Easter season is here, and we at The Well Church are thrilled to invite you and your loved ones to join us for a series of meaningful and joy-filled events. Whether you’re looking for a reflective Good Friday service, a family-friendly Easter Egg Hunt, or a celebratory Easter Sunday worship, we’ve got something for everyone. Let’s come together as a community to celebrate the hope, renewal, and joy of Easter!

Good Friday Service
When: Friday, April 18, 6:00 PM

Where: The Well Church, 300 S. Broadway, Boulder, CO

Our Good Friday service is a time for reflection and reverence as we remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Through Biblical teaching, worship, and prayer, we’ll walk through the significance of this day in preparation for the joy of Easter Sunday. Join us in the sanctuary for a powerful evening that centers on Christ’s love and redemption.

Community Easter Egg Hunt
When: Saturday, April 19, 11:00 AM

Where: The Well Church, 300 S. Broadway, Boulder, CO

Get ready for some family fun! Our Easter Egg Hunt is a fantastic event for kids and parents alike. Bring your baskets and enjoy the excitement as little ones search for colorful eggs filled with surprises. This event is free and open to the community, so invite your friends and neighbors to join in the fun. After the hunt, stick around for light refreshments and a chance to connect with other families in Boulder.

Easter Sunday Worship Services
When: Sunday, April 20, 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM

Where: The Well Church, 300 S. Broadway, Boulder, CO

Celebrate the joy of Easter with us during one of our two worship services! Our Easter Sunday services will feature uplifting worship, a special Easter message rooted in scripture, and a joyful atmosphere for all. Whether you’re a regular attendee or visiting for the first time, we can’t wait to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with you.

Why Celebrate Easter at The Well Church?
At The Well Church, we’re passionate about proclaiming the gospel and making disciples. Located in the heart of Boulder, our church is a place for families, singles, and students to come together in worship and community. With engaging events like our Easter Egg Hunt and meaningful worship services, we aim to make this Easter season memorable for you and your loved ones.

Plan Your Visit
We’d love to make your Easter experience as seamless as possible. Here’s what you need to know:

Location: The Well Church, 300 S. Broadway, Boulder, CO

Parking: Free parking is available on-site.

Kids Ministry: Children are welcome to join our Easter Egg Hunt and participate in kids ministry during Sunday services.

If you’re a first-time visitor, be sure to fill out our connection form when you arrive to help us make your experience extra special. You can also download The Well Church app to stay updated on all our events and resources.

Spread the Word!
Easter is a time of joy, hope, and renewal, and we’d love for you to share this celebration with friends and family. Whether it’s attending our Good Friday service, bringing the kids to the Easter Egg Hunt, or worshiping with us on Easter Sunday, there’s something for everyone at The Well Church. Visit easterinboulder.com for more information.

We can’t wait to see you this Easter weekend! For more information, visit our website at www.boulderwell.org or contact us at easterinboulder.com or 720.583.5189.

Let’s celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ together in Boulder!

Boulder County, Colorado, is a region rich in community spirit and diverse beliefs. For those seeking a church that aligns with traditional values and offers a strong sense of community, understanding the local landscape is key. Here, we address some of the most common questions about churches in Boulder County.

1. What Should I Consider When Choosing a Church?

Selecting a church is a significant decision. It's important to consider:

• The church's adherence to biblical teachings and its doctrinal beliefs.
• Opportunities for fellowship and community involvement.
• The church's commitment to spiritual growth and service.
• How the church supports families and traditional values.
• The church's liturgy and understanding of church history.

2. How Many Churches Are There in Boulder County?

Boulder County hosts a variety of religious organizations, with 288 churches in the greater Boulder metro area. This provides ample opportunities to find a church that aligns your Christian tradition.

3. How Religious is Boulder, Colorado?

Boulder is known for its diverse perspectives, with only 17% of residents identifying as "very religious." However, this environment also offers a unique opportunity for churches to reach out and minister to those interested in Jesus.

Join Us at The Well Church

For those seeking a church committed to advancing Christ's Lordship for God's glory and our good, The Well Church is a welcoming community. Located at 300 S. Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305, we invite you to join our worship services every Sunday at 9:30 am. We encourage visitors to fill out a form to enhance their first-time experience and stay connected through our downloadable app.

For more information or to connect with us, please email info@boulderwell.org or call 720.583.5189.

Conclusion
In Boulder County, finding a church that reflects your values and beliefs is possible. By asking the right questions and understanding the local religious landscape, you can find a community that loves God and His people well.

In times of desperation, where do we turn? When our backs are against the wall and it seems like there's no way out, what should we do? The story of Hannah in the book of 1 Samuel offers profound insights into navigating life's most challenging moments and finding hope in the midst of despair.

Hannah's tale begins in a time of turmoil for ancient Israel. The nation was spiritually barren, having strayed from faithful worship of God. In this context, we meet Hannah – a woman deeply loved by her husband Elkanah, yet unable to bear children. Her barrenness wasn't just a personal struggle; it mirrored the larger spiritual condition of God's people.

Year after year, Hannah would accompany her family to worship at Shiloh. But instead of finding solace, she faced cruel taunts from Peninnah, Elkanah's other wife who had children. The text tells us that Peninnah would "provoke her grievously to irritate her," a stark reminder that sometimes our deepest wounds come from those closest to us.

In her anguish, Hannah made a pivotal choice. Instead of wallowing in misery or seeking revenge, she "rose" and went to the Lord. This seemingly simple act carries a powerful lesson: our afflictions should direct us to the great Comforter. Too often, we sit in our despair when we should be rising to seek God.

