our story

THREAD WAS LAUNCHED BY THE PURSUIT NW IN SEATTLE, WA AND BY MERCY CULTURE CHURCH IN FTW, TX AFTER OUR PASTORS, ALEX & BRENNA BURKINS FELT CALLED BY GOD TO LAUNCH A CHURCH IN CLEBURNE, TX. WE HAVE A BURDEN TO IMPACT OUR CITY, AND FOR GOD TO SAVE THE BIBLE BELT.

ALEX & BRENNA HAVE TWO SONS AND LIVE IN CLEBURNE. THEY ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT RAISING UP LEADERS AND ENCOUNTERING THE PRESENCE OF GOD.

culture

VISION | MISSION | TENT PEGS

OUR WHAT

We are called to father, not just lead.

One encounter can reignite hunger and intimacy, so we lead people into undeniable encounters with God and help them hear and obey His voice.

OUR WHY

Thread is a resting place for the presence of God, a home for the Lord. Jesus is our highest priority.

We want Him to dwell with us, so we meet with Him daily.

vision

  • And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. 16 For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?”

  • And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.

  • Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.”

  • The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it; it shall not go out. The priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and he shall arrange the burnt offering on it and shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings.

  • Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?

  • For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time.

  • For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

THREAD EXISTS FOR THE LORD AND TO BRING PEOPLE INTO DAILY ENCOUNTERS WITH HIM.

OUR WHY

Thread is a resting place for the presence of God, a home for the Lord. Jesus is our highest priority.

We want Him to dwell with us, so we meet with Him daily.

mission

THREAD IS CALLED TO FATHER CITIES INTO OBEDIENCE AND RENEWAL.

OUR WHAT

We are called to father, not just lead.

One encounter can reignite hunger and intimacy, so we lead people into undeniable encounters with God and help them hear and obey His voice.

tent pegs

OUR HOW

Our tent pegs are the non-negotiable VALUES WE HOLD as we build a home for the Lord.

  • “It’s about unapologetic passion.”

    Passion looks like something and we are the ones undone in His presence. We’ve been captivated by Jesus and we don’t apologize for the tears, trembling, or groans of desperation.

    1 Samuel 1:15
    But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord.

    Luke 18:39
    And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

    Luke 10:42
    but one thing is necessa    ry. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

  • “It’s about secure identity.”

    We believe God’s word over the enemy’s lies and are settled in His voice. Pride, striving, and ambition are swallowed in adoption—so we live open, vulnerable, and free from performance.

    2 Chronicles 7:14
    if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

    Philippians 2:3
    Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

    Romans 8:15
    For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

  • “it’s about unifying conflict.”

    We value relationship over comfort. Nothing left unsaid has ever built anything, so we confront, confess, and wrestle with one another—knowing the depth of connection is worth it. When others back away, we lean in.

    Proverbs 27:6
    Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

    James 5:16
    Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

    Ephesians 5:11
    Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

  • “it’s about costly honor.”

    Honor is confirming what heaven values. We take seriously what is worthy of honor—The Lord, His house, and His people—and are willing to pay the cost to show it.

    1 Timothy 1:17
    To the King of the a    ges, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

    Romans 12:10
    Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

    Psalms 26:8
    O Lord, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells.

  • “it’s about sustainable endurance.”

    We pursue health by prioritizing relationship with God, family, sabbath and our bodies. We want to be strong enough to stand under the weight of God's glory and finish our race.

    Proverbs 3:5-8
    Trust in the Lord with a    ll your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

    2 Timothy 4:7
    I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

    3 John 1:2
    Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.

  • “it’s about lifelong multiplication.”

    We are committed to growth because work is the reward. We don’t focus on arriving, but on a lifetime of development, multiplying everything God has placed in our hands.

    Ecclesiastes 3:13
    also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man.

    Luke 16:10
    “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.

    Matthew 25:21
    His ma    ster said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

  • “it’s about weighted presence.”

    We carry our weight and bear the burdens of those around us. Not all moments are created equal, and we show up because our presence matters and our absence has a cost.

    Exodus 17:12
    But Moses' hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

    Ruth 1:16‭‭
    But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.

    Galatians 6:2
    Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

  • “it's about radical obedience.”

    We will obey the Lord, no matter the cost, and we refuse to partner with intimidation. We only fear the Lord and that makes us dangerous to the world.

    Joshua 1:9
    Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

    Esther‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬
    “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” 

    2 Timothy 1:7
    for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

  • “it’s about uncompromising excellence.”

    We are hosting The Lord and believe everything should reflect that. We always give our best with what we have, knowing it glorifies Him.

    Daniel 6:3
    Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.

    Proverbs 22:29
    Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

    Colossians 3:23
    Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.

  • “it’s about joy-based warfare.”

    We refuse to be miserable. We believe life is meant to be enjoyed, not endured, and we fight heaviness with joy. Our faces look like we’ve heard good news.

