Frequently Asked Questions
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How is Desert Streams Church starting?
Conception Phase (December 2003-August 2004): From the very beginning, the focus of Desert
Streams Church has been on. We publicized our presence, and began to meet and learn about the
residents of Surprise, during this stage. Through direct mail and personal visits, we invited interested
neighbors to join us in this adventure of faith.
Oasis (Small) Groups Phase (June 2004 and beyond): As people became interested, we provided
opportunities to meet in small groups for fellowship, worship, study and prayer.
Worship Launch Phase (September 2004): Public worship began on September 12, 2004 at the
Chaparral Center in Sun City Grand. We began with two worship formats, a spirited traditional service
and a contemporary praise service. Our goal was to make worship at Desert Streams culturally relevant,
uplifting, and invite participation by all who are present. Worship at Desert Streams sought to engage all
the senses through drama, spoken word, video, music, dance and the arts.
Future Plans (October 2004 and beyond!): We want to become a healthy congregation continually
reaching out to the community of Surprise and firmly committed to our mission statement: "Inviting
everyone to a new life in Christ, a deeper relationship with Christ, and spirit filled service for Christ." As
Desert Streams grows, we will develop new ministries for families, singles, youth, and children. Our
emphasis will be on worshipping in a vibrant, uplifting manner, establishing authentic community through
small groups, and making a positive, loving impact on the lives of people around us through the
development and use of our personal, unique gifts and talents.
Why is the congregation called Desert Streams?
The name Desert Streams is taken from the book of Isaiah, which is found in the Old Testament.
Speaking a word of hope to a weary people, Isaiah says, "waters shall break forth in the wilderness and
streams in the desert" (Is. 35:6). We believe that God loves us and that God will refresh us and renew us
with living water. As our friends, relatives, associates and neighbors observe what God is doing in our
lives through this living water, they too will want do discover Desert Streams.
Desert Streams was also chosen because of our location. The community of Surprise is located in the
Valley of the Sun—the desert. Every day we are reminded of the dry conditions of the land in which we
live and of our absolute dependence on water.
What denomination is Desert Streams?
Desert Streams is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Click here to visit
the ELCA Web site where you can find information about to visit the ELCA Web site where you can find
information about our beliefs, faith ELCA Web site where you can find information about our beliefs, faith
understanding and practice.] The ELCA is the largest body of Lutherans in the United States with over 5
million members in 10,760 congregations.
Who's providing the seed funds to birth this new congregation?
There are literally hundreds of people all across the United States who are behind the birthing of this
new faith community. Through generous offerings and intentional prayer, members in congregations
across the country have provided seed funds through the ELCA's Division for Outreach and the Grand
Canyon Synod to support this congregation. In particular, three nearby congregations have taken on the
role of Mission Founders providing significant dollars over a five-year period to birth this new ministry.
These Lutheran congregations are Spirit of Grace, Sun City Grand; and Lord of Life, Sun City West. The
Lutheran Thrift Shop in Sun City is also providing significant funding for Desert Streams Church.
Where will Desert Streams be located?
In August 2004, an eight-acre parcel of land was purchased for Desert Streams Church. This parcel is
located on the Northwest Corner of the intersection of Reems Road and Hearn Road, about 1 3/4 miles
South of Bell. In all likelihood, we will not occupy this site for two or three years, and will continue to meet
and worship at our temporary location at the Rosefield Charter School.
Desert Streams' Values
Honors the teachings of Jesus and celebrates the transformation and hope Christ brings those wanting
to make a difference with their lives!
Click to view our By-Laws and Constitution.
Values the power of prayer, the relevant teaching of God's word, vital worship using a diversity of
musical styles, growth through small groups and discipleship, shared leadership, and the living of one’s
faith in daily life!
Invites you to join us as we grow in faith and build this welcoming, caring, Christian community in
Surprise, Arizona.
Our vision is to help people experience God's love through Jesus Christ and actively reflect it to
others. We believe this happens best through...
- Real and meaningful connections with Jesus
- Relevant and vital teaching and music
- Renewed lives through discipleship and learning
- Relationships that are genuine and caring
- Relaxed, good-humored atmosphere
- Radical, life-changing commitment
The Bible. God's Word is our foundation, practical in addressing everyday issues, life-changing in its
power and content. It's one place where we meet Jesus, and it is through this Word that Jesus becomes
real to us.
