About Ethos

Ethos Communion Church is a gospel-centered, reformed church that seeks to commune with Christ, becoming more like Him and living as He lived.

What does it mean to be gospel-centered?

At the heart of being gospel-centered is the person and work of Jesus Christ—His incarnation, death, and resurrection. It’s not about trying harder or being better but about trusting in what Christ has already done. The gospel moves in three directions that touch every part of our lives:

• Upside-down (Incarnation): We often think greatness is about power, success, or having it all together. But when Jesus came to earth, He flipped that idea upside-down. The Son of God became human, lived as a servant, and showed us that real greatness is found in humility and sacrificial love. Being gospel-centered means we follow Jesus’ example of laying down our lives for others, even when it seems counter-cultural or uncomfortable.
• Inside-out (Crucifixion): Most of us have felt the weight of our mistakes, guilt, or shame. But Jesus, through His death on the cross, took all that upon Himself. The gospel works from the inside out—it’s not about fixing ourselves on the surface but letting Jesus transform our hearts. When we trust in His sacrifice, He changes us at the core, giving us new desires and a fresh start that flows into every part of our lives.
• Forward-back (Resurrection): Life can feel heavy and broken, and we all long for something better. The resurrection of Jesus gives us hope that the best is yet to come. His rising from the dead started something new—the kingdom of God, which is here but not fully complete. We live now in light of that future reality, knowing that one day, all things will be made right. Even in the midst of struggle and pain, the resurrection gives us a hope that anchors us, knowing that God’s work in the world isn’t finished yet, and we get to be part of that story.

Being gospel-centered means we live with our eyes fixed on Jesus—trusting in His work, being transformed by His grace, and living in hope for what’s still to come. It’s not about what we do for God but about what He has already done for us. And from that place of faith, our lives begin to change in ways we could never imagine on our own.

What does it mean to be reformed?

To be reformed is a rich and expansive idea, touching on history, theology, and how we read the Bible. It can be answered from many perspectives—like confessional beliefs, how we interpret Scripture, and the way we understand God’s nature. But at its foundation, being reformed is simply about holding to the Five Solas: Scripture alone, faith alone, grace alone, Christ alone, and to the glory of God alone. These principles shape how we see God, ourselves, and the world, keeping everything centered on His grace and the finished work of Jesus.

The Five Solas are like five guideposts that emerged during the Reformation to help us understand how we relate to God.

1. Sola Scriptura (“Scripture Alone”)

Imagine trying to find your way in a world full of noise, opinions, and confusion. What if there was one clear, reliable voice you could trust to guide you through all the chaos? Sola Scriptura means that the Bible is that trustworthy voice. It’s not just one of many sources of truth; it is the ultimate and final word from God about who He is, who we are, and how we’re meant to live. When everything else feels shaky, the Bible gives us a firm foundation to stand on because it comes directly from God Himself.

2. Sola Fide (“Faith Alone”)

Most of us know what it feels like to think, Am I good enough? Have I done enough? This principle speaks to that deep fear of never measuring up. Sola Fide tells us that we don’t have to keep trying to earn God’s love or approval through our actions. Instead, being made right with God—being accepted, forgiven, and loved—comes through faith alone. Trusting in Jesus and what He has done for us is enough. We don’t have to earn our way to God because Jesus already did everything necessary on our behalf.

3. Sola Gratia (“Grace Alone”)

We all know what it’s like to mess up and feel like we don’t deserve another chance. Sola Gratia reminds us that God’s love isn’t something we earn or deserve—it’s a free gift. His grace is for people who fall short, who fail, who can’t make it on their own. God doesn’t wait for us to be good enough. Instead, He reaches down and offers salvation out of His kindness and mercy. But God’s grace extends to us more than just in forgiveness, the truth is, everything good in our lives is a gift of grace from our loving Father in Heaven.

4. Solus Christus (“Christ Alone”)

In a world where we’re often told we need to go through this person or that system to find meaning or connection with God, Solus Christus tells us that Jesus is all we need. He’s the one who stands between us and God, bridging the gap that sin created. We don’t need any other mediator—no rituals, no saints, no added steps. Jesus alone made a way for us to be with God through His life, death, and resurrection. He’s the only one who can truly bring us into relationship with God.

5. Soli Deo Gloria (“To the Glory of God Alone”)

We often find ourselves living for our own achievements or the approval of others. Soli Deo Gloria shifts our focus to something far greater: everything we are and everything we do is ultimately for God’s glory. Our lives are part of a bigger story that points to His greatness, beauty, and love. When we realize this, we are freed from the pressure of living for ourselves, and instead, we live with the joyful purpose of reflecting God’s glory in everything we do.

What does it mean to commune with Christ?

Communing with Christ is more than just believing in Him—it’s about experiencing a deep, ongoing relationship with Him. Imagine the most life-giving friendship you’ve ever had, where you’re truly known and loved. Communion with Christ is like that but on a much deeper level. It means being so closely connected to Jesus that you experience His presence daily.

When you commune with Christ, you aren’t just following rules or going through religious motions. You’re drawing near to the One who knows you better than anyone else, sharing your heart with Him and receiving His love, guidance, and strength. Through prayer, reading Scripture, and worship, you experience a mutual exchange: He gives you grace, peace, and direction, and you respond with love, trust, and obedience. It’s like a vine being connected to its branches (John 15)—you draw life from Him, and in that connection, you are renewed and empowered to live out your faith.

What does it mean to become like Jesus?

Becoming like Jesus isn’t about copying Him perfectly or checking off a list of qualities. It’s more like a transformation from the inside out, where little by little, your heart, thoughts, and actions begin to resemble His. Think of it as a slow, steady growth—like how a tree grows, not overnight, but gradually, season by season.

When you become like Jesus, you begin to reflect His love, kindness, patience, and humility in the way you treat others and handle life’s challenges. This is not something you can force or accomplish by sheer willpower—it’s a work of grace. As you spend time with Jesus, learning from Him and practicing His way of life, you are changed. You become more compassionate, more forgiving, and more grounded in truth. It’s a lifelong journey of transformation where the goal is not perfection but growing to look more and more like the One who loves you and gave Himself for you.