Living the Gospel


In a pursuit of

Learning Love

Faith & Life Team

Personal relationships with God, team members relationship with God, relationships within the team, relationships with people in the Stony Brook family and their relationships with God, working through people to fulfill God's mission and building people up in their talents, gifts and calling. 

Leadership & Staff

The leadership and staff here at Stony Brook Church are comprised of men and women

who love, care and pray for every single person in the church. 

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out in person, by email or call. 

You can contact the church office at connect@stonybrookchurch.com or  402.895.9596

What we believe



@ stony brook church…


…we believe…


…that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant and authoritative Word of God for the Christian faith

and living. (The Bible)


…that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

(God the Father)


…in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His vicarious and atoning death, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father and His personal return in power and glory. (God the Son)


…in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling every Christian is able to live a godly life. And that every Christian receives the indwelling Holy Spirit at the moment of believing in Jesus Christ for forgiveness and eternal life. (God the Holy Spirit)


…that salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by believing in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin's penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one believes in Jesus Christ by faith. 

 

…that God gives man eternal life through Jesus Christ and the believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. Security of salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God,

Living the Gospel

with Compassion

God uses the Stony Brook family in a Big way!


"Family Heat Fund"

A hospital visit that requires expensive medication to live, a change in employment, and a sizable medical bill that comes a week later. Imagine doing bills and trying to decide between medication, medical bills, or paying your utilities. This was a reality for a member of the Stony Brook family. Struggling without gas for heat to keep warm, using a hotplate to cook, and having to boil water to bathe in order to pay your medical bills and for your medication.

  God used the Stony Brook family in a big way. Contributions to the "Family Heat Fund" had an overwhelming response and provided the funds to pay the past due gas bill, pay the reconnect fee, pay for gas for a few months in advance, AND pay funds toward the electric bill that was higher due to an electric heater and hot plate used. The recipient said, “I rested in the Lord last night as never before. Thank you, everyone, from the bottom of my heart.” *shared with permission


"Giving at Christmas"

A change in employment, unexpected repair bills or medical emergencies; these life surprises were a reality for many families in our community over Christmas. For those living paycheck to paycheck, these surprises can make Christmas time tough.

Imagine wanting to play outside when there is no warm coat to wear, going to bed hungry because there is no money for food till payday, and definitely not expecting a wrapped gift on Christmas.  

God used the Stony Brook family in a big way. Stony Brook families adopted 15 children and 4 families from the "Project Wee Care" 2017 Christmas drive. What an overwhelming response that provided the needs for children and funds for families to purchase Holiday meals. Living the Gospel with Compassion.   


"Serving"

God uses the Stony Brook family in a big way. In 2017, 166 people filled out connection sheets to serve God at Stony Brook in many ways.

Greeting attendees as they arrive, making coffee, passing out bulletins, taking out trash, maintaining the facility and the grounds, making needed repairs, shoveling sidewalks, mowing the playground, performing music, controlling the audio or visuals, welcoming people during and after gathering, collecting offering, serving communion, delivering a message, announcing a focus, directing or facilitating a group event, leading students or Kid Life, connecting with people during the week, passing out fliers, local & global missions, editing, event assistance, cleaning up a spill, or shaking a hand with a friendly smile.  

There are so many ways people have served God through Stony Brook church and are Living the Gospel in community. Serving in a small way can be BIG!


"God uses our gifts in a powerful way"

  Imagine your voice is your gift from God, but your voice has been scratchy, croupy, or non-existent all week, and Saturday night is here. You ask yourself... Should I not sing at church tomorrow? Should someone else sing?

  Then in prayer, God says, “Just go, and I'll be faithful”. You gather yourself together and go. God is indeed faithful, and worship was indeed God-led. When you were singing with the gift God gave you, you were heard and worship was beautiful.

  But God is more than faithful, He provides miracles. It is incredible how songs can touch so many and in many different ways. You find out your gift of voice on that Sunday touched a man that was grieving over the loss of a child and it filled the heart of a woman who was searching for the Holy Spirit to be real in her life. God uses our gifts in a POWERFUL way!  


"God uses our talents in a powerful way"

This was a week FULL of the Stony Brook family serving God where they fit best.

