WHAT WE BELIEVE
Many churches operate with boundaries—lines drawn by specific beliefs and behaviors that determine who’s in and who’s out. But at Southeast, we see things differently.
Rather than focusing on boundaries, we center ourselves on what the earliest Christians called the way of Jesus, a simple yet profound commitment to a way of living defined by love, compassion, and grace—a path that continually calls us to extend the same kindness and mercy that Jesus himself embodied. This means reaching out with compassion to our community; treating everyone with dignity, respect, and grace; and striving to always live in a way that reflects God’s light and mercy. We invite you to join us on this path as we center ourselves on the way of Jesus. This is more than a set of beliefs—it is the very heart of our purpose and the core of who we are. The way of Jesus is not a static set of beliefs—it’s a way of life that centers us in God’s grace and calls us to extend that grace to others. We invite you to join us on this journey, one rooted in the love of God, the compassion of Jesus, and a hope that transforms the world.
Our shared journey is shaped by this path, grounded in the words of Jesus, teachings about Jesus, and by the scriptures that have inspired believers for centuries. We approach the scriptures of the Bible not as a rigid rulebook but as a library of a dynamic, living testimony of God’s love, grace, and redemption throughout history. Rather than demanding certainty, scripture invites us into an ancient conversation—one that requires curiosity, context, and a willingness to wrestle with its complexities. As we explore the stories of scripture, we seek not just knowledge, but transformation, allowing them to guide us in the way of Jesus with wisdom, humility, and love.
At Southeast, you’ll also hear words and phrases that have become mantras—simple statements that shape our identity as a community of Jesus followers. These phrases remind us of who we are and what we believe, reinforcing our commitment to walk in the way of Jesus:
The good news of Jesus is good news for ANYONE because it’s good news for EVERYONE.
At Southeast, we are committed to embodying that message in all we do, creating a community where all can experience the transformative love of Jesus. No person, no institution, no imagined set of rules or expectations can stand in the way of anyone following the way of Jesus.
Tear down big walls so you can build even bigger tables.
Jesus didn’t build walls—He tore them down. He didn’t create barriers—He made a way for all to belong. His invitation is wide open, and we refuse to narrow it. Therefore, we are called to create spaces of radical inclusion, where everyone—no matter their story, background, or questions—feels welcome, valued, and embraced. The way of Jesus is one of open arms, and we believe the church should reflect that same heart. At Southeast, there is no “us” and “them.” No one is left on the outside. We strive to be a community where people can show up as their true selves, knowing they will be met with love, not judgment. Here, differences are not barriers but beautiful reminders of the diversity of God’s creation.
Everyone has something big going on.
We recognize that life is challenging, filled with moments of deep joy and profound struggle. None of us are meant to walk this journey alone. At Southeast, we are committed to being a community that supports one another—celebrating victories, mourning losses, and walking through the in-between together. We believe that faith is not about having all the answers but about showing up for each other with love, grace, and compassion. Whether you're experiencing a season of hope or hardship, you are not alone. This is a place where you can be fully known and fully loved, just as you are.
Lean into the tension.
We believe in wrestling with tough questions and finding deeper faith through honest conversations.
Many who consider Southeast their home church have experienced what people call deconstruction, a healthy journey of rediscovering an authentic faith—peeling back layers of tradition, assumption, and fear to uncover the radical, life-giving way of Jesus. Faith is meant to be dynamic, not static. And questions aren’t a threat; they’re an invitation.
Our community is a safe place to explore, wrestle, and rebuild, knowing that God meets us in the process.
