About Connect Church
we do life together.
Our Story
Our story is pretty simple! Connect Church can be summed up based on two core convictions. First of all,we believe God wants to connect with you. Secondly, we believe no one should do life alone. Since our inception, we have witnessed many lives touched, changed, transformed, and mended by the life changing Grace of God. We are truly thankful for being able to consider you as our newest chapter to our story.
The Basics
Our Vision
The purpose of Connect Church Plano is to be the body of Jesus’ disciples in which people of ALL walks of life can… Come discover God, Find Community and Embrace Purpose
Our Mission
Reach people who are away from community. Our mission is to connect with individuals who feel distant from a sense of community and belonging. We strive to create a welcoming environment where everyone can find friendship, support, and a deeper connection to faith. At Connect Church, we believe that no one should journey alone. By reaching out with open arms, engaging services, and meaningful opportunities to grow and serve, we hope to provide a place where all can experience God’s love, build lasting relationships, and feel at home. Whether you’ve been away from church or simply looking for a community to call your own, we’re here to walk alongside you.
Our Motto
No one does life alone!
What We Believe
Our Creator
There is one God: infinite, eternal, almighty and perfect in holiness, truth and love. He is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. (1 John 5:7, Luke 3:22, John 14: 16,17) Jesus Christ is the Son of God and was supernaturally conceived by the Holy Spirit. He is perfect in nature, teaching and obedience. Because He lived a sinless human life, His death on a cross was the only satisfactory way for sinful man to be reconciled with a perfect God. He rose from the dead after three days, demonstrating His power over sin and death. He then ascended to Heaven where He sits at the right hand of God, interceding for His people. One day Jesus will return again to earth to reign over the world. (Matthew 1:22-23, Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1-5 & 14:10-30, Hebrews 4:14-15, I Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 1:3-4, Acts 1:9-11, I Timothy 6:14-15, Titus 2:13)
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit unites believers to Jesus Christ in faith, brings about new birth and dwells within them from the moment of salvation. His purpose is to make man aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He provides Christians with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth and guidance in doing what is right. II Corinthians 3:17, John 16:7-13 & 14:16-17, Acts 1:8, I Corinthians 2:12 & 3:16, Ephesians 1:13, Galatians 5:25,Ephesians 5:18
Man's Condition
Man is made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. He is the supreme object of God’s creation. Although man has tremendous potential for good, he is marred by a predisposition to disobedience toward God called ‘sin’. This ‘sin’ separates man from God. (Genesis 1:27, Psalm 8:3-6, Isaiah 53:6a, Romans 3:23, Isaiah 59:1-2)
About the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to all men. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit and is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is completely free of error or contradiction and need not be added to, superseded or changed by man. We believe the bible is the Inspired and revealed Word of God. We believe God’s Word is three things to the Life of the Believer:
Redemption
Salvation is a gift from God to man. Because man can never make up for his sin by doing good works, accepting and trusting Jesus Christ’s death, burial and resurrection as a substitute for sin is the only way man can be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. And because eternal life is through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. Just as salvation cannot be obtained by good works, neither can it be maintained by good works. Salvation is maintained by the grace of God. (Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 14:6 & 1:12, Titus 3:5, Galatians 3:26, Romans 5:1, John 10:29, II Timothy 1:12,Hebrews 7:25 & 10:10-14, I Peter 1:3-5)
About the Church
The church is not a religious institution or denomination but is a group of Christ-followers committed to making disciples through the sharing of the gospel. All members of the universal church are to be fully engaged in a local church where they can be nurtured and equipped for the work of the ministry.
Our Culture
Servant’s Spirit
Believes nothing is too low for them, is flexible, and willing to serve whenever and wherever asked and/or needed.
Rejects Negativity
Embraces solutions and model the values of Connect Church
Mission From God
Their service is bigger than themselves, and they serve out of their overflow by prioritizing spiritual growth.
Loves to Have Fun
Never takes him or herself too seriously, and laughs at themselves in the presence of others
Warrior Spirit
They realize that they are now tasked with the responsibility of winning souls and are willing to get it done at a personal cost.
Teachable
Realizes that developments occur over time, not in a day. Open to feedback and exemplifies humility and integrity.
Grateful
Appreciates the position of being a part of God’s family of believers and is honored to have a role contributing to the Kingdom.
Self-Aware
Can accurately see their own flaws, and can face the reality of their current situation.
Our Core Values
Biblical Authority
We believe that the Bible is our instruction book from God. Anytime we try to operate parts of our lives outside of his authority of Scripture, we lose freedom. We demonstrate hope to those outside the church as they watch us live under the authority of Scripture.
Missional Living
We believe without evangelism the mission is impossible. Relational evangelism is investing in a fried for the sake of eternity and then inviting that friend to a safe environment where the gospel is heard. As long as we are investing in others, our hearts will stay in the right place.
Get In Where You Fit In
We believe in being an “all hands on deck” type of church. Our greatest sermon ever preached is the lives we live and the people we serve. In order to create excellent environments conducive to life change, everyone needs to find a place to serve.
Cultural Relevance
We are willing to do what others won’t to reach those who others don’t.
Pursuing Excellence
If we served a mediocre God, then we could do things in a mediocre way. However we believe in giving our best because He gave his best. Our aim is to show excellence in all areas of service at Connect Church.
We are Risk-Takers
Everything we do for God requires some level of risk. Therefore we are convinced that the only way to imitate God is to become a go-big, all-in kind of church.
Givers of Grace
We believe your past in not your future. Therefore we welcome people where they are and walk with them as they pursue Kingdom living.
The 6 H’s of Membership
Heart
Am I Grateful? Embracing gratitude opens our hearts to God’s love and blessings, helping us to live with joy, compassion, and a spirit of thankfulness.
Home
Your greatest sermon will be what happens at home. Living out faith with family shows God’s love in action, creating a foundation of trust and unity.
Health
We believe that our body is the temple of God; therefore, we must embrace the idea of pursing preventative maintenance in order to prevent future issues.
Hours
Time is a currency that also requires stewardship. How we spend our hours reflects our values; let’s invest in what brings growth, purpose, and faith.
Head
Examine what you think about daily. ‘Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.’ (Colossians 3:2) Let your thoughts align with faith.
Heaven
Always keeping our eyes on the big picture. “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.” (Philippians 3:20 NLT)
Pastors
Ken Bennett
Lead Pastor
Dana Ray Bennett
Pastor
Billy Mitchell
Worship Pastor
Dr. Thomas Ray
Teaching Pastor
Elders
Christina Runnels
Executive Admin
Kenyatta Runnels
Kim Meeks
Jerome Wiggins
Vanessa Ray
Ministers
Andrea Willingham
Kevin Willingham
Desiree Lopez
Children's Director