Why We Exist

We exist to help those who feel far from God to become fully devoted followers of Jesus.

City Tribe is a community of faith located Downtown in the heart of San Antonio, Texas.

WHO WE ARE

Tribal Family – We’re a family not a franchise. In an age of the corporatization of churches we’re intentionally embracing the family ethos of the New Testament (Romans 12:10, 1 Timothy 3:15, Matthew 12:46-50, 1 John 2:12-14, Ephesians 2:19). We’re seeking to live in interdependent community like a tribe. The word “tribe” best describes the loving community described in Acts 2:44-47.

Authentically Raw – We realize that those who get real get restored (1 John 1:8). We value being open, transparent and honest about our weaknesses to receive help and inspire others to authenticity. We agree with the Apostle Paul who said in “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Diverse – We welcome everyone from bikers to bankers; PhD.’s to G.E.D.s; every different age, race and walk of life (Revelation 7:9, Colossians 3:11, Galatians 3:28, James 2:1-26). Biblical Foundation – We are an unapologetically Bible believing and distinctively Christian church. We embrace biblical standards given for God’s glory and our protection. Everyone is welcome to come and be transformed by the power of God (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21).

WHAT WE DO

KNOW JESUS

We assist people into love relationship with Jesus.

CULTIVATE FREEDOM

We create environments where people can find freedom from sin, dysfunction, addictions and inner-wounds.

DISCOVER PURPOSE

We guide people to discover their unique purpose for living.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

We create opportunities for people to make a difference in the world by using their unique strengths.

THE CITY TRIBE WAY

WE VALUE AUTHENTICITY

Nobody is perfect. We are all a work in progress.

WE CELEBRATE THE GOSPEL OF GOD’S AMAZING GRACE

The beauty of God’s grace is at the heartbeat of everything we do. It is celebrated in every song. It is at the core of every sermon. It is the filter through which everything we do gets expressed. What Jesus did through his life, death, and resurrection empowers everything.

WE EMBRACE COMMUNITY

We are convinced that life is better together. We grow better. We celebrate victories better. We get through challenges better. We do life better.

WE LOVE TO LAUGH

Joy is contagious and clear evidence that God is on the inside.

WE DREAM BIG AND LIVE SIGNIFICANTLY

We believe that God wants to do something miraculous and world changing through us. Everyone is designed with unique talents, abilities, and resources. We want to discover and grow in how God has gifted us to bring heaven to earth in all we do as a church and to the world around us.

WE PROTECT UNITY

We jealously guard this environment of faith with encouragement, love, forgiveness and grace and refuse to participate in the poison of envy, gossip, complaining, or discord.

WE LOVE PEOPLE

All people! Race, Background, Age, Stage, Income, Education, Shape, Size, Single, Married, Churched, Unchurched – No matter what, everyone is welcome here!

WE ARE PLANTED IN CHURCH

We believe that God uses his church to make an irreplaceable impact in the spiritual growth of every believer. We joyfully and generously honor God with our time, talent and treasure.

WE EXPRESS GRATITUDE

Everything good in our lives originates with God. We believe that true Christian maturity is revealed in a heart that’s overflowing with thanksgiving for all things big and small

WE GIVE HONOR

Everyone is made in the image of God and their worth is beyond measure. We express honor with dignity and respect to those we lead, to those we serve beside, and to those we follow.

WE GIVE OUR BEST

We seek to glorify God by becoming our best and giving our best. We aspire to maximize our potential and grow in leadership, freedom, creativity, commitment, and excellence. Anything we do for God and people is worthy of passion and our very best efforts.

WE NEVER LOSE HOPE

Life is filled with difficulties and challenges, but God’s final word is always good. If it’s not good yet, it’s not final. We trust that God is able to work all things out for the good even when our hearts are breaking and we don’t understand. We are learning to walk by faith.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

  • God 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.

  • Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven’s glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

  • The Holy Spirit is equal to the Father and Son. He is present in the world to make mankind aware of our need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power and gifts for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.

  • Salvation is a gift from God to mankind. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can we be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ into our life by faith.

  • We are all made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. We are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although mankind has tremendous potential for good, we are marred by a condition of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This condition separates us from God.

  • The Bible is God’s Word to all mankind. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.

  • We all were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. Eternity is a place of eternal union and eternal life with God.

Meet Our Pastors

Doug Robins is the lead pastor at City Tribe. He & and his wife, Jeannie, have lived and served in San Antonio since the early 90’s when Doug co-founded City Church on Bandera Rd. Later Doug felt called to the inner city of San Antonio and has served here faithfully since 2008. Doug holds a master of divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary and is the author of I Am Not Defeated: 10 Ways to Demolish Mental Demons.

Where We Serve

We love the city! Some of our tribe grew up in the inner-city; some moved into the inner-city; and others drive in to worship and serve. The ancient prophet Isaiah talked constantly about cities and urban realities. In fact, some theologians have called Isaiah “The Prophet of the City.” God caused Isaiah to speak often about cities because God loves people and lots of people live in cities.

In 1900 only 8% of people on earth lived in cities. In 2000 50% lived in cities. In just a few years 60% of people on the planet will live in cities. Unfortunately there’s been an anti-city mentality among some Christians as many Christians have left the cities for more comfortable, safer environments. This has left the cities without the Christian influence. Cities are strategic because art, music, government, media, banking, business and education are in the city. Culture and influence move from the city out to the suburbs and country. This could be why early Christian Missionaries went exclusively to cities. The word pagan literally means man of the country.

If you don’t like cities you won’t like Heaven. Listen to John’s description of Heaven in Revelation 21:2 “And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” According to author Ray Bakke “Mission is no longer just about crossing the oceans, jungles and deserts, but about crossing the streets of the world’s cities. This is why Jesus was so affected by the city. We see Jesus’ heart for the city when he approached his city in Luke 19:41 “As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it…” Jesus looked over His city and wept and I’m asking God to intensify our love for our city of San Antonio.

The Apostle Paul was discouraged by much of what he saw in the city of Corinth but God encouraged him in Acts 18:9-11 “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” As Christ-Followers we feel strongly that we must not fear but we must be a people characterized by loving and serving our city.