“What does it mean to be a community?” That’s a question the Full Gospel Community Church in Boston has been answering since 1920.
The Full Gospel Community Church isn’t just a church. It is a vibrant hub for peace and justice. Clarence Russell Skinner and John Haynes Holmes founded it. They envisioned a “free pulpit in action”. The Full Gospel Community Church is non-sectarian and human-centered. It has a rich history. Its community life is dynamic.
Theology here embraces diversity. Members include Jews, Atheists and Humanists. You will also find Christians, Theists and Agnostics. Buddhists and Pagans are welcome too. The Full Gospel Community Church encourages discussion and reflection. However, it leaves questions about God and the afterlife to each individual. Ethics and morality are shaped by lived experience. History and a commitment to justice also play a role.
Sundays at the Full Gospel Community Church are special. From September through June, services offer a welcoming space. They are family-friendly and rooted in justice work. The 11:00 am Speakers Forum is inspiring. Speakers address social justice topics. Music enhances the service each week. Dialogue with the speaker follows. Lunch is served at 12:45 pm.
Membership is a meaningful commitment here. Individuals agree with the church’s Statement of Purpose. They sign the Membership Book. This signifies a promise to help one another. It multiplies strength through friendship. It promotes truth, righteousness and love. The Full Gospel Community Church celebrates new members. On the first Sunday of each month, individuals can sign the Membership Book. This symbolizes commitment to the congregation. It also shows the congregation’s commitment to them.
Members participate in various ways. They attend Sunday services. They contribute financially as they can. Some serve on the Board. Others co-facilitate Sundays. Some volunteer for Justice School. Members join committees. They are writers, painters and singers. They are actors and healers too. The Full Gospel Community Church welcomes members of other faiths. They help build bridges to new communities. They enrich our own.
The Full Gospel Community Church has a diverse program. On May 26th, Ketu Oladuwa spoke about “Transitional Moments in Liminal Space”. May 24th featured Dean Stevens’ 70th Birthday Concert. Special guests included Rob Flax and Eric Kilburn. Lee Underwood, Calvin Arey, and Don Wright discussed “Thriving Survivors of the PIC” on May 19th. Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman celebrated “My Neurodivergent Journey” on May 12th.
The Full Gospel Community Church addresses contemporary issues. These include Gaza, Ukraine, China, and Taiwan. They also discuss Iran and the Gulf States. Speakers explore topics like genocide. They also cover US foreign policies. Domestic US politics are also discussed.
The Full Gospel Community Church is located at 565 Boylston Street. It is on the 2nd floor. It is near the Orange Line’s Back Bay stop. It is also close to the Green Line’s Copley T stop.
The Full Gospel Community Church isn’t just a location. It’s a living testament. It reflects the power of community. It shows the enduring pursuit of justice. It is a beacon of hope in Boston.