By Matt LaBarre
Contributing Writer
NORTHBOROUGH – According to Northboro Church of Christ preacher and evangelist Dennis Steward, the church desires to “do and be what Jesus wants us to be.”
“We want to look like Jesus,” he said.
The congregation warmly invites anyone searching for God in their lives and a “church home” to visit and attend a service. In fact, Steward did not grow up in a church.
“I grew up in the Midwest, and no one in my family took faith seriously,” he said.
After moving to the area, Steward and his girlfriend at the time began attending Jehovah Witness services. They were then introduced to Paul Barber, who was pastor of the Northboro Church of Christ, two decades ago by her grandmother.
“I really wasn’t looking for God or a church at the time, and the relationship with the girlfriend didn’t last, but my relationship with God, Paul Barber and this congregation did,” Steward said.
The congregation includes individuals and families from throughout the region.
The church is connected to the Restoration Movement. According to Steward, the movement was created when several people looked around and decided that the churches they were part of didn’t look like the Bible. Key tenants of the Restoration Movement focus on the New Testament, particularly the Book of Acts.
“Our church theme might be described as ‘the main things are the plain things,’ ” Steward said. “Peter says to repent and be baptized, to turn away from sin and be baptized, and that might be our profession of faith.”
“We also believe and try to live our lives believing that in spite of matters of opinion, grace must be foremost, and in all things love,” Steward said.
He said, “We strive to reserve judgment when we disagree because where would any of us be without the grace of God?”
Receiving weekly communion is a pillar belief.
“The early church met weekly, and we believe that communion represents the body and blood of Christ,” Steward said. “The physical elements of communion provide food for the soul, which is vital for anyone’s spiritual life as well as the life of the church.”
Steward met his wife of 18 years, April, through the church.
She is very involved with one of the congregation’s programs – Embrace Grace. This ministry is focused on helping single and pregnant moms “walking through” an unplanned pregnancy. It provides emotional support, encouragement through group meetings, referrals to area services and other help.
Other weekly Bible study, services and Bible classes are conducted to assist people in spiritual growth and development.
The congregation is also committed to a variety of community outreach efforts.
In early fall, the church sponsors Harvestfest, a day for family fun. It has begun reaching out to area police and fire departments to assist families or individuals who have experienced a crime or trauma and determine if there might be ways the congregation can assist.
“We participate in the coat drive for Helping Hands,” said Steward. “Our backpack ministry, helping children who need school supplies as they prepare to go back to school every summer is also very important to us.”
Northboro Church of Christ is located at 456 W. Main St. For more information, visit www.northborococ.org.