At the temple, Hannah poured out her soul to the Lord. Her prayer wasn't a polite, measured request – it was raw, honest, and from the depths of her being. She even made a vow, promising to dedicate her son to God's service if He would grant her request. This Nazirite vow wasn't just a desperate bargain; it reflected Hannah's deep faith and willingness to commit everything to God.

Hannah's intensity in prayer was so great that Eli the priest mistook her for being drunk. Yet even in this misunderstanding, we see Hannah's character shine. She respectfully corrected Eli, explaining that she was "pouring out her soul before the Lord." This phrase captures the essence of true prayer – not just reciting words, but laying our very selves before God.

The story takes a beautiful turn when we read, "and the Lord remembered her." These words resonate deeply with the human heart. Don't we all long to be remembered by God? In our pain and struggles, our greatest fear is often that God has forgotten us. But Hannah's story reminds us that God does see, He does care, and He does remember.

In due time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to Samuel – a son whose name means "God has heard." Little did Hannah know that her personal prayer would lead to the birth of one of Israel's greatest prophets, a man who would anoint kings and speak God's word to a nation.

This narrative offers several profound insights for our own lives:

1. Our sufferings have purpose: Hannah's barrenness became the context for God's greater plan. Our trials, while painful, may be preparing the way for something far beyond what we can imagine.

2. Honesty in prayer is powerful: Hannah didn't hide her pain or sugar-coat her requests. She poured out her raw emotions before God. We too can approach God with complete honesty, knowing He welcomes our unfiltered hearts.

3. Faith leads to action: Hannah didn't just wish for change; she actively sought God and made commitments. Our faith should propel us to both earnest prayer and dedicated living.

4. God remembers us: Even when circumstances suggest otherwise, we can trust that God has not forgotten us. In Christ, we are forever remembered and loved by our Heavenly Father.

5. Our individual stories connect to God's larger narrative: Hannah's personal struggle became part of Israel's redemptive history. Our lives, too, are woven into God's grand story of redemption.

The beauty of Hannah's story is that it doesn't require us to have grandiose visions or perfectly articulated prayers. Hannah simply brought her deep desire for a child to God. She didn't know the far-reaching implications her prayer would have. This encourages us to bring our seemingly "small" requests to God, trusting that He can use them for purposes far beyond our understanding.

In our own moments of desperation – whether facing infertility like Hannah, financial crisis, relational breakdown, or any other trial – we have a choice. We can allow our pain to isolate us, or we can let it drive us to the feet of our loving God. We can pour out our souls to Him, knowing that He hears, He cares, and He remembers.

Moreover, Hannah's story invites us to expand our perspective on suffering. While we naturally focus on our immediate pain, God may be using our trials to shape us and impact others in ways we can't yet see. Your current struggle might be the very soil from which God grows a blessing for many.

As we reflect on Hannah's journey from barrenness to blessing, let's be encouraged to approach God with both raw honesty and unwavering faith. Let's trust that even in our darkest moments, God is working out His purposes – purposes that may extend far beyond our individual lives.

In a world that often feels chaotic and uncaring, Hannah's story reminds us that we serve a God who listens, who remembers, and who acts on behalf of His people. No matter what desperate situation you may be facing today, know that you can pour out your soul to the Lord. He is waiting to hear from you, ready to remember you, and able to work in ways beyond your wildest imagination.

May we, like Hannah, rise up in our distress and seek the face of God. For in His presence, we find not just answers to our prayers, but the ultimate answer to our souls' deepest longing – to be remembered and loved by our Creator.

Shaking Mountains: Finding Hope in Uncertain Times

In a world that often feels unstable, where the ground beneath our feet can shift without warning, it's easy to lose sight of our true foundation. We build our lives on what we believe to be solid ground - careers, relationships, financial security - only to find that these things can be shaken in an instant. But what if there was a foundation that could never be moved? What if there was a hope that could withstand any earthquake life throws our way?

The prophet Isaiah paints a powerful picture of this unshakeable hope in chapters 63 and 64 of his book. In a moment of deep anguish over the state of his nation, Isaiah cries out to God:

"Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you! As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake before you!" (Isaiah 64:1-2)

This passionate plea reveals a profound truth: our only true security is found in God Himself. When everything else crumbles, He remains steadfast. When we feel powerless to change our circumstances, we can call upon the One who can shake the very mountains.

But why does Isaiah use such dramatic imagery? In the Bible, mountains are often places of revelation and divine encounter. They're where covenants are made, blessings are proclaimed, and God's glory is revealed. By asking God to make the mountains quake, Isaiah is essentially saying, "God, reveal yourself in such an undeniable way that the whole world will take notice!"

This prayer isn't just an ancient relic; it's a model for how we can approach God in our own times of uncertainty and need. When we face obstacles that seem insurmountable, when our cities or families or workplaces feel far from God, we too can cry out for His transformative presence.

However, it's crucial to understand that this isn't a prayer of desperation from someone who's never seen God act before. Isaiah continues:

"When you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you." (Isaiah 64:3)

Isaiah is reminding both himself and God of past faithfulness. He's saying, "God, you've done this before. You've moved in power on behalf of your people. Do it again!" This backward glance gives Isaiah the confidence to pray boldly for the future.

As we navigate our own challenging seasons, we would do well to follow Isaiah's example. Take time to reflect on God's faithfulness in your past. How has He provided? Where have you seen His hand at work? Let these memories fuel your faith for what lies ahead.

