When you hear the word church, you may think of several different things. In English the word church has a semantic range (various meanings a word can have) that can refer to a building where followers of religious practice meet, it can refer to a religious service, it can refer to the gathered group of followers, and it can refer to a specific expression of faith such as the Christian church. These are just the meanings I came up with just sitting here writing, you may be able to think of some other meanings I haven’t included here. But what does the Bible mean and what does Frontier Church Longmont mean when we say church? For us and I would argue scripturally that the word church refers to the people of God, followers of Jesus Christ.
The concept of the church is deeply rooted in the teachings of Scripture, reflecting God’s desire for community and unity among believers. Both the World-wide Church (all followers of Jesus regardless of location) and local gatherings of believers exemplify this divine design, emphasizing the interconnectedness of believers and the collective journey of faith.
The Bible portrays the church as a universal body of believers, crossing geographical and cultural boundaries. In Ephesians 4:4-6, the apostle Paul affirms this unity, stating, “ 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” This passage highlights the essential oneness of the church, regardless of its global dispersion.
Moreover, the local church serves as a tangible expression of this universal body, providing a spiritual home for believers to worship, fellowship, and grow in their faith. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” This passage underscores the importance of gathering together as a community of faith.
Throughout Scripture, God’s redemptive plan unfolds within the context of community. From the formation of the Israelite nation in the Old Testament to the establishment of the early Christian church in the New Testament, God consistently addresses His people as a collective entity. Acts 2:42-47 provides a vivid depiction of the early church’s communal life, characterized by devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.
As individual believers, we are called to recognize our integral role within the larger body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 illustrates this principle, stating, “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many.” This passage emphasizes the diversity of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ, highlighting the importance of each believer’s contribution.
In a world marked by division and isolation, the church stands as a beacon of unity and fellowship. Galatians 3:28 declares, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This verse underscores the inclusivity of the gospel message, transcending social barriers and uniting believers in Christ.
As we navigate the complexities of life and faith, let us embrace the beauty and significance of the church. Whether on a global or local scale, the church serves as a sanctuary of grace, a bastion of truth, and a source of hope in a broken world.
Simply put, the church is made up of people, people who love Jesus and follow him and his commands. God intended this to be the way it works, again if we look to how the New Testament speaks about spiritual giftings of believers it becomes clear that we need each other. No believer has every gift. Beyond that, we are all unique people with unique perspectives, unique desires, and unique personalities that can be used by God for his mission. God’s community is waiting for you and your unique gifts to join his other sons and daughters on this journey of faith in this thing we call life.
At Frontier Church we strive to be a welcoming group of people, we want to share the love and the truth of God’s kingdom with Longmont. We want people from every background and demographic to be a part of what we are doing. We also realize that we won’t be everyone’s cup of tea and we won’t be the church home that God has for every believer. If you come and we are not your cup of tea, we would love to help you connect with some of the other churches in town that may be your home. We are all on team Jesus and we want you above all connected to Jesus!