Our history is rooted in the mission described in Acts 1:8, where men and women, filled with the Holy Spirit, were sent to bear witness to the Gospel to the ends of the earth. We understand that the Church has always been the Ekklesia—those called out, God’s chosen people—manifested in the lives of those who walk with the Lord Jesus, break bread, and remain grounded in the Living Word.

In Cruz Alta, this journey began modestly in the early 1980s, taking root with regular meetings on January 2, 1985, at 432 Francisco Alves Street. It was during this period that the Lord revealed to us the biblical vision of the Church as a body and a family, teaching us to value small beginnings under the promise that the Father delights in giving His Kingdom to His “little flock,” as stated in Luke 12:32.

For over forty years, though the fruits have multiplied, our essence remains unchanged: to be part of the Body of Christ in Cruz Alta, with deep roots in fellowship, life in the Spirit, and the making of disciples. Today, under the care of the Presbytery, we continue with the same conviction as at the beginning, committed to God’s purpose of forming a family of many children like Jesus, for the glory of God the Father.

The Vision of the Church

“Therefore, O King... I did not disobey the heavenly vision.” (Acts 26:19)

When we speak of the vision of the Church, we are not referring to isolated mystical experiences, but to uncovering what the first disciples saw and experienced regarding what the Church was, according to God’s purpose. We believe that the Church, at its core, is made up of people, not signs, labels, or buildings.

Just as in the New Testament, the Church was identified with a city: the Church in Jerusalem, Antioch, Colossae, Thessalonica, Corinth, and so many other examples. We believe that the Church belongs to Christ and encompasses all the saved from every age. The Gospel of the Kingdom always unites.

We believe in Christ’s rule over the Church and in the ecclesiastical order established in Scripture, consisting of elders (who are also bishops and pastors), deacons, and leaders. We recognize the importance of servant leadership that is pluralistic and biblical.

Although we value fellowship with other brothers and ministries, we affirm that the Church is made of flesh and blood, not of sand, bricks, and cement. The vision we follow is not our own, but is founded on Christ himself (Ephesians 2:20).

-The Presbytery

The Pioneers

On that day, January 2, 1985, we began to live the life of the Church as the Body of Christ. Those present were: Gilberto (Beto), Ercy, Débora (who was still a child at the time), Abraão (in memoriam), Claudiomiro (Miro), César, and two other brothers who are no longer with us today.

Gilberto Souza

Ercy Souza

Claudiomiro Cavalheiro

César Souza

Débora Souza