If you have never been to a Spirit-filled church, the label can sound intimidating. People picture a chaotic room, a lot of pressure, or a crowd that all knows a script you missed. So here is what it actually means at Catch The Fire Boulder, in plain words, before you ever walk through the door.
What does "Spirit-filled" mean?
It means we believe the Holy Spirit is a real person who is present and active today, not an idea we nod at on Sunday. Our statement of beliefs says the Spirit's indwelling presence is what enables believers to live a godly life. It also says believers can ask to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, which we understand to show up as speaking in tongues and prophecy, the way it did in Acts 2:4.
You will also hear this kind of church called "charismatic." Same idea, different word. If you want the full list of what we believe, it is all on our What We Believe page.
What does worship look like in the room?
Our beliefs page describes worship as including "free expressions" like singing, clapping, lifting hands and dancing. You will see people do all of those on a Sunday. Some people sing with their hands raised. Some clap. Some stand quietly and listen. Where you land is up to you.
The worship is not a performance to watch. It is meant to be something everyone in the room takes part in, and the music is there to help people turn their attention to God.
What happens at a Sunday service?
Our Sunday gathering starts at 10:00am and runs about 90 minutes. There is worship, teaching from Scripture, and prayer. If you like a quieter start, there is open prayer before the service at 8:45am, and anyone is welcome to join.
After the service, a prayer team is at the front. If something in the morning stirred something in you, or you are carrying something heavy, that is a good time to walk up and ask someone to pray with you.
You can see the whole flow of a Sunday, from parking to the closing prayer, on our Plan Your Visit page.
What about tongues and prophecy?
You may hear someone speak in tongues or share a prophetic word during a service. That is part of what Acts 2 describes, and it is part of how we understand life in the Spirit. Not every Christian tradition reads that chapter the way we do, and we would rather you hear our view straight than guess at it. If you want to go deeper, we wrote a full explainer on baptism in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues.
You do not have to speak in tongues, or even understand it, to sit in a seat on Sunday.
Is a church like this right for someone who is new or unsure?
Plenty of the people who visit a church like ours are curious, cautious, or coming back after a long time away. Questions are welcome. If you would like to talk to someone before your first Sunday, call us at (720) 651-1152 or email steve@ctfboulder.com and we will tell you exactly what to expect.
If you would rather hear a message first, our Sunday services are on YouTube, and you can browse recent messages on our sermons page.
Common questions
What does Spirit-filled mean in a church?
A Spirit-filled church believes the Holy Spirit is present and active today and that believers can be baptized in the Spirit, as described in Acts 2:4. At Catch The Fire Boulder that shows up in expressive worship, prayer for people, and openness to tongues and prophecy.
Do I have to speak in tongues to attend?
No. Baptism in the Holy Spirit is something believers can ask for, but nothing about visiting requires it. Come, sit, and take in the service at your own pace. Nobody needs to speak in tongues to be welcome here.
What time are services at Catch The Fire Boulder?
Sunday worship starts at 10:00am at 700 W. South Boulder Rd., Lafayette, CO 80026, and runs about 90 minutes. Prayer before the service starts at 8:45am and is open to anyone who wants to come early.
Come see for yourself
If this made you curious, we would love to have you with us this Sunday at 10am. We are a church in Lafayette, CO at 700 W. South Boulder Rd. Plan your visit or reach out any time at steve@ctfboulder.com.
