We are a multi-generational Presbyterian church rooted in historic Christian faith and seeking to live that faith thoughtfully in our city today.

Our desire is to become a community shaped by the love of God and sent into the world for the good of our neighbors.

CTK exists to form people in Jesus so that Christ's kingdom and glory are made known in South Austin and beyond. 

We believe the church exists to gather people and to form them into the likeness of Christ. Through shared practices and life together we seek to grow into people who love God fully and love our neighbors rightly.

These values shape the culture and life of Christ the King.

Biblically Faithful
Scripture is the foundation of our life together. We believe the Bile is God's Word and the primary way God forms and guides his people.

Confessional
The Christian faith is a confessional faith. From the earliest days of the church believers have confessed together that Jesus Christ is Lord (Matthew 16; Romans 10). We gladly stand within that historic stream of faith, affirming the ancient creeds of the church and the Reformed confessions that summarize the teaching of Scripture.

Simplicity
We seek to cultivate a church life that is intentionally simple. Rather than building a complex system of programs, we focus on the essential practices that form the Christian life: worship, prayer, learning, community, and service. Our structures are intentionally grassroots so that the life of the church grows from shared practices rather than institutional activity.

Presbyterian and Covenantal
The Bible tells the story of a covenant-making and covenant-keeping God who calls people to belong to him and to participate in his mission in the world. From God's promise to Abraham to the sending of the church in the Great Commission, God forms a covenant community for the sake of the nations. As a Presbyterian church we seek to live out this covenant life together under the shepherding care of elders.

Culturally Aware
We believe Christian faith speaks meaningfully to the real questions of our time. Rather than withdrawing from culture, we seek to engage our world thoughtfully, with humility and confidence in the hope of the gospel.

At Christ the King, we believe the church exists to gather people and to form them into the likeness of Christ. We believe in whole-person formation that touches every part of life - heart, soul, mind, and strength - and unfolds over time (a lifetime) through shared practices, relationships, and worship.

You can learn more about how this formation shapes the life of our church on our Formation page.

Christ the King is shepherded by elders who oversee the spiritual life of the congregation. Deacons serve the church through ministries of care, mercy, and practical service. Together, they seek to cultivate a community marked by faithfulness, humility, and love.

Staff
Rev. Byron West, Interim Pastor
Byron joined the PCA in 2012 after graduating from Dallas Theological Seminary, when the West family moved to Fort Myers, FL to serve as the Family Ministry Director/Assistant Pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church. In 2016, Byron was installed as the senior pastor at the same church where he served until moving to Dripping Springs in the summer of 2022. He is a doctoral student at Reformed Theological Seminary where he has benefited tremendously by studying under wonderful professors and diving deep into Church Health and the Book of Proverbs. Byron and his wife, Jennifer have three terrific children: Elijah, Evangeline (Evie), and Nora. As a family, they enjoy being outdoors (especially on the water), beaches, mountains,  board/card games, and reading.
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Janet Finley, Ministry Assistant
Janet has lived in the Austin area since 1995 and has spent 25 years in the field of education, teaching children from three years old to fourth grade. She has been a member of CTK since 2011 and has served as nursery coordinator and taught children’s Sunday school.  Janet is a graduate of Texas A&M University and is an avid fan of Aggie sports.  Her other interests include reading biographies and history, taking daily walks with her Labrador and spending time with her husband, Trace, and their two young adult sons.  
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Brandon Shufflebarger, Worship Director/Youth Ministry Coordinator
Brandon is originally from Indiana and moved to Austin in 2012 where he has taught high school computer science, math, and economics at Regents School of Austin.  Prior to that, Brandon was a  member of Teach For America where he taught in underserved school districts in both the Mississippi Delta and Indianapolis regions. Apart from spending time with his wife Meg and their 3 kids, you will likely find Brandon playing Bluegrass mandolin.
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Debbie Liu, Children's Ministry Director
Debbie is originally from California but moved to Austin in 2006 with her husband, Eric. She has a Master in Public Health from Emory University and worked as a Program Evaluator for numerous non-profit organizations in the Atlanta and California areas before having her daughter.  When Kylie turned three years old, Eric and Debbie made the decision to homeschool their daughter. Debbie has over 20 years of experience serving children and youth in various capacities from teaching to mentorship. When she is not homeschooling Kylie, Debbie can be found at the gym lifting heavy weights.  Debbie also loves traveling and learning about the history and culture of the places she visits. Her most favorite spot in the world is Cinque Terre.
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Tresa Hardister, Eleanor Kwong, Bookkeeper

If you would like to learn more about our beliefs and church governance, you can learn more here.