We're a Seeker's Church
Our mission statement says: "We reflect and draw upon a Baptist tradition and seek insights from faith traditions of the world." Being a Seeker's Church is part of our journey with Jesus who promises, according to Matthew 7.7: "Seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you."

It is also at the root of our heritage since Roger Williams, the founder of the First Baptist Church in America, eventually identified himself not as a Baptist but as a "seeker." His commitment to soul liberty made him an early advocate for authentic and integrated spirituality. You will hear this echoed in our openness to other faith traditions, in our deep questions of ourselves and Scripture, and in our commitment to listen and grow. "Seek", Jesus says, and that Spirit is at work here.

We are a Sanctuary
"Sanctuary" at UBC is not just a place - that big room with pews and a pulpit. Sanctuary is our way of being together in the world. As the second church in the United States to declare "sanctuary" for Central Americans during the violence of the 1980's, UBC became conscious of its role to both provide a safe place and to speak out against the forces of oppression and violence in the world. Folks here talk about those sanctuary days as a time of great struggle and strength. Again, those voices are echoed in our mission statement: "Christ calls us to; offer sanctuary and resources to those who are poor, powerless or in need; [to] work for peace, compassion and justice."

Sanctuary has echoed in many commitments here: welcome to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people; support for conscientious objectors; a kitchen for hungry folks; a haven for women in transition from shelters to permanent housing; and safe and affordable childcare for children from a diversity of families and ethnicities. It all sounds like "sanctuary" after awhile. Sanctuary is, in that sense, a place - this whole place - filled with a commitment to welcome and witness. Don't be surprised if you are confused by the word when it is used here. It reverberates all over the place.

Spirituality and Social Activism
The spiritual life of University Baptist Church has feet - and sometimes they dance in worship. Sometimes they head off to meet "the challenges of contemporary moral and spiritual life", as the mission statement says. Sometimes it is the pitter-patter of little feet leading us in intergenerational activities. Often, it is the sound of people moved to nurture and serve one another. It is the sound that echoes the words of Jesus to "go into all the world." Led by our vision statement to "be a compassionate Christian community inviting people into faithful discipleship," we seek always to journey in hope.

About our Pastor: Rev. Timothy Phillips
The Rev. Timothy Phillips has been the pastor of University Baptist Church since 1996. After completing his undergraduate degree at Grand Rapids Baptist College in 1979, he began graduate work in religion at the University of Chicago Divinity School in 1980 and was ordained in 1981. He later completed a Masters of Divinity degree at Chicago Theological Seminary and the certificate program in Pastoral Leadership at Seattle University.

Tim served congregations in Michigan and Illinois, and was the Director of Admissions for Chicago Theological Seminary before coming to Seattle. For a decade, he was on the national council of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists and wrote a study guide on sexual orientation and faith, Does It Matter? He continues to work in ecumenical, academic, and social organizations on behalf of justice and peace, and currently serves on the board of the Institute for Ecumenical Theological Study at Seattle University's School of Theology and Ministry.

Tim wrestles with scripture, believing that it still holds a blessing for those who commit to struggle with it. He loves Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of a "Beloved Community" and believes that the church is called to see it and be it. And he loves movies and music -- and wishes he could dance.