Our History

What's the church like?

What We Believe

History

Started in November of 1994, the church began to meet at the Inn of Estes for a short time and then moved for about four years to the Masonic Lodge. Pastor Scott Weber and his family came in 1996 from Ohio. Scott had grown up in the Boulder area in the 70's and early 80's, so it was a homecoming of sorts for him. The church purchased its first building in 1999. It was a 4900 square foot building that had been "Frank Lane's Dance Ranch" since 1959 when it was built. This square dance building had all maple floors and was wide open, so it was perfect to remodel into an auditorium and classrooms. And we have even had some "swing dances" here to keep the floor happy. We moved into it in October of 1999. We also purchased an additional 5 acres adjoining to the east to add parking and leave room for future expansion. In 2002, we began to add a two story building on the east side to accommodate a new kitchen, teaching area, offices and multi-use lower level. The church has seen steady growth every year since 1996. We focus on reaching out to those who have either never been to church or have not been to church in a long time for some reason.

What's the church like?

We like to say "we are real, relational and relevant." These are the answers to the three biggest reasons that most people do not go to church. For those whose perception or experience of church has been that it isn't real - that it's full of hypocrites who act one way on Sunday and another the rest of the week . . . we say you will find people here who are honest about their hurts, habits and hang-ups. We are not perfect in anyway, and we won't hide that on Sundays. We just love God and what He has done for us in Jesus Christ and want Him to help us through our problems. For those whose perception or experience has been that church is irrelevant . . . we say you won't find that here. We address the concerns, questions and problems you face today. The messages often focus on issues of family, relationships, addictions, life's biggest questions, etc. Our music is casual and contemporary - and you can really come as you are. Most people wear jeans and a shirt - though if you like, you are welcome to wear a suit or a dress. In our small group Bible studies (held throughout the week), people can really share their struggles, needs and questions in a more intimate setting. For those whose perception or experience has been that church is a place they can't fit in . . . we say go ahead and try. We dare you. The most frequent comment of newcomers to our church is that it is so friendly and they felt at home. Chances are you will know several people who are already a part of the church family. And it is a family. This is a church where people from all walks of life come and feel that they belong. Pastor Scott has often said that our theme song is the theme song from "Cheers." That's the kind of welcoming atmosphere we strive to develop and keep, and it's authentic. The diverse makeup of our church family is proof of that.

What We Believe

Our Mission Statement

The Christian Church of Estes Park is a fellowship of believers with a great commitment to the great commandment and the great commission

- to know God's love

- to grow in God's love

- to love God and others, and

- to go and share God's love.

To check out the great commandment, check out Mark 12:28-34.
To check out the great commission, check out Matthew 28:19,20

We are a Bible believing fellowship dedicated to restoring the pattern of New Testament Christianity. We are not a part of a denomination.

I. Why a "Christian Church"- What do you mean non-denominational?

(Ephesians 4:3-6)

II. Essentials of The Christian Faith

1. About God

(See Genesis 1;1,26,27, 3;22; Psalm 90:2, Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

2. About Jesus - Jesus is the only divine Son of God. He is God, the Son who came to earth to live as a human, lived a sinless life, offered Himself as a sacrifice for sins on the cross, was buried and raised from the dead in body and spirit on the third day. He ascended to heaven again and will return one day to reign as King of Kings and to judge the living and the dead. (see Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-20; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13)

3. About The Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit the Comforter, the Helper, present in the world to convict people of their sin. He indwells every Christian permanently as a seal of our redemption and in the work of justification and sanctification. He therefore provides us power for holy living, understanding of spiritual things and guidance to do what is right. (see 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18).

4. About Humankind - All people are made in the image of God. We are the supreme objects of His creation. However, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God - His intention for us. We are therefore separated from God and unable to repair this broken relationship on our own. (see Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23, 6:23; Isaiah 59,1,2).

5. About The Bible - The Bible is the Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit and therefore without error in it's original text. It is our only rule of faith and practice as Christians. (see 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5).

6. About Salvation - Salvation is a free gift of God offered to all, but it must be accepted. It is accomplished by His grace in Jesus Christ - through His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. In the cross, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. That work of God makes possible the cleansing of all our sin, past present and future. Only by placing our faith in Jesus to do this for us is this work of God applied to our lives. How God prescribes that we do this is described below. (see Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 6:23; John 3:16, 14:6; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5;1).