But our hope isn't just based on past experiences. Isaiah goes on to declare:

"Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him." (Isaiah 64:4)

This verse reminds us that even when we can't see it, God is constantly working on our behalf. Unlike the false gods and empty philosophies of the world, our God is actively involved in our lives. He's not distant or disinterested, but intimately concerned with our well-being.

This truth should radically reshape how we view our waiting seasons. When it feels like nothing is happening, when our prayers seem to go unanswered, we can trust that God is orchestrating things behind the scenes. Just as party planners work in secret to prepare a surprise celebration, our loving Father is working out His perfect plans for our lives.

However, this assurance of God's work doesn't mean we sit idle. While we wait with expectation for God to "rend the heavens," we're called to be active participants in His mission. We have a clear mandate to share the good news of Jesus, to love our neighbors, to seek justice, and to make disciples.

In our families, this might look like intentionally cultivating a home environment that honors God. In our workplaces, it could mean pursuing excellence and integrity as a witness to our faith. In our communities, we're called to be salt and light, bringing the flavors of God's kingdom into every interaction.

The beautiful tension we live in as followers of Jesus is this: we pray with urgency for God to move, while simultaneously rolling up our sleeves to join in the work He's already doing. We look back at His faithfulness, forward to His promises, and put our hands to the plow in the present moment.

As we step into a new year, let's carry this perspective with us. Let's be people who pray boldly, remembering God's past faithfulness and trusting in His ongoing work. Let's be people who live with defiant hope, even when the world around us seems chaotic. And let's be people who actively participate in God's mission, knowing that He has called us to be His hands and feet in a world desperately in need of His love.

The mountains of our challenges may loom large, but our God is the mountain-shaker. He is the solid rock beneath our feet, the one who cannot be moved. As we face the uncertainties of life, may we find comfort and courage in this truth. May we, like Isaiah, cry out for God to reveal Himself in powerful ways. And may we be ready to join Him in the incredible work He's doing in our world.

Our God is on the move. The question is: are we ready to move with Him?

Are you looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Christmas Eve this year? Join The Well Church for our special Candlelight service and experience what the Christmas season is all about. We will have two services on Christmas Eve 2PM & 4PM.

Why Worshiping Jesus on Christmas Eve Matters
Christmas is a time of joy, love, and giving. It's a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ and the hope He brings to the world. It's easy to forget why we even celebrate Christmas with all that is going on in our lives. Worshiping on Christmas Eve helps us to take a moment to pause, reflect, and connect with the true meaning of Christmas. Most importantly it is vital for us to worship the one who came to earth to save us from our sins.

Embrace the Tradition of Candlelight Worship
There is something truly magical about worshiping by candlelight on Christmas Eve. The soft glow of the candles, the peaceful atmosphere, and the sense of community all come together to create what our souls long for, worship of the King of kings. It's a time to come together with loved ones and strangers alike, united in faith and love.

Find Peace and Hope in the Midst of the Holiday Rush
During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's easy to get caught up in the stress and chaos. Attending a Christmas Eve Candlelight service allows you to step back from the busyness and find a moment of peace as we worship the Prince of Peace. It's a time to sing, hear the Word of God, and find hope in the midst of uncertainty.

Start a New Tradition with Your Loved Ones
Whether you're a longtime Christian or someone looking to explore your faith, a Christmas Eve Candlelight service is a beautiful way to start a new tradition with your loved ones. Gather your family and friends, come together in worship, and create lasting memories that will warm your heart for years to come.

So this Christmas Eve, join us at The Well Church for a Candlelight service that will fill your heart with joy, peace, and love. Let's celebrate the birth of Jesus together and experience the true joy of the season. We can't wait to worship with you! For more information click HERE

by Chase Davis & Matt Patrick

Like many churches over the past two years, ours has been walking through a season of rebuilding and reevaluating our particular philosophy of ministry. Our elders have been working hard to develop our own vision and mission plan to serve our congregation as we seek to bring theological clarity to The Well Boulder. We are glad to build up the unity of the body of Christ in this way and are excited for what the future holds for The Well Church in Boulder, Colorado. This year, we are planting our fourth church plant in the Vail Valley and have purchased a building in Boulder for our church. We are so thankful to God for his continued grace. He is doing incredible things in a place where few believed it possible. Praise God!

Part of our reevaluation has included our relationship with the Acts 29 Network. Matt Patrick was initially recruited as a church planter into the network in 2007. We have been associated with the Acts 29 Network since 2011, the same year we planted The Well Church Boulder. We have been glad to partner with like-minded churches and have experienced great joy from the friendships and brotherhood in the network. However, due to various concerns with the direction and leadership of the network itself and its effect on our church-planting efforts in Colorado, our elder team has been praying and reevaluating our relationship with Acts 29. If you’ve listened to the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast (or the better, in our estimation, Cultish podcast), you may have learned of certain flaws among the leadership culture at that Acts 29 church. We share some of those concerns. We have also become alarmed by systems within Acts 29 that have led to things like women preaching and the promotion of transgenderism within Acts 29 churches which go against both Acts 29’s distinctives and biblical truth.

We are not alone in our concerns around these theological issues. Other churches have recently left the network because its leadership has not provided clarity on such matters. For example, you can read Coram Deo’s recent letters to the board, which went unanswered. You can also read Garden City Church’s letter highlighting concerns regarding a lack of financial transparency and not being an example that we wish to follow. Another red-flag concern we had was with the sudden firing of the Director of Global Partnerships, Shaun Garmen, from Acts 29. For churches in Acts 29 West, Shaun had been a stabilizing presence and his abrupt firing seemed odd and eroded trust with many churches.

