Who We Are

The Mission of Oaks Presbyterian Church is to make a difference in the lives of the people of the church and the surrounding Oak Forest neighborhood; joyfully to share the love of God as revealed in Jesus Christ through creative worship, study, fellowship, deeds of mercy, and sharing; and to participate in the wider work of the Church throughout the world.

What We Believe

Oaks Presbyterian Church, which lies within the Presbytery of New Covenant, is part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).  As explained on the PC(USA) website:

Presbyterians trace their history to the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation. Our heritage, and much of what we believe, began with John Calvin (1509B1564), whose writings crystallized much of the Reformed thinking that came before him.

Some of the principles articulated by John Calvin remain at the core of Presbyterian beliefs. Among these are the sovereignty of God, the authority of the scripture, justification by grace through faith and the priesthood of all believers. What they mean is that God is the supreme authority throughout the universe. Our knowledge of God and God's purpose for humanity comes from the Bible, particularly what is revealed in the New Testament through the life of Jesus Christ. Our salvation (justification) through Jesus is God's generous gift to us and not the result of our own accomplishments. It is everyone's jobCministers and lay people alikeCto share this Good News with the whole world. That is also why the Presbyterian church is governed at all levels by a combination of clergy and laity, men and women alike.

For more information about the PC(USA)'s theology, organization, governance, and history, please visit the national church website at:
www.pcusa.org/navigation/whoweare.htm. 
For more information about the Presbytery in which Oaks Presbyterian lies, please visit:
www.pbyofnewcovenant.org.

Our Vision

Oaks Presbyterian Church is a neighborhood church in the deepest and best sense of the word.  Our vision is to bear witness to God's love in Jesus Christ to the world, starting with the neighborhood and expanding to the community beyond.  We strive to share God's love with everyone.  We work towards fulfilling the needs of people both locally and worldwide by offering our time, talents, and money.  In the coming years, we envision expanding our witness and service to reach more people in need.  It is truly an exciting time at Oaks Presbyterian Church, as we strive towards this goal of expanded service to those around us.

Our History

Oaks was established in 1948 in the Oak Forest community of Houston, Texas. When funds were established, the church moved to its current location on Chantilly Lane.

Oaks has had a presence in the neighborhood since the neighborhood first formed. The kindergarten and first grade classes from Oak Forest Elementary held classes at Oaks until Stevens Elementary was completed. Oaks opened one of the first Mothers Day Out programs and preschools in the area in the early 1980's.  Members of the church participated in a mentoring program with students at Black Middle school.

The church also sponsored one of the first recycling efforts in the city by providing bins for residents and later pushing for curbside recycling. Oaks was a founding sponsor for MA.N.N.A. and continues to provide volunteers in the ministry's resale shop and the assistance program.  The church's Women's circle has sewn many quilts and other projects for those in need. 

Through the years, Oaks has maintained its feel as a “neighborhood church.” Most of the members live in Oak Forest, and many have grown up at the local schools. Events such as Christmas caroling to neighbors, bringing meals to those in need, making care boxes for the sailors at the Seamen's Center, and other projects are all part of the what we do at Oaks.

Oaks maintains a family commitment to its members through the celebrations of weddings and the comfort and care given during times of sorrow and loss.