III. How Does One Become A Christian?

First, let's see what the Bible says about what it means to be a Christian. The most basic question a person can ask is, "What is the meaning of life?" Everyone wants to know the answer to that and be happy and fulfilled. People try in many ways:

some look for happiness by acquiring possessions
some look for happiness by experiencing pleasure
some look for happiness by gaining power and prestige
some look for happiness by doing good things

A. Why am I here?

1. God made me to love me.
Jeremiah 31:3, Ephesians 1:4,5

2. We were created to enjoy a relationship with God, and enjoy His creation.
Genesis 1:27,28, 1 Timothy 6:17, John 10:10.

3. When we know and love God, and live in harmony with His purpose for our lives, it produces tremendous benefits for us.

- Romans 8:1

- Romans 8:6

- Romans 8:28

- Romans 8:31

- Philippians 4:13

- Philippians 4:19

- Romans 8:39

- John 8:32,36

B. What's The Problem?

1. Man has a natural desire to be boss, and to ignore God's principles for living. - Isaiah 53:6

The Bible calls that attitude sin.
All of us are in the same boat.- 1 John 1:8; Romans 3:23
Sin breaks our close relationship with God. It separates us from what He intended us to enjoy when He created us.- Isaiah 59:2 - Romans 6:23
When our relationship with God is not right, it causes all kinds of problems in every area of our lives - marriage, career, finances, relationships, etc.
When people have problems, they try to come up with their own solutions. - Proverbs 16:25
Even when we know our deepest need is getting right with God, we often try to repair the problem in the wrong way. Here are some of the ineffective ways people try to deal with the problem . . ."My parents were Christians, so I guess I am too." "It doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you are sincere." "I'll turn over a new leaf . . . change my bad habits." "I'll be religious and go to church."

C. What's God's Solution?

Jesus Christ said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Me." John 14:6 (see also Acts 4:12)

God's solution to our sin problem is in His Son, Jesus. The story of the Bible is God coming to earth as a human being to reconcile us to Him - to repair the damage that sin has done. That solution, that way, is Jesus!

Jesus has taken care of your sin problem!
- Romans 6:23

God did this for us because He loves us.
- John 3:16
- Romans 5:8

When Jesus came to earth and died on the cross, it was to pay the price for your sin. It satisfied the debt you owed. It made it possible to restore a right relationship between you and God.

You can do nothing to make things right with God on your own. You cannot make up for your sin or erase it. No one is "good enough" to be right with God and enter heaven on their own. But God has done for you what you cannot do for yourself. So many other religions tell you what to do to be right with God. Christianity tells you that it is already done for you by Jesus.
- Ephesians 2:8-10

Now God is waiting for you to accept that free gift (grace). That gift is for everyone, but God will not force you to accept it. You must choose it.

D. How Do I Accept Jesus And What He Did For Me?

1. Hear the Gospel (good news of Jesus). - Romans 10:13,14

2. Believe the Gospel.

John 3:16
Romans 5:1
believing that I need forgiveness and a right relationship with God, and that Jesus is the way to that right relationship.

3. Repent of your sin.

Acts 2:38
Acts 17:30,31
2 Peter 3:9
This means that I am not only sorry for my sin, but I turn from sin and follow God. I decide that God is now boss of my life.

4. Confess Jesus as the Son of God, Lord and Savior or your life.

Matthew 10:32,33
Romans 10:9,10

5. Be baptized into Christ.

Acts 2:38

Because baptism has not always been followed biblically throughout the history of the church, we want to clarify what the Bible does say about it.

a. What is it?

"Baptism" is a Greek word that means "to immerse, to dip, plunge, overwhelm." It always involved being submerged. The word was never translated into the English language. Instead it was transliterated. Unfortunately, it has been given other meanings over the centuries.
In the Bible, baptism is going down into the water and being raised back up. (Acts 8:38,39; Matthew 3:14-16)
Baptism portrays a death and resurrection.

of Christ (Romans 6:4,5)
of the one being baptized - the old self as sinner being put to death and the new self in Christ being raised in new life (Romans 6:4-8)

It is in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19,20)
It is an act of submission (not a work) to Jesus. The command is to "be baptized." It is something done to you, not something you do.

b. Why be baptized?

