffee area at Brentwood instead of at a pub.
The name speaks for itself. Come be who you are, and find friends who will encourage you and support you on your journey of life. For teens, we offer Megan’s Rainbow twice a month.
The Bible Recovery Project is an ongoing, sustained effort that’s designed to help people of all ages encounter the value of scripture without the trappings of rigid fundamentalism.
The Academy for Faith & Life provides an opportunity for participants from both the congregation and the wider community to engage theological and ethical topics in an in-depth manner not usually found in conventional church study groups.
Living the Questions provides an introduction to progressive Christianity that invites participants to share in conversation about how best to approach Christianity in a way that values the mind and the heart.
These groups provide an opportunity to practice Christian forms of prayer and meditation, including silent prayer, lectio divina, labyrinth walking, and numerous other options, as announced.
“Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public.” — Cornel West
We participate in numerous justice & advocacy initiatives in the Ozarks and beyond, with opportunities to engage on a variety of levels. We differentiate between justice and charity. Charity tries to help people who are in need, which is certainly important and worthy of our best efforts. But social justice tries to figure out why people are in need in the first place. It then tries to alleviate the causes of such need. As the popular analogy goes, it’s one thing to pull a body out of a river (charity), but it’s another thing entirely to figure out why bodies are being thrown into the river in the first place (justice).
We gather for worship every Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. We’d love for you to join us in person or online.
Brentwood 101 is for newcomers who would like to learn more about Brentwood’s history, programs and approach to Christianity.
Our congregational care team exists to show compassion, connection and help in times of need. If you’re going through a hard time, or have questions and need someone to talk to, we invite you to reach out to us.
We have activities for children and youth of all ages, ranging from pre-school through high school.