Serving God with their talents in several ways; using talents to fix the parking lot light timer, shoveling the sidewalks on Saturday and Sunday, plowing the parking lot twice in one week, hanging signs, fixing a door that had a hole, finishing a room decor project, praying over Facetime with SL (India missionary), helping fix an essential computer, too many to name. 

Using your talents make the day-to-day operations of Stony Brook possible. You make it a home, a community, a family for every soul who comes through its doors. Thank you!  


"God ensured it was enough"

This past week we received a generous grant donation in support of God's vision through Stony Brook Church! Initially, it appeared God's generosity was providing some of our needs, but in His creativity he made a way for more!

While moving ahead on some overdue repairs we discovered that fewer repairs would be necessary, repair bids were lower than originally estimated, discounts and buyouts lowered costs, and the funds stretched further than imagined. God ensured it was enough! 

In His faithfulness and generosity toward us, God has provided for our immediate needs. Now we seize the opportunity to continue growing in our generosity toward Him and in our faithfulness to the Stony Brook ministry.  

As we near the end of multi-year subsidy support from our Central District of churches, we'll soon be moving forward as a self-supporting church. Together, we'll increase our commitment to sustaining ourselves, stewarding all giving with Godly wisdom and integrity, and overflowing in generosity!

         

Testimonies

I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“I have never felt so loved in a church, and have never been around so many caring people. The mission of Stony Brook has become my own.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“in it is a place where I can BE my “broken” self, trying to get right with God and live effectively for Him — and still be accepted and loved as one “on-the-way.” It is a place I will be comfortable bringing my friends who don’t yet believe in Jesus because people here will love them anyway … AND THAT IS THE GOSPEL IN ACTION!!”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“it’s home. The family at Stony Brook loves without judgment or strings attached. I’ve never been loved like that before. It can only be Jesus in them to accept me despite all my faults and shortcoming gs. I’ve never felt so safe and so free to be myself and transform as God takes me through the process of becoming more like Him.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“SBC is a church that is willing to use my mediocre talents to build God’s kingdom. I feel useful; I can belong. I have attended church for over 10 years but this is the first time I feel I can acknowledge (publicly) my sin, knowing that I will not be rejected but given the tools and prayer that I need to grow up in spiritual maturity.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“it is a place where I can continue to mature as a disciple of Christ. I am so pleased that believers and unbelievers have a place, a safe place, to hear a dangerous message. Dangerous in that they will never be the same. Glad there is a place people can hear from God through Chad.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“it teaches and preaches salvation.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“it is a shelter in a time of storm.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“it is a place to belong, accepting people for who they are and where they are in their faith journey.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“of the sincere, unpretentious Christian messages and dedication of the staff. The atmosphere is always upbeat and the worship leader and musicians always embody a true praise worship experience.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“it provides a place for our young family to grow in a better relationship with God.”



I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“I can learn more about Jesus Christ and his love.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“of new people being brought to Jesus.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“Thanks for a great son and pastor. Brings me to a new look at God, what He does for me, as hard as it is for someone to change his ways it is happening slow but sure.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“it is unlike any other. I hear the Truth in love every single week and am challenged to become more like God. I have learned more in this church community than ever before and I and my church fam are changed. Thank you for making this possible. YOU are a part of something BIG and I can’t wait till we become more generous together.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“Stony Brook has really helped with my relationship with Christ! Chad and Stephen are amazing men of God, and we are so blessed to have them and their families. Thank you so much for helping us.  As we grow in God, I pray that we will be able to help others as you have helped us!”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“our Lord is present and alive within this place. His love, goodness, kindness, generosity overflows from these walls through the people who believe in God’s love through Jesus.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“we can communicate with long lost family, and can speak the truth about God.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“it is making me and my family better Christians and help others know Christ. We have an awesome pastor who truly loves God and shares that each week in his message.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“Blesses us. 1 John 4:19 May God bless you 7 x 70 times of how you have blessed this church body. We will pray for you all daily for your loving, sacrificial giving you offer from God’s gift to you. Thank you!! Love you!! p.s. This is a wonderful journey we are on with you. ”



I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

•“It is the truth of God and that truth is transforming lives each and every day.

•It is the bride of Jesus and that bride is nurturing the spirits of anyone and everyone that walks through these doors. And furthermore affects the lives of the people those people touch.

