Our Mission
TO SHARE THE LOVE OF CHRIST AND THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL TO THOSE TRANSITIONING BACK INTO SOCIETY.
Our Story
In 1988 founder Jackson Bradley was invited to conduct a Bible study at the Travis House. This place proved to be a unique environment for individuals reentering society after spending time in prison. The Bible study created the space to encounter the Holy Spirit’s transforming, restorative, and healing power. Freedom Church was born as what started as a small Bible study quickly expanded into a full worship service which continued until Travis House closed in 2001. The ministry moved to Austin Transitional Center (ATC) in Del Valle, TX and Freedom Church has remained at ATC ever since.
As ATC has expanded its reach to a current capacity of approximately 450 people, Freedom Church has increased its reach in turn. Nearly 100 men and women are able to encounter God’s love and word every Sunday morning. The ministry has also evolved over the years to provide many other services for those at ATC. From offering spiritual guidance to Bibles, bus passes to medical assistance, clothing to shoes, coaching to jobs, Freedom Church impacts its attendees far beyond our Sunday morning meetings.
In addition to our flagship Sunday morning worship services at ATC in Del Valle, Freedom Church also hosts a Sunday evening Bible study and worship time at TCI in North Austin. Additional men’s and women’s Bible study classes are hosted at ATC on Wednesday evenings at 8:30 pm.
In 2012, Freedom Church in partnership with Dr. Andrei Duta launched Live Oak Microfinance. This program provides life coaching and interest-free loans to individuals who are either starting their own small enterprises (e.g. landscape or shoe shine businesses) or looking for a new job. The microfinance program is not a handout. Rather, it is a partnership, a hand up, to serious people who look forward optimistically to a fresh start. LiveOak provides the financial resources to cover essentials (i.e. transportation, cell phones, work clothes, work equipment, insurance, groceries, etc.) as well as mentoring.
Live Oak Microfinance is a Freedom Church partner-ministry which is funded separately. Freedom Church is a ministry outreach of Westover Hills Church of Christ. Our volunteers come from many different churches around the Austin area. Some are even former ATC residents who are eager to give back to others through Freedom Church.
Austin Transitional Center
As the flagship ministry of Freedom Church, our weekly Sunday morning services at Austin Transitional Center are the heartbeat of our work in the Austin community.
God’s People Helping People
Life outside Austin Transitional Center can be daunting. We host a Bible Study on Sunday and Wednesday evenings for those who have made this important next step.
Live Oak Microfinance
Financial support coupled with encouragement and mentoring can only accelerate the new life of Freedom Church members.
Our Leaders
Mark & Fran
Mark is the lead coordinator of Freedom Church. As a founding volunteer leader, he has been actively involved in this ministry for over 20 years. Fran is an accomplished artist whose paints and drawings have brought joy to many. Mark and his wife Fran remain a vital part of Freedom Church and the Austin community.
Miles & Carolyn
Miles and his wife Carolyn are key leaders at Freedom Church. They selflessly serve every week with a heart for seeing God move in the lives of former inmates. Their labor of love positively impacts hundreds of lives on a weekly basis.
Kathleen
Kathleen is the special projects coordinator at Freedom Church Ministries. She is also a co-founding member of God’s People Helping. Kathleen, a business owner and accomplished executive, finds regularly the time to mentor scores of former inmates who call her “Mom.”
Dave
Dave is a worship leader and key volunteer at Freedom Church. He oversees and coordinates the worship services on a monthly basis. He also assists Dr. Andrei Duta with the LiveOak Microfinance program.
Andrei
Andrei is a philanthropist and businessman who has a heart for service. In 2001 he launched His Little Ones, a nonprofit organization helping orphans and abandoned children in his native Romania. In 2012 he established the LiveOak Microfinance program. . In addition, he works with a team of volunteers who lead worship services at Freedom Church. You can read more about him at his website: www.andreiduta.com
Loving God. Loving People.
Want to volunteer with us?
Ask anyone who serves with Freedom Church and you will hear the same story: “it is a life-changing experience.” If you’d like to join our volunteer team, please fill out the form here. Our leadership team will be in touch and provide more details about how you can get plugged into our ministry. Thank you for your willingness to serve!