Beliefs
We believe the Church is marked primarily by submission to the Scriptures. The Bible is the pure Word of God, the only absolute authority for Christians, and all things within the church are governed/managed accordingly. As a broadly Reformed family of churches, we affirm three marks of a true church: (1) the faithful preaching and teaching of the Word, (2) the faithful administration of the Sacraments (Baptism and the Lord's Supper), and (3) the faithful exercise of church discipline.
Southside Fellowship Confession of Faith receives the Nicene Creed, The BFM 2000, the Gospel Coalition Confessional Statement, and the 5 doctrinal distinctives of the Acts 29 Network. Although we do not require our members to agree on every point, the confession forms the theological identity of Southside Fellowship.
Southside Fellowship Confession of Faith receives the Nicene Creed, The BFM 2000, the Gospel Coalition Confessional Statement, and the 5 doctrinal distinctives of the Acts 29 Network. Although we do not require our members to agree on every point, the confession forms the theological identity of Southside Fellowship.
MISSION
SOUTHSIDE FELLOWSHIP IS A CHURCH SEEKING TO SEE FELLOWSHIP RESTORED BETWEEN OUR NEIGHBORS TO GOD AND ONE ANOTHER.
Our mission is accomplished by a simple strategy. Southside Fellowship will intentionally keep programming light so that our members can all unite around and invest in our strategy to achieve the mission.
STRATEGY
MAKE DISCIPLES
We seek to realize our mission by MAKING DISCIPLES of our neighbors by building relationships, exposing them to the Christian community, and sharing the gospel in word and deed.
Plant Churches
We seek to join our Sojourn Houston Family by laboring together to PLANT CHURCHES in new neighborhoods and new cities, each joining the historic work of redemption in their local context.
Partner Strategically
Sojourn Southside engages in justice and mercy by leveraging our people and gifts to serve our neighborhood in some specific ways.
MEASURES
Saturation - Disciples Made and Sent
Geography - 60% / 90% of Members living on the Southside
Family - Attendance on Sunday
Simplicity - Life on life (Seen in participation in Fellowship Group and Renewal)
Geography - 60% / 90% of Members living on the Southside
Family - Attendance on Sunday
Simplicity - Life on life (Seen in participation in Fellowship Group and Renewal)
CONVICTION
Make Disciples - Baptisms / Renewal Group Participation
Plant Churches - # Churches Planted, # Members Sent, Always Planting
Partner Strategically - Volunteers / Dollars / Partnerships
Make Disciples - Baptisms / Renewal Group Participation
Plant Churches - # Churches Planted, # Members Sent, Always Planting
Partner Strategically - Volunteers / Dollars / Partnerships
PARTNERSHIPS
We believe that partnerships in the gospel are essential. To that end, we work closely with other churches and affiliate with the following networks: The Crete Collective, Send Network, and HCPN.

Pastors of southside

Raph Peters
Lead Pastor
As Lead Pastor of Southside Fellowship, I help shape who we are as a church and where we’re going. I lead our elder and staff teams, oversee the preaching ministry of Southside, and work to keep us aligned with the mission God has given us. My role encompasses various areas—teaching, leadership, communication, and operations—but at its core, I’m here to help us stay faithful, focused, and moving forward together.
I’m blessed to be married to Tiera, who shares this journey of faith and family with me. We have four amazing kids: Khalil, Zoey, Aaliyah, and Jade. I was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and studied Biblical Studies at William Carey University. As a creative at heart, I enjoy the arts—especially music and live performances —which inspire and refresh me. Golf is another favorite way I slow down and recharge. More than anything, I’m passionate about building relationships, helping people grow, and seeing them thrive in their walk with Jesus.
I’m blessed to be married to Tiera, who shares this journey of faith and family with me. We have four amazing kids: Khalil, Zoey, Aaliyah, and Jade. I was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and studied Biblical Studies at William Carey University. As a creative at heart, I enjoy the arts—especially music and live performances —which inspire and refresh me. Golf is another favorite way I slow down and recharge. More than anything, I’m passionate about building relationships, helping people grow, and seeing them thrive in their walk with Jesus.

Christian Broussard
Pastor of Spiritual Formation
As the Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Southside Fellowship, I have the joy of leading our congregation in worship, assisting in preaching, and guiding initiatives that deepen our walk with Christ. A key part of my role involves fostering spiritual growth through discussion groups, discipleship, and other formative practices that help our church family grow in our apprenticeship to Jesus.
I am blessed to be married to my wonderful wife, Grace, and am the proud father of our two sons, Santiago and Levi. My greatest passion is seeing people transformed by the gospel in every area of life.
Whether through worship, teaching, or discipleship initiatives, my desire is to help others encounter God’s grace and live out their faith with authenticity and joy.
I am blessed to be married to my wonderful wife, Grace, and am the proud father of our two sons, Santiago and Levi. My greatest passion is seeing people transformed by the gospel in every area of life.
Whether through worship, teaching, or discipleship initiatives, my desire is to help others encounter God’s grace and live out their faith with authenticity and joy.

Demeko bivens
Pastor Of Mobilization
I have been married for my wonderful bride Aundrea since 2016. We have three amazing children:Mekhi, Mila, and Milo. I have the joy of living in the same neighborhood that I pastor in on the Southside of Houston, TX.
As Pastor of Mobilization, I shepherd the spiritual growth and mission of our church by equipping the saints for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:12). My role is rooted in Word and prayer, but extends deeply into the life of our body and the needs of our community.
In one sentence, “I mobilize the church for mission by developing leaders, raising up servant leaders, and connecting God’s people to God’s work in our city.”
As Pastor of Mobilization, I shepherd the spiritual growth and mission of our church by equipping the saints for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:12). My role is rooted in Word and prayer, but extends deeply into the life of our body and the needs of our community.
In one sentence, “I mobilize the church for mission by developing leaders, raising up servant leaders, and connecting God’s people to God’s work in our city.”

Cass sellers
Pastor of Operations
As the Pastor of Operations at Southside Fellowship Church, I serve by helping ensure the weekly rhythms of our Sunday gatherings run smoothly— from hospitality and signage to communion and volunteer coordination. I help lead and care for our volunteers, and elders while also supporting the church in areas of counseling and church discipline alongside our elder team. My role is deeply practical, but ultimately spiritual, aimed at creating a space where people can encounter Jesus without distraction and be faithfully shepherded in all areas of life.
Outside of ministry, I’m a registered nurse with a degree from The University of Southern Mississippi and currently practice in the Texas Medical Center. I’m married to my incredible wife, Brandi, and together we have three adventurous sons— Anthony, Solomon, and Reuben. I grew up in Mississippi in a Christian home where faith was lived out daily, and I was actively involved in church from a young age. Brought up to appreciate the outdoors and wildlife, I continue to enjoy getting away— camping, hiking, and being outdoors with my family, especially when it involves exploring new trails or just goofing off with my boys in the Southside neighborhood. It’s a joy to serve our church family and live life rooted in the love and mission of Christ
Outside of ministry, I’m a registered nurse with a degree from The University of Southern Mississippi and currently practice in the Texas Medical Center. I’m married to my incredible wife, Brandi, and together we have three adventurous sons— Anthony, Solomon, and Reuben. I grew up in Mississippi in a Christian home where faith was lived out daily, and I was actively involved in church from a young age. Brought up to appreciate the outdoors and wildlife, I continue to enjoy getting away— camping, hiking, and being outdoors with my family, especially when it involves exploring new trails or just goofing off with my boys in the Southside neighborhood. It’s a joy to serve our church family and live life rooted in the love and mission of Christ