•SBC is so very thankful for all the support we receive to continue the Great Commission work and bless those______________.”



I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“it allows and provides a home for me to come and praise God. To meet great people who care for me and my well-being. Gives me a placed to come and worship after being in a Godless place at school. Thank you for supporting this church. It means everything.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“someplace safe to attend.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …“Millard needed a strong, conscious, fun, inspiring and LOVING church family, a family to speak the truth of God in words and by example. The character of the church is clear with every happy smile, helpful hug or genuine truth.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“it has the fragrance of God. The church has a loving and giving attitude. They received us and love on us regardless of where we’ve been and what we’ve done. I feel “at home” here at Stony Brook Church. I see Jesus in the church, feel him working and see the blessings that God’s given to them and the ways they’re blessing others.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“for the first time in 18 years I willingly read and listen to the Bible and am learning how to take the Word and apply it to my life. For the first time in my husband’s life, he is learning about God and Christ. While our relationship with God is in its infancy, I know that He is doing great things for me and my family. Thank you Stony Brook Church for changes in my life that have taken place and the things that will happen in our lives through Christ.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“I have seen lives changed and hearts moved toward Christ. I myself am serving and enjoy knowing that I have a part in God’s Kingdom work. I have seen miracles happen, which reminds me how good God is.” 


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“Stony Brook is a place where I truly feel God. I have been a follower of Christ for over 10 years and I can honestly say that God is in this place. I am thankful for the journey I am on toward becoming more Christ-like and the critical role Stony Brook plays in my transformation.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“P. Chad brings life to Stony Brook Church. God has brought a great group of people together who love one another and the Lord. SBC is sensitive to the needs of not only its members, but the people outside of our church community. I’m thankful for Stony Brook Church as I have found a great place to belong and be a part of worship to my God. I am part of what makes Stony Brook Church what it is today.”



I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“of genuine love, which abounds from leadership down to fellow members of the church.

Thankful for being in Millard, a town which needs more of Jesus.

Thankful for open doors and for healing from past experiences.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“My daughter! It had become a “struggle” to say the least to get my daughter to go to church with us. Well, honestly, it was tough getting my wife and daughter both to go, but for some reason they both enjoy – love – look forward to attending Stony Brook. Thank GOD. Now my daughter is pulling me to Stony Brook every Sunday. All Glory to God, Thank the Lord!”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“I have had transformation in my life. Stony Brook Church has also been an opportunity to serve and share with others and grow in my faith. Seeing the life changes in others has been inspiration(al) to me also.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“Everyone is always SO NICE when I come to visit. People ask questions about my life and I can just tell that they mean it —people aren’t asking, “So how’s school going’?” as a formality; I really feel like they care about me, even if they haven’t gotten many chances to get to know me (yet!).”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“The people are family. I am held accountable and am continually guided to refocus on Jesus and on what God is all about. And that the staff continues to pray for my husband, who has lost his way …”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“My path towards GOD has and is being clarified. The application of God’s Word has been more meaningful. To know GOD was and will be more flavorful experience.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“I’ve grown as a young Christian woman. I’ve learned so much biblical history and my kids (2 of 4) have accepted Christ because of it. I’m most thankful for the people who give to each other and help each other with childcare and meals and friendship. And for being welcomed here with hugs when we arrive and leave and not being judged in any way when we come to worship – and there is good coffee. ”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“I have been healed and able to grow in my faith. I have genuine friends in the Lord that support and love me. My marriage has been transformed and it’s still in process. I am so thankful to have this church home.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“I have met and become close with some of the most loving, caring people ever. They have helped my family grow and lead the way for us to raise our family with GOD as our center.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

1.“Bible teaching by communicators Chad and Stephen.

2.Honesty of the people who attend. Genuine.

3.Humility of the church members.

4.Salvation by Grace alone – eternal security forgiveness in daily walk – taught!

5.A “healing feeling” at SBC. Mike C.

A hospital for sinners. Thank you for being kind to me and my family.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …“when I come here I not only learned about God in His glory, I see God in everyone at Stony Brook. Stony Brook is not only my church, it’s my family …”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

1.“God’s great penetrating music.

