Our Story
The Story of The Austin Stone
How It Started
The Austin Stone began in Matt and Jen Carter's small south Austin apartment in 2002. At the first meeting, 10 people squeezed into the Carters' living room and spent time praying for the future of The Austin Stone—longing to be a church rooted in the gospel, one that married the richness of theological truth with deep compassion for the city. During their time together, they prayed Ephesians 3:20 back to God, asking Him to do far more abundantly than they could ever ask or imagine. And He did.
How We've Grown
The Austin Stone quickly grew out of that small apartment to a middle school cafeteria on South Congress, and again to Austin High School in just a few years. Today, we’re still at Austin High, but we also meet at five other locations across the city. While our church has expanded, our passion has remained the same. Every ministry and congregation of The Austin Stone is an expression of our original vision—to be a people rooted in biblical truth, propelled by love for those around them.
Where We're Going
Over the years, we've sent hundreds to proclaim the gospel throughout the nations, trained thousands to live out their faith in their workplace and at home, equipped parents to care for and lead their children, supported church planters, and partnered with nonprofits to address the needs of those in Austin. And we're not done yet. The prayer that founded our church is still the one that fuels all we do—for God to do far more than we could ask or imagine for His name to be exalted.