What to Expect
We hope you’ll visit us!
We know that visiting a new church can be intimidating, so we’ve included the information below to help you know what you can expect. You can expect uplifting music, an inspiring message, as well as opportunities to connect with what God is doingin our church and our community.
How Should I Dress?
God is far more interested in your heart and mind than your wardrobe, and we like to follow his example. We have no dress expectations. You’ll find people wearing everything from shorts, T-shirts and sandals to business-casual attire. Dress in the way that makes you comfortable, so that you can hear God speak.
Will I Be Asked For Money?
As visitors or guests, you are never expected or compelled to give financially. At the close of worship, we do pass offering plates down each row. This gives those who consider our church to be their church home the opportunity to give as an act of worship, as well as to help maintain the functions of this community of faith.
What About My Kids?
We offer nursery and toddler care during our service for children ages 0 - 4 years. Our nursery is located in the lower level. Children can be dropped off starting at 10:15 AM. ReachKids (ages 5 years - 5th grade) stay in the sanctuary for singing and then are invited to relocate downstairs for Children's Church with one of our leaders. You can always ask one of our friendly greeters to point you in the right direction when you arrive.
We know that visiting a new church can be intimidating, so we’ve included the information below to help you know what you can expect. You can expect uplifting music, an inspiring message, as well as opportunities to connect with what God is doingin our church and our community.
How Should I Dress?
God is far more interested in your heart and mind than your wardrobe, and we like to follow his example. We have no dress expectations. You’ll find people wearing everything from shorts, T-shirts and sandals to business-casual attire. Dress in the way that makes you comfortable, so that you can hear God speak.
Will I Be Asked For Money?
As visitors or guests, you are never expected or compelled to give financially. At the close of worship, we do pass offering plates down each row. This gives those who consider our church to be their church home the opportunity to give as an act of worship, as well as to help maintain the functions of this community of faith.
What About My Kids?
We offer nursery and toddler care during our service for children ages 0 - 4 years. Our nursery is located in the lower level. Children can be dropped off starting at 10:15 AM. ReachKids (ages 5 years - 5th grade) stay in the sanctuary for singing and then are invited to relocate downstairs for Children's Church with one of our leaders. You can always ask one of our friendly greeters to point you in the right direction when you arrive.
CityReach Church Swissvale Staff
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Pastor - Chris Ansell
Chris joined the CityReach team in 2016. He earned his Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and loves taking the theologically complex and making it relatable. Prior to his work here, he spent 10 years working as a college pastor at the University of Pittsburgh. Chris is married to Sarah and they have three children, Elizabeth, Augustine, and Katherine. |
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Worship Leader - Sarah Flowers
Sarah joined the team in 2018. She has a passion to provide space for people to encounter God in worship. She completed her undergraduate degree at Waynesburg University. |
THE BIBLE
The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs about daily living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any form of error (including scientific and historical.)
2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:89,105,160; Proverbs 30:5
GOD
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are coequal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
HUMAN BEINGS / SIN NATURE
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called sin. Sin separates us from God and causes many problems in our life.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2
SALVATION
Salvation is God’s free gift to us; but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life (what the Bible calls repentance) and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
COMMUNION
We regularly practice Communion or the Lord’s Supper in our weekend services. Jesus initiated this practice as a way to help us remember His death and resurrection.
1 Cor 11:23-26; Luke 22:19-20
WATER BAPTISM
We practice baptism by fully immersing a person in water. Baptism is not necessary for salvation, but is simply a choice that is made to obey Jesus’ command and to follow His example. Teens are encouraged to be water baptized as well (those under age 18 must have permission from a parent or guardian). We baptize people “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 3:13-17; 28:19; Acts 2:37-38; 19:1-6
THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
In 1 Corinthians 12-14, the Bible lists many gifts of the Holy Spirit. The First Century Church practiced these gifts regularly, and we should as well. We desire to have these gifts functioning within the members of our local church family too.
1 Corinthians 12-14; Romans 12:6-8
THE CHURCH
Jesus established his church and empowers her through the Holy Spirit to carry out God’s mission to the world. The church is a place where believers gather in community and scatter to reach those around them. As a church we believe partnership with the church includes participating in evangelism, discipleship, worship, and mission.
Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:42; Ephesians 4:11-13; Matthew 28:18-20
WE PARTICIPATE IN GOD’S KINGDOM
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord of all things. To that end, we are committed to participating in God’s kingdom in a way that brings transformation of society and the flourishing of all people.
Jeremiah 29:7; Matt 22:37-40; Psalm 72:1-7
THE SECOND COMING
We believe that Jesus is returning to earth to finish the establishment of his kingdom. While none of us know the precise hour of that return, we can have a steadfast hope that he is coming and eagerly await that day.
Hebrews 9:28; Matt 24:36; Revelation 1:7
The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs about daily living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any form of error (including scientific and historical.)
2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:89,105,160; Proverbs 30:5
GOD
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are coequal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
HUMAN BEINGS / SIN NATURE
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called sin. Sin separates us from God and causes many problems in our life.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2
SALVATION
Salvation is God’s free gift to us; but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life (what the Bible calls repentance) and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
COMMUNION
We regularly practice Communion or the Lord’s Supper in our weekend services. Jesus initiated this practice as a way to help us remember His death and resurrection.
1 Cor 11:23-26; Luke 22:19-20
WATER BAPTISM
We practice baptism by fully immersing a person in water. Baptism is not necessary for salvation, but is simply a choice that is made to obey Jesus’ command and to follow His example. Teens are encouraged to be water baptized as well (those under age 18 must have permission from a parent or guardian). We baptize people “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 3:13-17; 28:19; Acts 2:37-38; 19:1-6
THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
In 1 Corinthians 12-14, the Bible lists many gifts of the Holy Spirit. The First Century Church practiced these gifts regularly, and we should as well. We desire to have these gifts functioning within the members of our local church family too.
1 Corinthians 12-14; Romans 12:6-8
THE CHURCH
Jesus established his church and empowers her through the Holy Spirit to carry out God’s mission to the world. The church is a place where believers gather in community and scatter to reach those around them. As a church we believe partnership with the church includes participating in evangelism, discipleship, worship, and mission.
Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:42; Ephesians 4:11-13; Matthew 28:18-20
WE PARTICIPATE IN GOD’S KINGDOM
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord of all things. To that end, we are committed to participating in God’s kingdom in a way that brings transformation of society and the flourishing of all people.
Jeremiah 29:7; Matt 22:37-40; Psalm 72:1-7
THE SECOND COMING
We believe that Jesus is returning to earth to finish the establishment of his kingdom. While none of us know the precise hour of that return, we can have a steadfast hope that he is coming and eagerly await that day.
Hebrews 9:28; Matt 24:36; Revelation 1:7