2.God helps me thru our church to know how to spread God’s word, love, joy, peace – 1st with me and my family, then out to others community, workplace …

3.I needs lots of prayer – Great prayer warriors.

4.God made great people here at Stony Brook who show they care

5.Knowledge that we are far from perfect, but help each other with god’s help through Holy Spirit.

6.Helps me to know to concentrate not on me but How to Glorify God – Humbleness”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“Stony Brook is the Light Bulb in the Flashlight to the world and Jesus is the Power, working thru Chad to keep the Light burning … and we just love Chad and Elaine and their service. There’s just no other place to be or to be seen than here …”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“It has given us the opportunity to fellowship with other believers and be a part of a church family that actually knows our names. We came from a huge church where we were “lost” in the crowd and were just going through the motions. Now we can participate in a church and be active.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“I Belong to>God’s Plan for generosity in this community and

I Believe in> His generous and Loving plan for the world

I am becoming part of> (His community).”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“I feel God’s love like I have never felt from a church before. It makes me want to share the same kind of love. I now know that I can “do this”! God is closer to me than I ever realized. I love coming to church.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“they are home! No matter how often I am there or how long I am away from the church, I go to Stony Brook and I am home.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“It has been a long time since I felt like I was a part of the body of Christ.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“this church has helped me grow as a Christian, as a man, as a father, and as a husband. I am thankful for such a loving group of people to help me with my walk with God.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“It is the place where God is changing me through the caring community and the host of brothers and sisters that are walking out their faith with me and my family.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“My Family has a family and friends. While I am gone with my job 10 months of a year, I know that my wife and children and grandchildren are safe. Thank you!!!”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“It is important to me to want to live a life that God wants. Stony Brook Church helps me with that through

1.BELONG BELIEVE BECOME

2.The insightful “unpacking” of the Bible in our Sunday messages

3.Life groups that provide me with both support and an opportunity to grow in personal relationships and give to others

4.Ministries that bring us all together

5.That we can do for others because of what others have provided to help us

6.As we grow, I hope to “Become” God’s servant and find a ministry that will help others know and trust in God.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“I am a part of something

       BIG

that challenges my spirit, refreshes my soul, overwhelms me to worship, overjoys me with love. I am not overlooked (I cannot easily hide). I am surrounded by people to pursue Christ together. I see God’s hand in shaping people (me, others) and a church that wants to express the Great Love of Jesus to a broken world.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“I have never been challenged like this before to do anything. I am challenged to be a Christian man, husband and father. I am challenged, yet I am giving everything I need in order to achieve it. I’ve never been in this position before. I’ve never felt loved like this either.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“You can come in and feel comfortable and welcome. I am also thankful for the TRUTH that is spoken and it’s not hindered. Volunteers that go above and beyond in every way, Worship Team, Hospitality and Kid Life would not happen without them. The heart for missions, not just in the U.S., but in India and Samuel Lal’s ministry. I am also thankful for Life Groups.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“I longed for a church family I could be a part of in which I not only received but would be a part of giving to and blessing the rest of my church family, a family of believers I could grow with in my knowledge of our Lord. We would, with our Lord’s help, encourage and lift each other up to be as Christ. I thank God for Stony Brook, its pastors and my church family.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“The Gospel is preached without fear of making us uncomfortable or offending anyone. This is because God’s Word is truth and changes lives no matter where we are. Those things that may “offend” us or make us uncomfortable are to make us grow if we let Him. I’m thankful for Stony Brook because those that serve are a reflection of Him from the Pastors and down and up the line. They are honest and real in how “messy” it can look as we pursue and seek Him. Thank you!!!”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

-“I am healed, I am taught that what my life is and the purpose of my existence, which I learn every day and continue to struggle with. I am also thankful because Stony Brook is a safe place me and my boys can come worship and learn about Jesus and God. 

-I’m thankful that Stony Brook Church exists because it’s a safe place to learn the story of Jesus, God, and to meet new people that believe in God just like me. I am thankful because there are people here who teach me about the glory of God and how He works in people’s lives. I am filled and happy.”


I’m thankful Stony Brook Church exists because …

“It gives me a place to belong. Brings me closer to God at a personal level. People, my brothers and sisters in Christ, talk to me to say his and to give me a hug and accept me for where I am in my life process with love and hugs and more love.”