We have brought our concerns to the attention of leaders in Acts 29 over the past two years through many phone calls and town halls. We have also questioned, sincerely, how our required 2% annual giving to the network is being used and have found no more clarity over the matter than when we first inquired. We had also requested to see Acts 29’s bylaws, but we were told that they are “in-house documents.” In our conversations with network leaders, including vice presidents and regional leads, we made concerted efforts to communicate clearly and honestly and with charitable hearts.

On January 17th, 2023, and without warning, our lead pastors Matt Patrick and Chase Davis were summoned into an unplanned Zoom call with two Acts 29 Network vice presidents. They informed us that they were removing us from membership in Acts 29, effectively immediately. They claimed the board of Acts 29 unilaterally determined we are no longer a good fit for the network. We were not given any specific examples of what that means, and there were not any prior conversations about us not being a good fit prior to this meeting.

Our removal from Acts 29 is not due to any failure on our part morally, financially, or with respect to divergence from theological commitments or alignment with the core values of the Acts 29 Network. We tend to agree with their conclusion that our church is no longer a good fit within the network, especially given the way this decision was made and communicated.

Over time, churches and networks change. Because of a lack of theological clarity in Acts 29, we wanted to ensure that our church had the best opportunity to gain clarity. We share the sentiment in Garden City’s letter, authored by Justin Buzzard, that as Acts 29 became less clear and transparent, we felt a conviction to become more clear and transparent. We recently launched a podcast to share more of these ideas, and you can look forward to more candid conversations regarding our approach to ministry in Boulder, given the tumult and changing world in which we live.

We are glad and thankful to God for our time in the network. We have forged friendships and partnerships for spiritual edification that are lasting. We are hopeful that Acts 29 will heed the concerns and questions being raised publicly by former members.

Our exit from Acts 29 will not affect our ministry in Boulder. Acts 29 is a church-planting parachurch ministry and is not designed, nor intended, to offer oversight to local congregations. It is not a denomination and does not hold any ecclesial authority over churches other than affiliation. Four years ago, we established an oversight board for The Well Boulder to provide better accountability on health and direction for our church in order to meet a need that Acts 29 was not designed to meet. We also established The Well Collaborative in order to plant churches with deeper partnership and collaboration than a parachurch ministry could offer. Our relationship with The Well Longmont is as strong as ever, and their leadership has been a great encouragement to us.

We are excited for all that God has for us now and in the future. Our church is not just surviving, we are making moves in Boulder and around the state to advance the kingdom of God. People are being saved, ministry leaders are being trained, and churches are being planted. The enemy would love to distract us from our mission to proclaim the gospel and make disciples. As a church, we will not be distracted and we are more hopeful than ever. God has been so good to us and we will continue to be faithful to Him.

by Maren Horjus

We find these familiar words in the letter to the Philippians. It’s an interesting command that the Apostle Paul believes bears repeating: Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice.

Paul’s instruction is powerful enough on its own, but if we consider the person that wrote it (Paul), the circumstances in which it was penned (while he was imprisoned in Rome), and the people to whom he wrote it (the Philippians, who had witnessed his suffering), we have a gripping text worth examining today, as our Boulder community reels from yet another tragedy. In other words, where does the joy come from when our circumstances do not call for it?
While Paul and Silas were visiting Philippi and the people the former disciple would ultimately command to rejoice always, they were incarcerated and held in stocks in a maximum-security prison, which we learn about in Acts 16. And in Acts 16:25, Luke tells us, “And at about midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.”

First, of course, it is noteworthy that Paul and Silas were directing their songs and prayers to God. Maybe they were asking for deliverance or a change in their circumstances; we don’t know. We only know that they focused their words Godward, and that is important.
Second, Luke wants us to know that Paul and Silas were harmonizing. Silas wasn’t disparaging Paul for casting out the demon that ultimately landed them in prison. Paul wasn’t lamenting in silence, annoyed at Silas for singing. They were both praying and singing to God, together.
Third, we should note that the prisoners were listening. Paul and Silas were not explicitly evangelizing. They likely could not see any of the other prisoners, and so their songs weren’t performative. Rather, they were directing their praises to God, and Luke wants us to know that the prisoners heard them. People, many of them unsaved, are always listening to our private and corporate worship of God.

Finally, it is of the utmost importance that it was midnight. Paul and Silas were singing at midnight because they were awake, with their feet in stocks, in pain. Circumstantially, their rejoicing makes no sense. God had called them to this point of suffering—we do not know why—and they were praising Him, at midnight.
For our Boulder community, it is likewise midnight. We have suffered two years in a global pandemic and all that that entails—not the least of which are sickness, discriminating regulations, and church homelessness. We have suffered through a cultural upheaval related to racism. We have suffered through the deadliest shooting in county history. And now, we suffer through the most destructive fire in state history. On December 30, the Marshall Fires ripped through our county, decimating nearly a thousand homes, including some of our own.

Much like with Paul and Silas, buried in the bowels of a Macedonian prison, God has called us to a point of suffering. Some of us feel this more acutely than others in homelessness and the very real loss of possessions and livelihoods. We all sympathize as we watch our neighbors, feeling their pain and battling our own stresses and anxieties.
But The Well is resilient, and our body is generous. To date, we’ve housed numerous displaced families and given thousands of dollars to aid those in need. We’ve grieved together. (It’s not the first time we’ve rallied in the face of tragedy, either.) Our adoration for God and what He’s doing has not withered.
And so, in this midnight, we will continue to praise our God and sing hymns to Him together, knowing that people are listening. As it stands, we are commanded to rejoice in the Lord always—and for good measure, “Again, I will say rejoice.”

