Why did you start another church? Aren't there enough churches in the area?

It was never our idea to start a church. Kirk had a leading from God in 1994 and the vision has grown ever since. As we say, "it's a God-thing." We are one of the founding churches of PACT, a network of pastors and churches in Washtenaw County. Yet most of the life-giving churches in our area are more traditional and program-based. Frontline is an alternative community for people seeking to connect with God, one another, and our world.

So what's different about Frontline Church, Ann Arbor?

At the risk of using terms that are abused and virtually meaningless, the vast majority of churches in North America are modern, as opposed to postmodern, in their approach. Their emphasis is on conveying information about God more than allowing people to experience God. Their primary focus is on the mind and intellect while Frontline attempts to communicate the message of Jesus Christ in a multiplicity of ways, including community service, the creative arts, media, interactive teaching, and Bible exploration in both homes and at weekly worship gatherings. Free dinner and Sunday night interactive worship also make us unique.

Are you like Willow Creek?

Willow Creek Community Church, one of the largest churches in North America based in South Barrington, Illinois, has done a great job at reaching people with a modern worldview. You might say that we are "post-Willow Creek" in that we go beyond a presentation of the Gospel in a service. Our worship is interactive, participatory, and hopefully people will sense God's presence moving in our community. We believe that the church is not merely a building or a service but a true community of people that are discovering God together. It's more than an hour on Sunday. It's a 24/7 deal! We believe in Willow Creek's values, particularly that people matter to God and that the church should serve people rather than mere traditions and we are members of the Willow Creek Association.

Why not just call it Frontline Church? Is the city of Ann Arbor paying you to advertise or something?

We wish! The vision for Frontline is not to merely plant a church but to launch new churches literally around the world. Ann Arbor is filled with international students, faculty, and employees that we believe will encounter the love of Christ through Frontline and eventually go back to their home nations and plant new churches. Although they might not adopt the Frontline name (which is fine with us!), we look forward to the day when we see Frontline Church, Tokyo, Frontline Church, Sydney, Frontline Church, Jakarta, Frontline Church, Detroit, etc. Our first “daughter” church was launched in January, 2002 in Springfield, Ohio with many more to come.

When and where do you meet? Do you have your own building? Will you ever get your own building?

We believe church is not about a building or a service. Instead, it is a community that is active at all times. Frontline is a 24/7 community, with small groups and activities throughout the week in various homes, offices, and restaurants. We do, however, gather as a church family at the Boardwalk Creative Center near Briarwood Mall. We will gladly accept donations of land and buildings for a permanent home!

Where do you see Frontline Church, Ann Arbor in the future?

We expect to see hundreds of people involved in loving God and others more each day. The future of Frontline is in daughter churches (like Icthus in Springfield, Ohio) and small home groups. Our focus is not on building one large megachurch but on serving people in smaller communities that gather for corporate worship together. We also see dozens of people experiencing God's power and presence for the first time and entering into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

How does someone know God personally like that?

It comes through understanding the grand narrative of life that the Bible tells and asking God to guide your life. It involves trust in Jesus Christ and accepting His love for you. We are able to have active dialogue with God by talking to Him through prayer and reading His life manual, the Bible. That's it in its simplest form. A young child can even understand the basics of Christianity. It's not in doing things, going to church, or being good. It happens when you surrender your life to Jesus. We would love to describe the process further. Please contact us and we'll tell you more or check out our page on The Journey.

How can I get involved?

We're glad you asked! There are several ways you can be a part of Frontline. Visit our Calendar for more information about our ministry teams and upcoming service opportunities. You can also support Frontline with your prayers and financial gifts.