Our Beliefs: We Love

WE WANT TO GENUINELY LOVE FELLOW BELIEVERS

BECAUSE…

WE BELIEVE that the Church (composed of all believers throughout the world) is the spiritual organism of which Christ is the Head. The Church is of divine origin and is the Lord’s possession. The local church (an expression of the Body of Christ) is a group of believers who have committed themselves together to do the work of God’s ministry. Since Jesus is the Head of the Church, we expect Him to direct us through Scripture and the Holy Spirit’s guidance in the shaping of our unique destiny as Boulder Street Church. This produces vision, which is essential for the very life of the church. Shared vision produces unity, productivity, and the fulfilling of God’s will. The Church exists to worship God, equip and care for believers, and evangelize the unchurched. The two Church ordinances (sacraments) in which all believersare to participate according to Jesus’ command are water baptism by immersion and communion (the Lord’s Supper). These practices are not optional, but clearly commanded by Jesus. (Prov. 29:18; Mt. 16:16-19; 26:26-29; 28:19; Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; I Cor. 10:16-17; 11:23-26; 14:26; Eph. 4:11-16; I Tim.1:18; Heb. 13:15)

WE BELIEVE in the commandment of Jesus to love one another and to serve one another. Jesus Christ established the local church as a community for mutual support and love. He commanded us not to neglect gathering together. We gather during church services in an interactive way to encounter the Lord, celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, worship the Lord, encourage and bless each other, and receive instruction from God’s written Word, as well as from prophetic words. We also assemble in homes and other locations at times for the vital ministries of hospitality, mutual encouragement, fellowship, and training. (Jn. 13:35; 17:20-22; Acts. 2:42-47; I Cor. 16:2; Col. 3:14-15; Heb. 10:24-25; I Pt. 4:8-9; I Jn. 4:7-12

WE BELIEVE that God has entrusted each believer with various gifts, abilities, and opportunities for which he/she is responsible to God for their use. Our time, talent, lifestyles, and resources are to be submitted to Jesus’ Lordship. The Holy Spirit is continually working with each believer, supernaturally sharpening his/her gifts and skills, so that each believer may be an effective minister in the Kingdom of God. We also believe 5-fold ministry teams (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers) are uniquely gifted to equip the church for ministry and maturity. In other words, God created each of us with unique talents, gifts, and abilities. He also means for us to care for one another. As a result, there are plenty of opportunities for each of us to participate in the work of God’s Church. (Rom. 12:3-8; I Cor. 12:4,11; II Cor. 5:9-10; Eph. 4:11-16; I Pt. 4: 10-11)

THEREFORE…

WE PARTICIPATE in the process of training and equipping believers (men, women, youth, and children) for the work of ministry and the building of strong families. God has given leaders to oversee the Church and to bring her to maturity in relationship and service. The Church is not a democracy, but is governed by the local church office of elder. Trans-local oversight of the church for the purpose of accountability and guidance is best provided by those in the offices of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher (5-fold ministry). The practical needs of the church family are cared for through the office of deacon/deaconess. We endeavor to provide a variety of ministry opportunities so that each believer might be able to express his/her unique giftedness in God. However, since there is a priesthood of all believers, the ultimate responsibility lies with each believer to fulfill his/her service in God’s Kingdom. (Acts 20: 28; Eph. 4:11-13; Phil.1:1; I Tim.3:1-13; Titus 1: 5-9; I Pet. 2:5, 9-10; 4:10-11)

WE PARTICIPATE in the ministry of nurturing and caring for one another through encouragement, prayer, and admonition in order to help every person mature in his/her relationship with Jesus. We give special attention to releasing the 5-fold ministry to sharpen, mature and equip the church for Kingdom ministry. (Acts13:1-3; Col. 1:28; Eph. 4: 11-15; I Thess. 2:7-8; Heb. 3:13; 10:24-25; Eph. 4:11-16; Jas. 5:16)