If you are in need of help, please email info@boulderwell.org.

by Chase Davis

Christians want the best for our neighbors, cities, states, and countries. We seek the welfare of the city. We care for the least of these. We don’t settle for individualism but cultural transformation and the common good. Christianity has a natural bent, a commission you might say, to shape civilizations. As Matt Chandler recently said, we “want our society to look more and more Christian and less and less secular.” We believe that God’s ways are best for countries and cultures. This isn’t a religious right trope, it is a biblical norm that as we make disciples and participate in our areas of influence that we will not just be a faithful witness within society but a prophetic voice to call society towards kingdom ethics.

How might we go about this in our day of tribalism and partisanship? I think that Jesus shows three key ways that we might seek the best for society while remaining doctrinally faithful.

Hospitality - Jesus often ate and drank with people to the degree that he was called a glutton and drunkard. Hospitality was a key marker of how he engaged with societal reform. He intentionally dined with people who others would consider unworthy. We welcome our enemies to come and eat. We bring to the table those with whom we share deep differences. We don’t shy away from tough relationships and strong disagreements. We extend the hospitality of Christ. We model the initiative of Jesus in reaching out to those far from the kingdom to bring them near.

By setting the table in such a manner that those who are far from God can come near, we mimic the ethos and love of Jesus. We open our homes and our churches to those that society would consider deviant and far from God.

Hostility - Jesus was often hostile in his gospel preaching. He did not settle for mere nuance or winsomeness. He confronted the idols of people’s hearts publicly. He publicly confronted idolatry to money, sexual sin, religiosity, false teaching. Even in hospitality, he was hostile, encouraging people to feast on his body and blood, something that was obviously off-putting to the crowds.

If we are going to be faithful to Jesus not just with our doctrine but with our duty, we must embrace the hostility essential to faithful gospel preaching. It will divide. The mystery of the gospel is that in the same gospel some find life and others are sealed for judgment. The aroma of Christ brings the elect to life and reeks of death to others. Faithful gospel preaching must embrace the reality that it will make enemies. But the way we defeat our enemies is not through physical violence, it is through more gospel preaching; the gospel that makes the dead come alive. Without embracing the hostility of the gospel, we will find ourselves confused as to why people reject the good news of the kingdom. But by understanding that the good news of the kingdom inherently confronts the kingdoms of this world, we are able to understand why the gospel is offensive. Far be it from us to needlessly offend but we should also not avoid the offense of the gospel because we have not embraced the hostile message it is to earthly rulers and authorities.

Hope - We should be dispensers of the hope of the kingdom. The sound of our gospel preaching should be like the sound of an ice cream truck to a child. It should elicit joy. But for some, it will be a sound of intolerance because they are lactose intolerant. The hope of the gospel only reminds them of their condemnation. This hope is only found in allegiance to King Jesus. It cannot be found in any earthly nation or ruler. This message will profoundly confront nations who are beholden to partisan leadership. When we preach the hope of the gospel, we are inviting people to keep their eyes on the prize. When we proclaim the hope of ‘kissing the Son’ to nations, we are inviting them to profess allegiance to God’s Son and honor the bride of the Son. We preach the hope of God to systems and structures within nations not in hopes of a revolution or revolt but to transform and renew culture with the gospel. The hope we preach should give us patience as we work towards a vision in which Jesus returns to the earth and establishes his kingdom in finality. As Matt Chandler said, “the kingdom of God should shape and ultimately give space in the kingdoms of this earth.”

We as Christians want good for the state and society. That good is found in our involvement with our church and the advancement of Christianity in society. As Bob Thune has said, we should see “our involvement in the church and flourishing of the church as good for the state.” These are not binary issues. They are intricately involved. Let us work toward to the good of the state and our world so that the knowledge of the Lord will fill the earth.

by Scott Gayer

We know that on a day like today a lot is happening in our hearts and minds. All this week, we want to guide you as best as we can to process Boulder's King Soopers shooting. Starting with prayer is often the best response in tragedy, before we choose to act and before we choose to launch opinions. Be with your church today.

Be with these families and victims in prayer. Be in touch with our Pastors through a DM or emailing info@boulderwell.org. Be in mourning and behold what Christ is saying in this. We've given you actionable ways to do this today below, and stay tuned for more. Today, we're asking you to start with, "Blessed are those who mourn."

We are so excited to release our recent Theology on Tap webinar in full here on Race & The Church with Dr. George Yancey from Baylor University and Pastor Chase Davis! This topic is continually important for our church and us as Christians as we seek to navigate today's cultural climate with grace and courage through the lens of the Gospel. We hope this conversation serves you and keep your eye out for more resources we're continually offering on this topic and more!

by Chase Davis

Our world is inundated with information. Never has so much information been available to so many. But with the proliferation of information in this digital age has also come the overwhelming sense that we don’t know how to live wisely. We don’t know how to use the information we have. In our sermon series through the book of Proverbs, God is offering us the opportunity to put our information to use and learn the skill of godly living.

Proverbs can be practically woven into your life by reading the book chapter by chapter over the course of a 31 day month. This March, we’re challenging our church to read one chapter of Proverbs a day. It’ll only take around 4 minutes a day to read a Proverbs a day. This can be a great way to study the book of Proverbs with others. By saturating our days with God’s wisdom, we can begin to see the applicability of God’s word more readily. We can pray and seek to see Jesus, the culmination of God’s wisdom, in the everyday situations and challenges we face.

