City Church Houston

When the prophet Isaiah called the promised Messiah the 'Everlasting Father'--a surprising thing to call a little child--what did he mean? How might this title illuminate our understanding of who God is and the hope he offers, even for those who have a complicated history with their own fathers.   Leo Schuster | Lead Pastor

While many think of Jesus as a great teacher, moral example, or inspiring historical figure, Scripture presents a far richer and more astonishing portrait. Isaiah declares that he is “Mighty God.” What does this title mean, and what difference can it make in a person’s life today? Leo Schuster | Lead Pastor

The Advent season reminds us of the coming of a brilliant light that meets us in our darkness. This source of hope, Jesus, offers us presence and wisdom in a way that brings powerful healing and restoration. Aaron Foster | Pastor

Like the famous words announced on the intercom of the London Tube, the church's call is to "mind the gap" between God's Kingdom and human culture, creating loving dialogue that help people experience the beauty of Jesus Christ and his good news.  Clint Wilson | Pastor

Whether through unjust treatment or uncontrollable trials, suffering in life is inevitable. The question is--how we respond? This extraordinary story shows us how to persevere through pain, not only with courage, but other-wordly joy. Leo Schuster | Lead Pastor

The transforming power of the gospel shines through in this story of two women from vastly different backgrounds. Remarkably, the first convert in Europe was a female Asian business leader—a powerful reminder that God’s grace reaches across every boundary. Leo Schuster | Lead Pastor

For many, religious rules are comforting. But the gospel invites us into a radically healthy but utterly paradigm-shifting freedom from old rules and regulations. The church is meant to be the beating heart, the epicenter, of that message of freedom. Clint Wilson | Pastor

What makes for a healthy church in a large city? What we see at the first-century church at Antioch, the third-largest city in the Roman empire at the time, is a beautiful case study: people coming to faith in Jesus, healthy dedicated leaders, Christians trained to be faithful disciples, and uncommon generosity--all marks of God's gracious hand at work.  Leo Schuster | Lead Pastor

Traditionally, it was assumed that the good news of Jesus was reserved exclusively for the religious. But God gives vision to both a religious man and non-religious man to correct the cultural understanding of who this good news was for. Kai Chen | Congregational Life Director

Should the church be a place that welcomes outsiders? In this remarkable story, we see Christianity crossing geographic, cultural, ethnic, and national boundaries. But that’s only part of it. It’s also the story of a man who was spiritually curious yet had almost certainly been wounded by religious people. Leo Schuster | Lead Pastor

Certainty and faith, fear and calling - the story of Saul's transformation and encounter with Jesus has it all. The perspectives of Saul and Ananias give a great challenge for today's church in regard to the mindsets of religion. Aaron Foster | Pastor RENEWING HOUSTON BY BRINGING BEAUTY INTO BROKEN PLACES Sundays at 10:30 AM House of Blues 1204 Caroline St., 77002 Online Worship: Sundays...

Ever wondered why we do what we do on Sundays? Join us as Leo Schuster & Clint Wilson walk through the elements of a City Church service, showing how each part is shaped by both Scripture and tradition. Whether you’re curious about how a service is designed or want to dive deeper into the theology behind worship, this event is for you.

The church's inclusive invitation and exclusive truth claims have prompted resistance from religious and secular alike. When it comes time to prove the power of this message, however, the ancient church's evidence is the same as ours: healed lives.  Clint Wilson | Pastor RENEWING HOUSTON BY BRINGING BEAUTY INTO BROKEN PLACES Sundays at 10:30 AM House of Blues 1204 Caroline St., 77002 Onl...

Data shows that wonder is powerful. It can improve our sense of self, make us more kind and wise, and infuse us with purpose. Where do we find it? Curiously, wonder is one of the refreshing characteristics of the church in its earliest days. Reflecting on an encounter early followers of Jesus had with a disabled man, we'll consider where wonder can be found and how we cultivate it in our dail...

It's understandable that today many have jaded views of the church. As we imagine the future of our church, what can we learn from the earliest days of the church? It was refreshingly dynamic, characterized by personal transformation, vital community, authentic spirituality, radical generosity, and contagious hospitality.  Leo Schuster | Lead Pastor

Moving into our new facility is a unique chance to relaunch. This sermon begins a season of pre-launch preparation for us. By looking at the first generation of the church, we're affirming that the path to our future runs through this ancient past. In this episode, the mission of the church is set before us in a way that both challenges and empowers us to embrace the opportunity ahead.  Leo S...

If we long to encounter God, or simply encounter him anew, where do we start? The story of Moses glimpsing the "back" of God offers us a key to the door of this mystery.  Clint Wilson | Pastor Spiritual and Theological Formation

On this tenth anniversary of City Church, Psalm 100 invites us to center our celebration in worship, characterized by joy and thanksgiving because of God's goodness and faithfulness to us.   Leo Schuster | Lead Pastor RENEWING HOUSTON BY BRINGING BEAUTY INTO BROKEN PLACES Sundays at 10:30 AM House of Blues 1204 Caroline St., 77002 Online Worship: Sundays at 10:30 AM New to City Church? Questi...

At a pivotal point in his journey, Jesus tells a tale about investments, a returning king, and his subjects--but it's really about our journey. This story shows us the secret to a life of true joy, fulfillment, and worth.  Leo Schuster | Lead Pastor RENEWING HOUSTON BY BRINGING BEAUTY INTO BROKEN PLACES Sundays at 10:30 AM House of Blues 1204 Caroline St., 77002 Online Worship: Sundays at 10:...

The parable coveys the message that righteousness is unobtainable through our own efforts, and only obtainable through the finished work of Christ on the cross. “We are right not because we have done right, but because we have been made right.” Kai Chen | Congregational Life Director

Jesus tells his disciples the story of the persistent widow to encourage them "to always pray and not give up." We are not always told the meaning of one of Jesus's teachings so clearly; yet even in its clearest, simplest form, this teaching can be difficult to follow. Many obstacles attempt to deter us from persistent prayer. Ultimately, Jesus's encouragement "to always p...

God’s favorite story to tell is about how he finds the lost and empowers the found to do the same. Ayo Omopariola

Just like a mustard seed itself, Jesus' small parable of the mustard seed discloses a large truth: The Kingdom of God is already here, and new patterns of growth have already begun.  Clint Wilson | Community & Care Pastor

How do we navigate deep and disorienting tragedy? When loss and sorrow shake us, how do we process the pain honestly—and still find hope? Leo Schuster | Lead Pastor

Jesus uses the parable of the friend at night to teach about prayer. Understanding prayer, as well as who we're praying to, is critical for anyone who wants to engage with an invisible God that often feels like a great mystery. Kai Chen | Pastoral Resident