Petra Bible Church Bozeman

Welcome to the digital home of Petra Bible Church of Bozeman, a Christ-centered, bilingual, and multicultural community dedicated to biblical teaching, discipleship, and global mission work. This platform serves as a hub for Petra Bible Church’s unwavering commitment to proclaiming the supremacy of Jesus Christ in every area of life, equipping believers through sound doctrine, prayer, and outreach. With a strong foundation in Scripture and a passion for both local and international ministry, Petra Bible Church of Bozeman fosters spiritual growth, strengthens families, and raises up Kingdom workers. Beyond its weekly services and discipleship programs, Petra Bible Church actively engages with the community, offering biblical guidance, fellowship, and opportunities for service. Through faithful leadership and a deep commitment to spreading the Gospel, Petra Bible Church of Bozeman continues to impact lives and expand God’s Kingdom both in Montana and across the world.

Petra Bible Church of Bozeman: A Christ-Centered, Bilingual, and Multicultural Community

Petra Bible Church of Bozeman is a unique and dynamic faith community committed to glorifying Jesus Christ and making disciples. Established in 2016 by Pastor Jared Cox and his family, the church has rapidly grown into a bilingual and multicultural congregation with a strong emphasis on biblical teaching, prayer, worship, and evangelism. Rooted in its mission to proclaim the supremacy of Jesus Christ in every aspect of life and practice, Petra Bible Church serves as a spiritual refuge for individuals and families seeking to deepen their relationship with God.

Founding and History

The journey of Petra Bible Church began with the calling of Pastor Jared Cox. Born in Alton, Illinois, and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Jared’s faith was shaped by personal trials, including the loss of his father at a young age. His calling to serve as a missionary became clear during his studies at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. After graduating, he and his wife, Tanya, embarked on a mission to Nicaragua, where they dedicated fifteen years to planting churches, discipling believers, and spreading the gospel.

During their time in Nicaragua, the Cox family established a youth center and planted a biblically grounded church in Managua in 2005. Over the years, their ministry expanded, resulting in several church plants across Nicaragua, including locations in Balgue, Merida, Chinandega, and Matagalpa. The main church in Managua grew to over 300 members and became a foundation for training and sending out new leaders. Recognizing the importance of raising up indigenous pastors, Jared and Tanya eventually handed over the leadership of these churches to local leaders.

In 2016, the Lord called the Cox family back to the United States to establish Petra Bible Church in Bozeman, Montana. This transition was not merely a shift in geography but a continuation of Petra’s broader mission—one that now extends beyond Central America into the United States and South America.

Mission and Vision

Petra Bible Church of Bozeman is driven by a clear mission: “To be a church that focuses on the supremacy of Jesus Christ in every area of life and practice for the purpose of enjoying and glorifying Christ both now and for all of eternity.” This mission serves as the foundation for the church’s teachings, ministries, and outreach efforts.

The church’s vision reflects a deep commitment to spiritual growth and community transformation:

Creating a refuge where believers can grow, find rest, and mature through Christ.
Strengthening marriages through biblical principles.
Building strong, Christ-centered families.
Equipping and multiplying Kingdom workers both locally and globally.

Petra Bible Church of Bozeman believes that through these core objectives, the Bozeman community—and beyond—can be transformed one marriage, one family, and one worker at a time.

A Bilingual and Multicultural Church

One of the defining characteristics of Petra Bible Church of Bozeman is its bilingual and multicultural nature. With members from Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Venezuela, and other Latin American countries, the church provides an inclusive space where individuals from diverse backgrounds can worship together. This commitment to a bilingual congregation is reflected in the church’s leadership, ministries, and outreach efforts.

Spanish-speaking members are actively integrated into the church community, with dedicated ministries and services that ensure all individuals, regardless of language, can participate fully. The presence of a Spanish Pastor in Training, Joaquin Alarcon, further underscores Petra Bible Church’s dedication to serving both English and Spanish-speaking congregants.

The Four Pillars of Petra Bible Church

At the heart of Petra Bible Church’s ministry are four foundational pillars that guide its teachings and activities:

The Word – The church proclaims the authority of God’s Word without compromise (2 Timothy 4:2).
Prayer – A firm belief in the power of prayer undergirds all aspects of church life (Ephesians 6:18).
Worship – The church is dedicated to lifting up the name of Jesus in genuine worship (John 4:24).
Proclamation – Boldly sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ is central to Petra’s mission (Ephesians 6:19-20).

These pillars shape the church’s culture and reinforce its commitment to biblical truth and discipleship.

Leadership and Elders

Petra Bible Church of Bozeman is led by a dedicated team of pastors, elders, and ministry coordinators who oversee the spiritual growth and administration of the church.

Leadership Team:

Jared Cox – Senior Pastor
Joaquin Alarcon – Spanish Pastor in Training
Nick Creal – Summit Ministry Leader
Tanya Cox – Women’s Ministry Coordinator
Meileen Creal & Amairani Acosta-Silva – Petra Kids Coordinators
Amber Lundskog – Administration / Petra International Stateside Missionary

Elders:

Pastor Jared Cox
Joaquin Alarcon
Nick Creal
Elijah Haugen
Erik Silva

This leadership team is committed to shepherding the congregation, teaching sound doctrine, and ensuring that the church remains faithful to its mission.

Ministries and Programs

Petra Bible Church of Bozeman offers a variety of ministries designed to foster spiritual growth and community engagement.

Adult Small Groups – These groups meet in homes on Wednesday nights, providing a space for mutual edification, discussion, and practical application of Sunday’s sermons.
Women’s Ministry – A study group focusing on the Book of Philippians meets weekly, with separate sessions for English and Spanish-speaking women.
Petra Summit – A discipleship program for 8th graders through young adults, training the next generation of Kingdom workers to live boldly for Christ.
Petra Base Camp – A ministry for 3rd-7th grade students that focuses on foundational biblical truths and Christian discipleship.
Petra Kids – A vibrant children’s ministry that welcomes kids from diverse cultural backgrounds and uses the Grow Curriculum to instill biblical values.

Each of these ministries plays a crucial role in equipping believers for a Christ-centered life.

Global Reach and Future Growth

Petra Bible Church’s influence extends beyond Bozeman. The church remains deeply connected to its international roots through Petra International Ministries, which continues church-planting efforts in Latin America. Petra Bible Church of Bozeman’s work in Colombia is thriving, and plans are in motion for further expansion into South America.

This global perspective highlights Petra Bible Church’s commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission—making disciples of all nations and equipping believers to serve Christ wherever they are called.

Petra Bible Church of Bozeman stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness and the power of the gospel to transform lives. Through its bilingual and multicultural approach, unwavering commitment to biblical truth, and passion for discipleship, Petra Bible Church of Bozeman continues to impact individuals, families, and communities both locally and globally. As it grows, the church remains steadfast in its mission to glorify Christ and equip believers for a lifetime of faithful service.