What is church and why we do it?

Church is more than an event to attend, it’s a family to belong to and grow together with.

Often the word “church” brings to mind a religious ceremony for weekends where you have nothing else planned, but that isn’t what Jesus had in mind. He planned for the church to be His hands and feet on the planet continuing His good work in the world and even doing more than He accomplished. We care for people, introduce them to Jesus and invite them to follow Him into a full and satisfying life.

 

How do we do church?

Our world appears increasingly unstable and it can feel overwhelming to take responsibility for global issues. Neighborhood Church is narrowing our focus in the way Jesus instructs us: “Love the LORD…and love your neighbor as yourself.” We may not be able to “save the world” but we can show His love to those across the street, in our house, at our work or in our school. Every neighborhood, every household, and every person is different. As such, we practice a balance of following Jesus in several different environments: gathering, celebrating, learning and serving. Ready to learn more?

 

What do We Believe?

Jesus is the center of our theological understanding. Neighborhood Church is a member of an international fellowship of churches known globally as the Charis Alliance and Charis Fellowship in the United States. We celebrate a heritage committed  to Biblical truth, Biblical relationships, and our shared Biblical mission to invite our neighbors to meet and follow Jesus.

“Jesus is the center of our theological understanding. Neighborhood Church is a member of an international fellowship of churches known globally as the Charis Alliance and Charis Fellowship in the United States…”

 
 

Our Values

Neighborhood Church is built on six core values. We are working hard to embody these and be a blessing to all of our neighbors through them.

 
 

We put Jesus first.

We center everything on Jesus’ love and grace because He alone has set us free.

We trust the Bible.

We depend on Scripture as our primary guide for life because God leads us most directly through His Word.

We journey together.

Church is more than just a place to attend, it’s a family to belong to. We grow when we follow Jesus together.

 

We collaborate rather than compete.

Jesus has one body and we’re all on His team. We work together with others who are seeking His Kingdom first.

We hold God’s gifts with open hands.

God gives each of us resources, experiences and abilities, so we share them generously with others.

We hold fast to the mission while adapting our methods.

The truth of the Gospel never changes and we trust the Holy Spirit to help us creatively reach our community.

Meet the Team

  • Michael Lockstampfor

    Pastor
    Michael has served in many roles throughout the church’s history, cares deeply for Ocala, loves Jesus and horticulture.

  • Ryan Gagnon

    Pastor
    Ryan has served Neighborhood Church faithfully through many different seasons, leads Kid Nation, loves Jesus and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

  • Carlos Ramirez

    Worship Leader

  • Matt Wheelock

    Administrative Pastor

 

Congregations

Neighborhood Church Ocala is a bit like an iceberg–we have a lot of support that is not visible at first glance. Neighborhood Church is one church with three congregations in three cities across Florida: Sebring, Ocala, and Lakeland. Our relationship and shared mission to invite our neighbors to meet and follow Jesus stem from several decades of history and a willingness to serve one another for the benefit of the Gospel.

 
 

FAQs

  • We are a Jesus-centered, Bible- teaching Christian church.

  • Sundays, 10am at 6474 NE 7th Street Ocala FL 34470

  • We play modern arrangements of all kinds of songs: old hymns, new songs, Scripture songs

  • However you are comfortable. Most dress casually.

  • That’s up to you! Keep them with you until Kid Nation is dismissed before the message or have them sit with you the whole time.

  • Jesus and how the Bible addresses our day-to-day lives.

  • We’re all about Jesus first and we’re also a member of the Charis Fellowship which is similarly centered on Jesus.