If you want to participate in our 31 Day Bible Reading Challenge, then let us know and we’ll send you a link to a Bible reading plan to help you keep track of the reading.

by Chase Davis

In this quick post, I wanted to ask you to get involved through year-end giving.

I’ve talked with countless people at The Well who are involved at our church through giving. Part of the reason people give is because they feel more connected and more invested in what God is doing at their church. Year-end giving is a great way to get more involved and really be part of something that is crazy, a church in Boulder that is planting other churches and seeing lives transformed by the gospel. We’re trying to close out the year by seeing around $90,000 in donations which is about double a normal month of giving at The Well. We need your help to reach this goal. Please give today online or by heading out the foyer where there is a box or kiosk where you can give.

by Derek Barnett

We may be a little biased, but the real question is, "Why shouldn't you attend The Well?"
The Well Boulder may not be the church for you if you hate having a good time, if you think church should be boring, if you want to go to church miles and miles away from campus, or if you have a disdain for great music.
Seriously though, we think The Well is the perfect church for a student at CU Boulder. Here are a few reasons:

In a world where everything is relative, we need an anchor for our souls. We believe the Bible is more than just a collection of stories. It's more than just a history book. The Bible is God's word for us. It's just as relevant today as it ever has been.
Our promise to you is that our teaching will meet you where you are week-in and week-out. We present the truths of the Bible in an engaging way. We never leave you wondering, "What am I supposed to do with what I've learned?"
Each week we strive to strengthen your heart and challenge you with truth.

Let's face it, being a college student is hard enough. Being a college student that follows Jesus? Even harder.

But what if you could surround yourselves with people that will encourage you and lift your spirits? What if you were surrounded by people that are on the same page with you and are cheering for you? Our church doesn't just provide a service to attend, we are a church full of real people sharing the same struggles that you deal with on a daily basis.

Through our various ministries we want you to be empowered and equipped alongside other college students to live out your calling.

We don't believe that college students are the future of the church. We don't believe that they are future leaders in the church. College students are the church and you can lead right now.

We believe you were created for more. Our job is to help you do what only you can do for the glory of God and to do it somewhere strategically for the mission of God.

We have TONS of opportunities to serve weekly in our church. Whether you like to play instruments, sing, teach, sit behind a computer or sound board, or rock babies in a nursery, we've got a place for you.

What we do is so much more than gather on Sunday mornings. At our church, you'll have opportunities to serve the community, serve the poor, and share the love of Jesus with others.

So there you have it, 3 reasons that The Well Boulder is the perfect place for you! What more do you need? Plan your visit today.

Our church is located at Casey Middle School less than a mile from campus. The SKIP bus will pick you up on Broadway just outside the UMC at 8:30 or 10:30 on Sunday mornings and will drop you off within a block of our church. Be sure to get off at High Street.

by Chase Davis

This past Sunday I preached a sermon on the authority of the Bible here and how we should use the Bible. My hope is that you were encouraged to trust God’s word and study it more. I wanted to drop some extra resources in case you were curious to learn more about the authority of the Bible or how to read it.

Craig Blomberg is one of the foremost scholars on the veracity and authority of the Bible. You can read his latest book on this topic here. Book - Can We Still Believe the Bible? By Craig Blomberg here.

Bryan Chapell has some great material on Christ-centered preaching and worship. In this podcast interview, he explains how to read the Old Testament in a way that keeps God’s redemptive plan front and center. It's called, “How to Read the Old Testament in a Christ-Centered Way.” Listen here.

The Bible Project has some great videos on reading the Bible and understanding the different books of the Bible. Get into The Bible Project here.

by Derek Barnett

This past Sunday, we officially announced that Great Exchange Church is folding into The Well! In June, Great Exchange’s Lead Pastor Derek Barnett will also be joining The Well Staff as our new College Director!

We look forward to you all meeting Derek, his wife Sara and their two kids–Karis and Judah. We recently interviewed Derek to share more about the story of folding into The Well and what he’s looking forward to amidst it all.

Why did The Well and Great Exchange Church come together?
In 2015, me and a team of 35 people started Great Exchange Church in Boulder on the CU campus. During the last few years, The Well has maintained a great relationship with Great Exchange and fostered a lot of commonality. I eventually was asked to join The Well as the College Director, and many of our church members were already eager to join The Well alongside my family.

Tell us more about the commonality shared between The Well and Great Exchange.
The Well and Great Exchange Church are already similar in many ways. We have similar theological stances, styles of ministry and a similar vision to see Boulder reached for the glory of God. So, we decided to ask the question, “Could we be better together?” We believe the answer is, “Yes!” We look forward to seeing the impact we can have together as we pursue Jesus, community, and city transformation as one community under The Well.

How will folding into The Well change our presence at CU Boulder?
We have already been doing a number of great things for students at Great Exchange. Folding into The Well will allow us to be even more intentional about our ministry to college students. We will begin to multiply The Well’s CU Missional Community, host regular nights of worship on campus, and begin programs to help build community and make disciples amongst the students of CU that call The Well their home.

What are you most excited as Great Exchange folds into The Well?
I’m most excited about equipping and empowering the next generation to grow in their faith, to reach their God-given potential, and to lead the church well!

Also, I’ve heard that you haven’t really lived until you’ve shared an office with The Well Staff!

by Chase Davis

Philip Woods, our church plant resident, joined our residency in 2017 to plant a church in Longmont in 2018. During the residency, we discovered that Philip has a desire to plant a church which is very similar to The Well. Through a season of prayer and consideration, we decided that it would be advantageous for Philip to use the name The Well and our branding for his church plant.

