ABOUT
SANCTUARY
CHURCH
OUR VISION
that everyone would experience true sanctuary in Jesus
One of San Francisco’s original identities was that of a safe harbor – a place of refuge that sheltered sailors from the storm. But with the gold rush, things began to change. San Francisco became a place known not for refuge, but reward. That spirit is alive and well today – as people flock to the bay for its resources and for what they can extract out of the city.
Our dream – and we believe God’s dream – is to see the identity of San Francisco reclaimed. To once again become a place where people find refuge and safety in the midst of life’s storms.
We know Jesus is the only true place of sanctuary we can all run to. He is someone who loves us and listens to us… and then who leads us to become more like him.
So we are endeavoring to find sanctuary in Christ, become sanctuary together, and extend sanctuary to the city.
From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint;
LEAD ME TO THE ROCK THAT IS HIGHER THAN I
PSALM 61:2
CORE VALUES
We aim to be a church built on the word of God, empowered by the Spirit of God, committed to the family of God and devoted to the mission of God.
WORD
In a world that feels unsettled, we anchor our lives to the ancient scriptures which have provided comfort and counsel for thousands of years. We trust what God has to say more than our own strengths, ideas, and opinions.
SPIRIT
The distinguishing message of Christianity is that Jesus is alive. We engage a God who guides us and speaks to us. We don’t pursue a religion, we’re pursuing a person. We’re passionate about seeking his presence.
FAMILY
Jesus said that true faith is evidenced by how we love one another. God’s passion isn’t just a plan or a place – it’s a people. We love and value each other and the unique story God is writing in us.
MISSION
Good news is meant be shared. If we really believe that Jesus is the hope of the world, we want to share this message in a way that our city can hear it. We love and serve those who aren’t yet following Jesus as he loved and served us.
BELIEFS
Sanctuary Church holds to the historic teachings of Christian orthodoxy as articulated in classic statements such as the Apostle’s Creed and the Nicene Creed.
For more information, you can access our more detailed statement of beliefs below.
THE COMMUNITY
God is building a wonderfully fun team from diverse backgrounds. We’re learning to laugh together, to be vulnerable together and to not take ourselves too seriously.
We think God’s all about relationships… and that he actually really likes us! So we’re learning to be a family together.
MEET TIM & KELSY HARMS
Tim Harms provides leadership to Sanctuary Church. In early 2019, he and his wife, Kelsy, felt God call them to move their growing family to San Francisco to see Sanctuary Church established. Tim previously led both the East Nashville location of Lifehouse Church and served as CEO of a niche consulting company.
Kelsy is native of California with deep family history in San Francisco. A wedding florist, she is passionate about finding and bringing beauty to every encounter. She also runs a free toddler art group in Glenn Park and loves to connect with other parents in the city.
Together, they have a passion for seeing people come alive in the love of Jesus and for seeking God for the renewal of global cities.
ANNUAL REPORT
Over the first few years of our story in San Francisco, God has been so kind!
We develop Annual Reports to chronicle where we’ve come from and dream together about where God might take us in the the future.
Our Annual Report also outlines the advisory teams we’ve assembled, our financial position and the organizations who’ve partnered with us.
Connecting with a new church can be intimidating
AT SANCTUARY, IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE
Interested in learning more?
Fill out the form for a chance to connect with one of our leaders. We’ll follow up to answer any questions, and even buy you a coffee or meet on Zoom if you’d like.
Whether you are exploring faith for the first time or new to the city and looking to connect with a church, there’s a place for you here.