Coming soon.
a missional community in Hamburg, NY.
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” - Galatians 5:14
Our Vision.
“To be a haven for our neighbors by knowing Jesus and making Him known”
Our conviction is that we should be a haven where our neighbors can take refuge in God. This belief is founded on what we see throughout the scriptures. Psalms and Proverbs are full of songs of worship and cries for the Lord to be our safety and protection. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2) This truth is foundational as we seek relationships with our neighbors so we can communicate that there is a place for them in our homes as well as in the Kingdom of God.
We are called to know Jesus. This is laid out in Deuteronomy 6:5, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” To love God as He commands us to requires deep knowledge of Him and time dwelling in His presence. Knowing God is not an optional part of the Christian life, it is the Christian life. “But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth.” (Jeremiah 9:24).
Lastly, we are called to make Jesus known. One of the last things Jesus did with His disciples before leaving them was give them this directive: And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 )
How we know Jesus:
Worship.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. - Romans 12:1
Devotion.
Be wholeheartedly devoted to the Lord our God to walk in his statutes and to keep his commands, as it is today.” - 1 Kings 8:61
He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. - Matthew 22:37
Scripture.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Prayer.
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. - Philippians 4:6
How we make Jesus known:
Testimony.
But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. -1 Peter 3:15
Service.
Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. - 1 Peter 4:9-10
Generosity.
Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices. - Hebrews 13:16
You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. -2 Corinthians 9:11
Multiplication.
The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:16-20
Team
Dan Boutwell
Dan and his wife Abbey were married in January of 2022 and moved to Hamburg when the time was right to start doing ministry there. Abbey is a social worker who grew up in the community and Dan is a business owner with a fire in his bones for planting churches. Dan has been apart of many church plants and has worked with church planting organizations both local and national. They both have a strong ties and passion for Hamburg and want to see the gospel flourish as it changes the hearts of those who are their neighbors.
Email: dan@neighborschurchbuffalo.com
Nate Rader
Nate and his wife Beth met at Midwestern Baptist College in Michigan in 2004, where they were both taking classes. After they were married in 2007, they moved back to Buffalo to work at the church Nate grew up in. For 11 years, they led the youth ministry, as well as inner city outreach programs. They had four children in that time. They have seen how the power of the Gospel brings healing and transformation in communities, and they desire to see that in the southtowns.
Email: nate@neighborschurchbuffalo.com
Neighbors Church FAQ:
#1 Why a church in Hamburg?
In 2000, across the nation, 45 percent of all those polled qualified as practicing Christians. That number has consistently declined over the last 2+ decades. Now, just one in four Americans (25%) is a practicing Christian. In essence, the number of practicing Christians has nearly dropped in half since 2000.
In Hamburg where we intend to plant Neighbors Church, the percentage is even lower. 22% of people polled qualify as practicing Christians. That means that our neighborhoods have fewer Christians in them than ever.
#2 When will you launch?
In a way, we already have. We plan to plant a church, not “start a church service.” We desire to engage the community, make disciples, and when the time is right, we will start meeting on Sunday mornings. But that is not our focus. All are welcome to join us at any point in the journey!
#3 What are your needs?
Most importantly, we need prayer. Church planting is a long, tiresome, lonely path to travel down. Secondly, we need committed Christians from the community that want to serve alongside us. Every church needs a team, and we are looking for that team! Thirdly, we are looking for financial giving. While we believe church planting is a free endeavor, the giving of faithful brothers and sisters in Christ make it easier to serve our neighbors by offering them services and resources they need.
#4 How can I join?
Right now, we are seeking Christians who want to live on mission with us, not just attend a new church. If you live in the Southtowns and are interested in living like a missionary, please drop us a message below and we will make sure to reach out to you and set up a time to talk!
Questions?
Fill out the form below to inquire about anything you want to know about our ministry. We will get back to you as soon as we can!