We're in the early stages of mapping out the details for The Well Longmont but here's what we know now: The Well Longmont will be an automous church and will host live local preaching from Philip and other preachers he invites to preach. We will be forming a local network of churches so that our church plants can share resources. This can be especially helpful early on in a church plant because they cannot afford some of the overhead costs that The Well Boulder features.

We're excited to see God move in Longmont. There are already great churches doing great things in Longmont and we're excited to be part of the movement of God in that city. If you're interested in hearing more about The Well Longmont, send us an email letting us know your name and how you would like to be part of that church. Church planting takes a lot of finanical investment. You can join us in our mission to proclaim the gospel and make disciples by giving here.

by Chase Davis

Protestant churches all over the world celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Reformation last week. This is a great event to celebrate for the church. The seeds of the Protestant Reformation were sown in the years before Luther, but culminated in his posting of 95 Theses at the church door in Wittenburg, Germany. His posting on the church door was an invitation to dialogue about problems he saw in the church. He was truly seeking to reform the church as it was and not create a new branch of the church.

One of the main issues that Luther was challenging was the heart of salvation. Luther was an Augustinian monk who was wrecked constantly with the challenge of religion to save. He felt and believed he could not do enough religious practices to offset the wickedness in his own heart. It wasn’t until he translated the book of Romans from Greek to German that he discovered the beauty of justification and the imputed righteousness of Christ. This is what Luther referred to as ‘alien’ righteousness. The term describes the righteousness we need to be in relationship with God by how it is bestowed to us by Jesus Christ. This justification is by faith alone which is one of five declarations of the reformation known as the 5 Solas.

The 5 Solas summarize the doctrinal declarations of the Reformation. They are Sola Scriptura, Sola Fide, Sola Gratia, Solus Christus, and Soli Deo Gloria. Within these five statements of Christian doctrine, we understand the Bible to teach that salvation is solely the work of God for his glory alone. You can learn more about the 5 Solas here.

While the Reformation was an incredible event that changed church history and the history of Western Civilization, it also has led to many challenges today. This is why the work of the Reformation is not over and we declare that we should be Semper Reformanda or always reforming. We should always be looking to personally be reformed by the gospel. The church should always be looking for where it is off in doctrine, practice, and worship.
The Reformation also made some very permanent stains on the history of the church. Now instead of seeking unity together as a church, we have thousands of denominations who are often very divisive and insular. Instead of seeking to submit to the authority of Scripture and the local church, we now practice our Christianity with a privatized and individualized ritual of doing what seems best to us. We’ll explore more about the Reformation at our upcoming Christian Formation Workshop. I hope you’ll join us.

by Chase Davis

Mark Dever, pastor of Captiol Hill Baptist Church, once declared that “if you are not a member of the church you regularly attend, you may well be going to hell” (Joshua Harris, Stop Dating the Church, 55). His point in making this provocative statement is that the local church verifies your salvation and it is where you practice the love of God towards others. While this concept is biblically and theologically accurate, it is increasingly controversial because church membership is viewed with less seriousness than ever before.

Church membership as an institutional affiliation is increasingly seen as an unimportant identity and even an encroachment on the individual spiritual journey of people (Michael Horton, The Christian Faith, 66). The latest statistics state that around 10% of Christians “love Jesus but not the church” (https://www.barna.com/research/meet-love-jesus-not-church/). These are Christians who claim Christ but have not attended church in the last six months and this percentage is on the rise. It is Michael Horton’s opinion that this bifurcation between “pure religion” and “ecclesiastical faith” is a direct result of Kant’s pietistic heritage (Horton, 749). People are buying into a dualistic mindset between Jesus and his bride. Even within some Christian circles such as the ‘Jesus Movement’ and individuals like George Barna, “the visible church and its public ministry are [viewed as]…impediments to personal growth and Christian mission” because church membership is either discarded as a formal practice or it is simply “left to private judgement” (Horton, 837).

Horton is worth quoting at length here: “Taken to an extreme, this view can lead us to think the work of the Spirit in the lives of individual believers bears no necessary connection to formal membership in the church. Even preaching and the sacraments can become optional resources for an entirely personal spiritual quest. The historical institution and its public ministry may even be treated as a humanly devised impediment to genuine spiritual growth” (Horton, 863). Not only this, but with the rise of denominationalism people simply leave one church and join or start another (John Frame, Systematic Theology, 1022).

“American Christians see church membership as optional” (Tim Keller, Center Church, 97). This is a problem and challenge because church membership is a normative expectation of the Christian life Biblically. The church is derivatively and instrumentally necessary to God’s plan of salvation into the eschaton (Gregg Allison, Sojourners and Strangers, 59).If this is true, if the church is not a contingent plan or accident or unnecessary feature of the Missio Dei, then church membership, signifying our “incorporation into, participation in, and allegiance to the church of Jesus Christ,” is not just a good idea or a Biblical option, it is a necessary expression of an eternal reality (Allison, 59).

It was John Calvin who explicitly stated about the church that “away from her bosom, one cannot hope for any forgiveness of sins or any salvation” (John Calvin, Institutes, 4.1.4, 1016). Millard Erickson highlights the crux of the issue when he asks “can there be membership in Christ’s body apart from affiliation with some segment of the visible church, some local collection of believers?” (Millard Erickson, Christian Theology, 1054). This is the heart of the issue and when you look at the Biblical evidence and the theological implications related to membership, the answer to that question is no.
If you’re interested in becoming a member at The Well, attend our Covenant Membership Class to learn what being a member at The Well is like. Check the calendar to see when the next class will be offered or email us at info@boulderwell.org.