The Gospel. We commit ourselves to passionately sharing the message that God has
acted on our behalf in Jesus and that through the Holy Spirit we can experience a life-
transforming relationship with God. Martin Luther's understanding of this Good News
with a commitment to Word alone, Faith alone and Grace alone undergirds and shapes
our ministry.
Prayer. We are committed to surrounding all we are and do in prayer, seeking to put God first in every
aspect of our ministry. We believe in the power of the Holy Spirit through prayer, that prayer changes
things and is an essential and important part of a disciple's life.
Outreach. We commit ourselves to passionately sharing the love of Christ in relevant and engaging
ways with those not yet connected to Jesus or the church. Because people outside the church matter to
God, we will make them the priority of our mission. We will continually seek to create an inviting climate
of warmth and hospitality that welcomes all to come and hear about Jesus at their own pace.
Worship. We believe there is an ache and need in each person's heart that finds its satisfaction and
nourishment in times of vital, meaningful worship. Worship is the primary time when the "family" of
Desert Streams gathers to honor God through praise and song. We seek God's guidance for daily life
through God's word read and applied. Through the sacrament of Baptism we welcome new disciples.
We pray for the needs of others during our worship. On a regular basis, we through the Sacrament of
Communion to live out our faith through action and service. For worship to be vital and meaningful, we
believe it must be culturally relevant, uplifting, and participatory. So at Desert Streams, we honor
heritage while at the same time employing the tools and sounds that are a part of our "shaped-by-
media" culture. Worship at Desert Streams will engage all the senses through drama, spoken word,
video, music, dance and the arts.
Discipleship. At Desert Streams we encourage people to join the adventure and journey of
discipleship by creating a culture in which Bible study, devotional and life reflection are central.
Learning to follow Jesus with one's whole heart, mind and soul is the aim. The teaching focus, while
certainly content based, aims more at equipping adults, youth and children to live a lifestyle that is
Christ's style. We believe this happens best through small groups where people gather to learn, pray,
grow in fellowship and serve. Our vision is for a church with dozens of smaller discipleship groups for
youth and adults that meet regularly at times most convenient to those participating.
Serving. As we give ourselves away in love and service to others, our own lives take on fuller meaning
and value. We seek to be a community that will serve as Jesus served. People, we believe, are eager
to make a difference with their lives and leave a legacy of significance. Putting flesh to our faith is a
mark of meaningful discipleship.
Stewardship. We are blessed to be a blessing. As faithful stewards of resources that belong ultimately
to God, we pledge to share a portion of what God has first given us to further the work of God's
kingdom through the ministry of Desert Streams. We affirm that the biblical concept of the tithe is a goal
toward which God invites committed disciples to aspire.
Children and Youth. We intentionally structure ministries that communicate love and spiritual truths in
a way that is appropriate to each age group. Children are a gift to God and have an important and vital
place in this ministry.
Empowerment. The goal is for each worshiper at Desert Streams to experience the kind of personal
involvement, at their self-chosen pace and level, that leads to their understanding that they are "a
minister" and have at least one ministry in which to exercise their spiritual gifts and one small group
activity in which to actively participate.
Innovative Excellence. We are passionately committed to doing whatever it takes within the context
of the Gospel to build a church that reaches all people and helps them grow in their relationship with
Jesus. Risk, relevance, change, flexibility, excellence and the freedom to fail grow out of our desire to
connect the Gospel to the community.
Welcoming of All. We commit ourselves to being a church for every generation. We pledge ourselves
to diversity, consciously welcoming all.
Community Church. We pledge ourselves to be a faith community welcoming disciples of all Christian
backgrounds. We minimize our denominational affiliation in order to maximize our call to be a
community church with Jesus as its head, serving the most people possible.
How Can I Contact Desert Streams?
The Desert Streams' Office telephone number is:
623-215-8139
Desert Stream's mailing address is:
P.O. Box 8687, Surprise, AZ 85374
Currently the office of Desert Streams is located at:
15506 W Ventura, Surprise, AZ 85379