Who are we?
Rooted in a desire to know Jesus more deeply and live out His mission in everyday life, this community has been worshiping together in Bangor, Maine since October 4, 1874.
While the form and structure have changed over time, the heart remains the same: to be a people formed by Christ, for the sake of His world.
We are currently in a season of exciting transition as we move forward with a collaborative leadership model!
What we believe:
We are a people formed by the Gospel of the Kingdom, committed to living under the reign of Jesus in all areas of life. We affirm the historic faith of the Church as expressed in the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds, and we embrace “mere Christianity” centered on Christ and His Kingdom.
The following statements reflect the core truths we hold as a community of disciples:
1. God
We believe in one God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—eternally existing in loving unity. God is the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer of all things. (Genesis 1:1, Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:19)
2. Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus is the Son of God—fully God and fully human—who lived, died, rose again, and ascended to inaugurate the Kingdom of God, defeat sin and death, and reconcile us to the Father. He is Lord of all. (Colossians 1:15-20, Philippians 2:6–11)
3. The Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is God’s presence among us, forming us into the image of Christ, guiding us into truth, and empowering us to be ambassadors of reconciliation. (John 14:26, Acts 1:8, Galatians 5:22–25, 2 Corinthians 5:20)
4. The Bible
We believe Scripture is inspired by God and reveals Jesus. It is trustworthy for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness, and it is authoritative in all it affirms. We receive it as a unified story—written for us, though not originally to us—that testifies to redemption in Christ and invites us to live under God’s rule. The Word (Logos) is revealed through the word (graphe).
(2 Timothy 3:16–17; Luke 24:27, John 1:1, Hebrews 4:12)
5. The Kingdom of God
We believe the central message of Jesus, the gospel that He preached, was the good news of God’s Kingdom—a present and coming reality where God’s will is done on earth as in heaven. As followers of Jesus, we are called to live as citizens of that Kingdom. (Mark 1:14–15, Matthew 6:33, Philippians 3:20)
6. The Church
We believe the Church is not a building or institution, but a people called out to live in community with God and one another. We are a body of many parts, empowered by the Spirit and sent to participate in God’s mission of restoration and reconciliation. (Matthew 16:18, Acts 2:42–47, Ephesians 4:1–16, 1 Corinthians 12)
7. Salvation and New Life
We believe salvation is the gift of God’s grace through faith in Jesus. Humanity has turned from God’s good design—desiring self-rule, which has resulted in sin. Sin is not merely breaking rules, but rejecting God’s rule—fracturing our relationships with God, others, creation, and ourselves. It distorts our desires, damages community, and leads to death.
But in Christ, God has dealt with sin and its effects, offering forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation.
Salvation is not just about destination (going to heaven), but about vocation (our calling) to enter into the life of the Kingdom now and forever. This transformation leads to a life of love, obedience, and ongoing formation into the likeness of Christ.
(Ephesians 2:8–10; Romans 3:23–24; Romans 12:1–2; John 10:10; 1 John 1:9)
8. The Hope to Come
We believe Jesus will return to fully establish His Kingdom, bring justice, restore all creation, and dwell with His people forever. We live in hope, actively participating in the renewal of all things. (Revelation 21:1–5, Romans 8:18–25)
Meet our Pastoral Team
-
Amy Alves
Ever since she was little, Amy has carried a deep desire to see people and communities embrace the full life Jesus offers. Her passion is for formation—growth that flows from intimacy with Christ and life in the Spirit!
With a background in spiritual direction, Amy brings a prayerful and grounded approach to leadership. A perceptive and courageous truth-teller, she loves talking with people and seeing God at work in their story.
-
Dylan Forgey
Dylan brings a considerate presence and quiet curiosity that helps others feel seen. His desire to understand and articulate the beauty of the gospel is shaped by honest questions, personal reflection, and a deep hunger for truth.
A lover of Crocs and coffee, Dylan enjoys sitting with people in conversation. Whether you're walking through doubt or devotion, he thrives on meeting people where they are and walking alongside them.
-
Josh Alves
Josh is passionate about helping us stay grounded in Christ and the story of God while encouraging us how to live that story faithfully today. With a love for studying Scripture and observing culture, he helps connect the dots between then, now, and what life in the Kingdom invites next.
An author and illustrator, he enjoys encouraging creativity and seeing others discover how their gifts can reflect the beauty and truth of the gospel.
FAQs
-
We are part of the worldwide Church… the global fellowship of those who follow Jesus and seek to live under His reign.
Locally, we are affiliated with the Advent Christian General Conference, an evangelical movement committed to proclaiming the hope that Jesus is coming back soon. While this is our denominational connection, our heart is to partner in ministry with all who call on the name of Jesus in truth and love.
-
The simple answer is: Jesus. He is the head of the Church.
In our local community, leadership is shared by a co-vocational pastoral team who serve alongside a leadership team of elders and spiritually mature community members. We have a collaborative, gift-based approach to leadership expressed in mutual submission and shared responsibility.
-
Not at all. Our unity is found in Christ, not in agreeing on every detail. You’re welcome here whether you’re full of faith, full of doubt, or somewhere in between. We’re a community of people learning to follow Jesus together.
Questions?
We’d love to hear from you! Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly.