Welcome to the website for Blue Oaks Community Church, a new church in the East Bay under the teaching leadership of Pastor Matt VanCleave. As we continue to build and grow this website will be updated with more information including ways for you to get involved, join us in prayer, serve and worship.
Q: When will we start?
A: Tentatively a September time-frame
Q: Where will the church be?
A: We don’t know yet, hopefully along the 680 corridor north of 580
Q: How can I help?
A: Pray – Give – Come on to a Launch Team meeting
Q: Why start another church?
A: 95% of the East Bay is unchurched; there are more people to reach and research shows giving birth to a new church brings more new people to Christ.
Q: What are the Launch Team meetings?
A: They are primarily about prayer and communication. It is not a worship service. Prayer is the foundation. These meetings also include fellowship and team formation.
Q: Can I bring my children?
A: Yes, there is something for children, but not a program for kids. We need to know if children are coming.
Q: Who are the core families?
A: We have a foundations team but not a core team.
Q: How can I get involved?
A: Come to a Launch Team meeting if you want to pray and serve.
Q: Why is it so secretive?
A: It’s not secretive. We simply do not have enough good information yet.
Q: Why did Matt leave Cornerstone?
A: God called Matt to start a new church.
Q: What does Cornerstone think?
A: Cornerstone is supportive of what Matt is doing.
Q: What is the Church Name?
A: Our church name is Blue Oaks Community Church. You can read about how we came up with this here.
Q: How can I give?
A: You can send checks to:
Blue Oaks Community Church
5424 Sunol Blvd. Suite 10247
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Q: When will Bible studies start?
A: Sometime in the next few months.
Q: What is the vision?
A: Vision is our clear, challenging picture of the future of Blue Oaks Community Church, as we believe it can and must be. It's a picture of what our values look like as they are realized in the life of our church. Click here to read more about our vision.
Q: What is your Affiliation/Denomination?
A: We are investigating both right now.
Q: Why not just start?
A: We do not have systems, staff, budget and other needs in place yet. We understand the importance of being fully ready when the church opens so that people don’t come in the front door only to exit the back door because we aren’t completely ready to care for them.
Q: When will Matt be teaching?
A: Matt is teaching briefly on the core values at our Launch Team Prayer Meetings. Matt is not preaching sermons because our church is forming, but not fully functional yet. Matt will start his first study on the Book of Colossians on July 1st, 2012.
Q: How can I find out what this church believes in?
A: See our mission statement and core values on this site.
Q: What is the form of government?
A: It will be an Elder led church
Q: Is there an elder board?
A: There will be an elder board soon after the church starts.
Our mission is to lead our community into Christ centered living.
Lead
We value a person’s ability to influence others to pursue God’s mission. Ephesians 4:11-13
our community
We intentionally engage in developing and deepening relationships. Life change happens best in community. 1 Thessalonians 2:8
into Christ centered living
We want to do and say the things Jesus would do and say if he was in our place. Galatians 5:22-25
Biblical teaching
We teach the Bible. We study the Bible. We understand the Bible. We apply the Bible.
Everyone understands the Bible for themselves.
We resolve our conflicts and problems according to Scripture.
In every situation we ask the question, “What does the Bible have to say about that?”
Family
Our families adopt the lifestyle and values of Christ inside and outside the church.
We build healthy marriages because healthy marriages are the building blocks of healthy families.
Children will serve and learn from their parents about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
We bring families together so they worship God together.
We are a family to those who need one.
Spiritual growth
We spend personal time reflecting on Scripture because it is far and away the most powerful catalyst of spiritual growth.
We take personal responsibility for our own spiritual growth.
Each individual has practical tools and relationships to keep growing.
Outward actions demonstrate our inward transformation.
Compassion
We give our resources with irrational generosity, expecting nothing in return.
We bring hope to our hurting world and deliver justice to the poor and oppressed.
We partner with organizations that provide for immediate needs and help people become self-reliant.
Serving according to our giftedness
We have the right people in the right place at the right time for the right reason.
We are not passive observers; we are active participants in the life of our community and church.
We find fulfillment and joy in serving together with people we love.
A culture of grace
No one sits alone.
We appreciate people from all walks of life, loving and accepting everyone.
We are forgiven much so we forgive much.
We have an accurate perspective of our own sin as we interact with other sinners.
Introducing people to Jesus
We take risks for the sake of the gospel, doing what no one else is doing in order to reach people no one else is reaching.
Everyone knows how to have everyday conversations about Christ.
We preach the gospel at all times, when necessary we use words.
We are a church of irresistible influence.
Biblical teaching
The authentic, Spirit-led teaching of God’s Word is the catalyst for life transformation. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Family
We put the family first by providing environments and relationships that build biblical principles into marriages and families. Deuteronomy 6:7
Spiritual growth
Each one of us should be intentional about growing in his or her relationship with Jesus Christ. Romans 12:2
Compassion
We will generously provide love and resources to our broken world, beginning in our own community. Isaiah 1:17
Serving according to our giftedness
We operate as a unified community of servants, with men and women using their unique gifts, talents and abilities. Everyone should play his or her part. Philippians 2:5-7
A culture of grace
We welcome and love all people, encouraging them and giving them room to grow. Ephesians 2:8-9
Introducing people to Jesus
We invest in and invite people into a relationship with Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 3:15
If you want to join our Launch Team and be a part of building our new church, fill out the Resource Form. This will give us an idea of your interests and giftings so we can get you involved in the best way.
If you would like to see the list of items that need volunteers to help out with, you can see it here.
Thank you for your interest in supporting Blue Oaks Community Church. Your generosity will help us fulfill our mission to lead our community into Christ centered living.
Blue Oaks Community Church
5424 Sunol Blvd. Suite 10247
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Please make your checks out to: Blue Oaks Community Church
Blue Oaks will soon have online giving which allows for a specific dollar amount to be deducted automatically from a checking or savings account. You will be able to set up online giving either as a one-time donation or a recurring gift. In the meantime you can set up a reoccurring check to be sent directly by your bank. These options help individuals and families remain faithful in their giving even when they are out of town or unable to attend a service.