about chi alpha.
We are therefore Christ’s (Chi) ambassadors (Alpha), as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20
First, our name.
Chi Alpha, or XA, comes from using Greek initials for the English phrase Christ’s Ambassadors. Each of us who takes on the identity of “Christian” becomes “Christ’s ambassador.” We’re not a fraternity or sorority, but if you’re looking for brotherhood and sisterhood during your time at MIT, you’ve come to the right place.
Whether you are an undergrad or grad student, would call yourself a Christian or are searching for answers about faith, you are welcome.
Our Values
We seek to follow the character and example of our savior Jesus Christ by being:
Rooted in the Bible. We know and practice doing the word of God.
Led by the Spirit. We experience God and love others as Jesus loved us through the empowerment and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Strengthened in Community. We foster authentic relationships by being real and supporting one another as we live out our faith at MIT.
what we believe.
We gladly welcome students from all backgrounds regardless of belief or denominational association. Below you will find the beliefs that our community and pastors would be able to help you explore further.
the TLDR; version
1. God is real.
2. God has revealed Himself in Jesus.
3. The Bible is God’s word.
4. God still does stuff.
5. God ought to be the most important thing in every person’s life.
These beliefs can be described as orthodox, protestant, and pentecostal.
by “orthodox” we mean
that we affirm the historic declarations of the Christian faith: specifically the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed.
by “protestant” we mean
that we believe the Bible is trustworthy and we believe that faith requires personal commitment – no one is born a Christian.
by “pentecostal” we mean
that we believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit includes miracles and that this is an important part of the life of the church. We’re sponsored by the Assemblies of God, the world’s largest Pentecostal denomination. Our pastors are affiliated with them and fully subscribe to their statement of faith: the full text is called the Statement of Fundamental Truths, a plain-English version is found below.
if you have any further questions about our beliefs and theology
we’d love to talk.
statement of fundamental truths (plain-English version)
1. WE BELIEVE… the Bible is God’s message to us.
SO WE SEEK… to understand and obey its truth.
2. WE BELIEVE… there is one God who is three persons.
SO WE YEARN… to know Him in all of His complexity and beauty.
3. WE BELIEVE… Jesus is fully God and fully human.
SO WE REJOICE… that Christ can be a bridge between us and God.
4. WE BELIEVE… people, throughout history, have sinned against God.
SO WE ARE… deeply aware that we too are marked by willful disobedience.
5. WE BELIEVE… God extends forgiveness to us through Christ.
SO WE REPENT…. and rejoice in our forgiveness.
6. WE BELIEVE… God offers freedom from sin’s grasp.
SO WE LIVE… lives that are pleasing to God.
7. WE BELIEVE… followers of Jesus must be empowered by the Holy Spirit.
SO WE EXPECT… supernatural power in our daily lives.
8. WE BELIEVE… that God can heal both the body and the heart.
SO WE PRAY… with faith and hope.
9. WE BELIEVE… the outer mark of inner surrender to the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues.
SO WE PRAY… that God would grant us this supernatural gift.
10. WE BELIEVE… in the Church.
SO WE LIVE… in this community of faith, inviting others to join us.
11. WE BELIEVE… God gives leaders as gifts to His Church.
SO WE WELCOME… the service we receive from those God calls.
12. WE BELIEVE… God commands his followers to celebrate communion and baptism.
SO WE PRACTICE… these symbolic actions, reflecting on their significance.
13. WE BELIEVE… Jesus will return to claim His Church.
SO WE LIVE… in expectancy of his coming.
14. WE BELIEVE… Christ will one day be seen clearly as King on earth.
SO WE LIVE… as citizens of His Kingdom now.
15. WE BELIEVE… God is the ultimate Judge.
SO WE LIVE… knowing that our choices will echo through eternity.
16. WE BELIEVE… we will live with God forever.
SO WE LIVE… with hope regardless of our circumstances.
meet the pastors.
steven Longoria
Co-director | Steven grew up in Mission, Texas on the border of Mexico and spent a lot of time in the outdoors with his father, especially fishing. He built a strong relationship with God in high school through meeting with someone who was able to explain the Bible to him in a way that made sense, while answering some of his tough theological questions about the character and existence of God.
He graduated from Stanford University in 2015 with a BS in Computer Science with an emphasis on AI. He felt God calling him to some form of full-time ministry since high school. After having that call refined through Stanford Chi Alpha, he decided to attend seminary after graduation. He worked on his Master of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) while dating and getting married to Alex.
Serving at MIT has been a blessing, and he really enjoys fielding tough questions about God while showing people how close to them God actually is. He also enjoys meeting with and encouraging young dating or married couples.
In his free time, Steven enjoys playing video games, watching anime, being a D&D Dungeon Master, and spending time with his 2yo son and Alex.
He is here to serve students at MIT in any way he can. You can reach out to him directly at [email protected].
Alex Longoria
Co-director | Alex grew up in Seattle and has fond memories of watching beach sunsets, stargazing and camping (aka an excuse to enjoy really good Korean food outside). She graduated from Stanford University with not only a BA in Sociology, but also with a deep love for Jesus cultivated in the Chi Alpha at Stanford.
After graduation she worked as a software consultant in Dallas for five years before transitioning into ministry full-time. As a result she’s passionate about helping others bridge the gap between faith & work.
She has an MA in Christian Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and is an associate minister with the Assemblies of God. Ministry for Alex has been like an act of worship, because she gets to be in a position to see how amazing God is in students’ lives and glorify him for it. She loves witnessing students grow in an authentic relationship with God and in turn grow in their love for others.
In her free time, Alex loves to feed people yummy food, drink boba (onezo in brookline is the way to go), sit outside and stare at trees, jam out to worship music with her toddler and attempt to play D&D with Steven
She always has a listening ear for anyone who needs it, so feel free to schedule a time to meet!
[email protected]
schedule a meeting
Calendly integration coming soon! For now, send us an email at [email protected] or [email protected].