(This blog was adapted from a research paper on Church Membership in Baptist and Presbyterian Perspectives. Email us if you're interested in reading the longer form).

by Michael Hollister

Recently, the men of The Well completed a 6-week study on Biblical Manhood led by Pastor Matt Patrick. The study focused on who God calls us to be as men in accordance with His design and followed 33: The Series curriculum.

“Manhood”? Give me a break.

That’s not an uncommon reaction. So let’s get real…

Why did The Well believe a study on manhood was necessary? How did the study address the subject matter? And what was the result of the study?

To start, consider this: What is your actual, visceral reaction to the word “Manhood?”

Do you think it’s cheesy to consider? Do you feel resentment? What about anger? Or confusion?
Perhaps it evokes the painful memory of a male figure who was aggressive, cold, authoritative, or manipulative. Perhaps it evokes memories of being bullied. Or shameful feelings of inadequacy. Maybe you never had a male mentor affirm you as a man. Maybe you’re confused as to what it looks like to be a good man. Should you be more or less assertive? Should you be more or less compassionate? Is it okay not to like football? These negative feelings and connotations attached to “manhood” are common. And this is exactly why The Well hosted this study.

As Christians, we believe that God created everything intentionally, and that every piece of creation has specific roles to play for His glory. Therefore, men have certain roles to play. These roles exist in accordance with God’s design, and in alignment with His perfect character. They are crucial to human happiness and flourishing on earth. The collective roles and responsibilities of man can be considered “Biblical” or “Authentic” Manhood. When we stray from God’s guidance and order, disorder logically follows.

We began the study by recognizing that Authentic Manhood is in a state of crisis. Men are lost.
They are drifting and confused. They are dissatisfied with life. Passionless. Going through the motions. They are in pain. The results of this state of confusion are devastating.

Confused and visionless men resort to childish and destructive behavior. They resort to distractions and ways to escape reality. Lost and drifting men commit crimes. They manipulate. They destroy families. They destroy communities. This has resulted in massive disorder and pain in our world. Whereas men are meant to lead and bring order, flourishing, and beauty into the earth, instead many are acting like children and destroying instead of creating.

So why is manhood in such a state? Simply, we have strayed from God’s guidance. Just as C.S. Lewis observed that “God designed the human machine to run on Himself,” it follows that men are designed to “run on” God. He provides the guidance on how to live out our roles as men. Instead, we’ve been insisting on doing things on our own, as if the painting knows its purpose better than the painter himself. Simply put, inward focus has left us confused rather than fulfilled.

The purpose of our study was to answer the question “How do we come back home?” To do this, we created a roadmap. And we created an action plan to get us there. In this case, our destination was and is a RETURN to Authentic Manhood: the original design of man before The Fall. Our endpoint is found in Genesis, in God’s commands to Adam, which defined his roles as a man.

Adam was commanded to Create Beauty and to Cultivate Flourishing in the world. To do this, he was also called to Reject Passivity, Accept Responsibility, Lead Courageously, and Invest Eternally.

However, Adam failed to carry out his role. And we, like Adam, are fallen. So HOW do we return to a state of authentic manhood?

We need an example to look to: the only perfect man to have ever lived, Jesus. By examining Jesus’ character traits and behaviors, we can model how to be a true man in every sense of the word. Through the study, we began to see a roadmap for our own journeys. We began to understand our design as men, the different faces we are called to wear throughout life (in accordance with God’ character), and how the different seasons of our life call us to different roles. And we had a standard bearer by which to model our actions in these now-clearly-defined roles.

This brings us to the final question: WHAT was the result of the study?

We began strategizing individual action plans for becoming more authentic men. As a result, we catalyzed transformation that will bring about more powerful leadership and influence at home, at church, at work, and at play.

Additionally, we forged deeper, more authentic relationships with the members of our Dig groups. We now have deeper intimacy in our groups, and a framework for more directed and productive discussion in our weekly meetings and conversations moving forward.

Personally, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to address these issues head on. I am grateful for a community of men who, for their love of spreading the Gospel and making Disciples, are willing to confront important issues without judgment and engage life authentically.

by Chase Davis

My wife wears glasses most days and most days they have smudges on them. My 2 year old is constantly needing his mom and it just so happens he also wants her glasses. He'll smudge them, get peanut butter on them, throw them, drool on them. This means that she has to constantly clean them. If she didn't, she wouldn't be able to see.

Organizations need a clear vision of what they're trying to do. A vision paints a picture of the future that the organization hopes to see happen. Without a clear vision, organizations tend to try to appease everyone and no one. They get distracted and unmotivated. Eventually, they die. A clear vision sums up what that organization wants to happen. It provides it with direction.
God has given his church a great vision for the future. In Revelation, Jesus comes back and makes all things new. He brings all things to himself. He forms the City of God. And all people who love God are before him and satisfied.
Until that time, churches are to seek that vision in their local context. So what does it look like for a church in Boulder to have a vision for God for the city.

The vision won't be fulfilled until Christ returns. We will constantly be encouraging and pushing our church to be a community of people devoted to Christ. And subsequently, our church will be transforming the city. The vision for the city of Boulder is it would be known for its display of the glory of God in tech start-ups, fitness, and food. That every sphere of influence and every cultural crevice would be filled with the love of God. People would work not just for money but for God's name. CU would be a university known for excellent research that honors and proclaims the greatness of God. The places in our city where idols are worshipped and there is no good news would die. Instead, the good news of Jesus Christ would be proclaimed everywhere and in every way.