Jesus commanded it for all who believed in Him. (Matthew 28:19,20; Mark 16:15,16)
Jesus said "If you love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:15)
In baptism, we identify with Christ. (Galatians 3:27)
In baptism, we identify with His Church (1 Corinthians 12;13)
Baptism is God's prescribed way to demonstrate our faith in Christ. It is a God given objective moment where we display our subjective faith in Jesus Christ as opposed to a man made tradition (e.g. the mourner's bench or the sinners prayer). This is why we find language connecting baptism to salvation such as 1 Peter 3:21 which says "baptism now saves you, not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience." The water and the act of baptism does not save us. Ephesians 2:8-10 tells us that is the role of God's grace. There is nothing holy about the water. What is holy is the faith of the believer. God's grace saves us, but baptism is a moment in which we appeal to God in our faith in His grace. In that sense, baptism is an occasion of salvation. This is why Acts 2:38 says, "Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins."

c. When should I be baptized

As soon as you believe in Jesus Christ or as soon as you realized that He commands you to be baptized.

Acts 8:37; Acts 16:31-33 - In the New Testament, there was an immediacy to baptism.
Acts 18:24-26 - If you didn't know that Christ commanded you to be baptized when you believed, then submit to baptism as soon as you understand His command.

d. What if ....?

What if I was christened or baptized as an infant?
What if I was sprinkled as a believer?

To follow Jesus' command to be baptized as He commanded is never a matter of being "rebaptized." You are only doing now in good conscience and obedience of faith what you realize you have not done before.

6. Continue in the faith.

Our assurance of salvation in Jesus does not come from our good works. Neither can we lose our salvation by sinning. However, we can choose to reject our faith in God's grace and "fall from grace" in that way (Galatians 5:4). God will never force us to be with Him if we choose not to be. Our assurance is built on what God has done for us and His faithfulness to keep His promises and not our ability to please Him. We are saved by grace and kept by grace. Our good works are just an expression of our gratitude to God for what He has done and evidence of our faith and His working in us.

IV. What About The Lord's Supper?

Jesus never asked his followers to remember His birth. That's interesting. As much emphasis as our culture and the church puts on Christmas, Jesus never commanded or even asked for that. What He did command was that we remember His death and resurrection. Why? Because that is where our salvation was purchased. Before He went to the cross, Jesus gave the disciples a simple meal by which we are to remember what He has done for us. He commanded us to perpetuate this meal we call "The Lord's Supper" until He returns to partake of it with us.

1. What is the Lord's Supper?

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

It is a reminder. (vs. 24)
It is a symbol. (vs. 25)
It is a statement of faith. (vs. 26)
It is a time of self-examination. (vs. 28)

2. Who should take the Lord's Supper?

Only those who are already Christians. (Mark 14:22-26) we never see Jesus offering this special meal to those who did not yet believe. There would be no meaning in it for someone who had not yet believed and accepted what Jesus did for them. Likewise, an unbeliever would be unable to partake of this meal in a worthy manner as Jesus commanded (2 Corinthians 11:29)
However, it is up to the individual to decide whether or not they can participate in the Lord's Supper. We do not test anyone to see if they should participate. We do ask that parents help their children understand what the Lord's Supper is and that they should wait to participate until they have believed and been baptized themselves.

3. How do I prepare myself for the Lord's Supper?

2 Corinthians 11:27-28 tells us to take this meal in a worthy manner. We cannot be worthy of what Christ did for us, but we can partake of this meal in a manner that is respectful and meaningful. If we cannot do this at the time of communion, we should choose not to participate that time.
This preparation should involve remembering what God has done for you in Jesus, examining your own faith and how you have been living, repentance in areas of your life where you recognize sin and gratitude to God for His unlimited love and forgiveness.

4. When and how often should we observe the Lord's Supper?

The New Testament does not command us to observe the Lord's Supper at a particular time, but it does set a precedent for us. The early church in the book of Acts took of this meal "on the first day of the week." This was their day of worship - Sunday. (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2)
We partake of the Lord's Supper in this same way. We see tremendous benefit in remembering what He has done for us each time we meet together. To participate in this meal only once a month or once a year would be to miss the tremendous benefit of the Lord's Supper to our faith. We are forgetful as human beings, and the Lord's Supper helps us to refocus and recenter our lives together as the Body of Christ each Lord's day.