    Nehemiah 8:10
    Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

    Proverbs 17:22
    A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

    John 15:11
    These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

  • We believe in one God who has always existed in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. They are completely equal and completely one. (2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:23-25; 2 Peter 1:19-21)

    God the Father

    He is the Creator and sustainer of everything in the universe. Out of deep love, He made us to be in a close relationship with Him. Even when humanity rebelled and walked away, He immediately began calling us back to Himself through Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:23-25; 2 Peter 1:19-21)

    Jesus Christ

    Jesus is eternally God. He was with the Father and the Holy Spirit from the very beginning, and everything was created through Him. For our rescue, He left heaven, became a man through a miraculous virgin birth, and lived as both fully God and fully human. He died on the cross to pay the price for our sins and rose again, offering us a way back to God. (John 1:1-14; Romans 1:1-4; John 3:16; Matthew 28:18-20; John 14:5-14; John 10:22-39; Galatians 4:1-7; Hebrews 4:14-16; Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:18-24; 1 Timothy 2:5-6)

    The Holy Spirit

    The Holy Spirit is God, alive and active today. He fills the Church, empowers us to serve and share our faith, and constantly works within us to help us break old habits and grow more like Jesus. (1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Luke 11:13; John 7:37-39; John 14:16-17; John 16:7-14; Acts 2:1-18)

  • The Bible is God’s inspired, perfect, and unchanging Word. It is our ultimate guide for what we believe, how we live, and how we run our church. Nothing can be added to it, taken away, or replace it. (2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:23-25; 2 Peter 1:19-21)

  • Our Need for God (The Fall)

    Human beings are God’s most precious creation. However, our natural tendency to sin leaves us spiritually lost, broken, and separated from Him. God gave His absolute best to rescue us, but it is up to each individual to accept that gift.(Romans 3:19-23; Galatians 3:22; Ephesians 2:1-2, 12)

    Salvation & The Atonement

    Salvation cannot be earned—it is a free gift from God made possible by Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, which paid the penalty for the world's sins. We receive this gift by turning away from sin and putting our personal faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. When we do, we are adopted into God's family.

    This choice is secure in God’s unchanging love, and it covers provisions for our entire well-being—body, soul, and spirit. True salvation will naturally inspire an active lifestyle of loving obedience and service. (Acts 4:12; Romans 4:1-9; Romans 5:1-11; Ephesians 1:3-14)

    The Christian Life

    Following Jesus is a journey of continuous growth. While we will face trials, temptations, and spiritual warfare, God provides everything we need to stay faithful. For those who walk with Him to the end, eternal joy in His presence is guaranteed. (Matthew 7:21; Matthew 16:27; Romans 12:1-3; 2 Corinthians 6:17; Galatians 6:14; Ephesians 5:11; Colossians 3:17; Revelation 20:12)

  • We believe the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a distinct promise available to all believers today. It empowers us for daily Christian living and supernatural service, with the primary initial evidence of speaking in other tongues. (Matthew 3:11; Acts 1:4-8; Acts 2:4; Acts 2:38-41; Acts 10:44-47; Acts 19:1-6; 1 Corinthians 14)

  • Our mission is to share the Gospel globally and help believers grow to maturity. We follow a biblical structure of leadership—including elders, deacons, and the five-fold ministry. Our pastoral leadership team holds the final authority to guide, protect, and care for our church family, which includes practicing healthy, scriptural church discipline. (Acts 10:34-35; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31; Matthew 16:18; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:20-28; Ephesians 4:15; Ephesians 5:22-32; 1 Timothy 3:15)

  • We believe in the personal, physical second coming of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of believers, the millennium, and the final judgment. We believe in a literal Heaven of complete happiness for the saved, and a literal Hell of eternal separation for the unsaved.

    Ultimately, every person’s eternal destination is determined by their relationship with Jesus Christ. We look forward with anticipation to the final state of a new heaven and a new earth, where we will live in the presence of God forever.(Matthew 23:39; Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 16:19-31; John 5:24-30; John 14:1-3; Romans 8:34; Romans 11:15; Acts 1:10-11; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; James 5:8; Jude 5-7; Revelation 1:7; Revelation 20:11-15)

  • We believe God heals. While He often uses doctors and medicine as channels of healing, we also believe in supernatural healing provided by Jesus' sacrifice. This can be received through the prayer of faith, the laying on of hands by church leadership, or personal faith. (Isaiah 53:5; Mark 11:23-24; 1 Corinthians 12:9; James 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:24)

  • Marriage: We believe marriage has only one meaning: the exclusive union of one biological man and one biological woman.

    Sexuality: God designed sexual intimacy to be enjoyed solely within the covenant of marriage. Any sexual activity outside of this design is considered contrary to God's word.

    Gender: We believe God beautifully creates each person as male or female at birth, reflecting His image, beautifully and fearfully made.

    Our Culture: We require our staff and volunteers to model these values. However, we firmly believe in God's power to redeem and restore anyone who seeks His mercy. Every person must be treated with Christ-like love, dignity, and respect—we completely reject hateful or harassing behavior.

    (Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 2:18-25; Matthew 5:16; Matthew 15:18-20; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31; Acts 3:19-21; Romans 10:9-10; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Corinthians 7:2-5; Philippians 2:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; Hebrews 13:4)

  • Every human life is sacred and deeply valued by God from conception to natural death. This includes pre-born babies, the elderly, and the physically or mentally challenged. We are called to defend and protect all life. (Psalm 139)

beliefs