A disciple is a learner who follows a movement or teacher and helps to spread the master's teaching. The term is used in various senses and contexts in the NT to indicate the followers of Jesus. The term “Christian” came to be the usual term for a Christian believer. The concept of discipleship (being a Christian disciple) continues to be an important part of the Christian life. For example, Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) considered discipleship in Die Nachfolge, or The Cost of Discipleship (1937, trans. by Reginald H. Fuller, 1948). Bonhoeffer urged that grace without discipleship is “cheap grace,” and that faith must be expressed in obedience.

“Reason” is one of the three pillars of the church (scripture, tradition, and reason).These three sources uphold and critique each other in a dynamic way. COTA provides learning opportunities outside of Sunday service, such as our Book Studies, Adult Education, and our Women’s Bible Study. Furthermore, we believe formal education enriches individuals lives, and offer a local scholarship & mentoring program to young women of color to support equitable opportunities for education.

We all have spiritual gifts and talents to serve people and our community in unique ways.  Service is not an act of duty but a response to God's grace and a reflection of His love, as James 2:17 states, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." Service is a real life demonstration of loving action in the believer's life.

Small and large acts of kindness within our church community, extending to our immediate community, and the world at large. Outreach can include spiritual guidance, helping under resourced individuals and communities with physical and financial needs, and more.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 22:37–40). Hospitality is providing a welcoming desire to connect and engage with everyone you encounter on the street as well as your personal community. It includes being a steward of relationships and facilitating a safe space for all.

We may be a small church, but we are mighty! Our church community is willing and ready to take on challenges and work together to support our mission.

COTA is a welcoming family that supports our church community and our local community. We are bound by Christ’s directive to love others as we love ourselves.

The central question of social justice is, “On what basis are goods and burdens distributed fairly?” This includes individual need, merit or deserving effort, and benefit to the society as a whole. The Christian tradition has emphasized the intrinsic value or worth of the individual person. It has thereby claimed that justice requires meeting the basic needs of the individual and ensuring that person's participation in society.