About Shipyard Church
We follow Jesus and encourage one another. We share fellowship, Scripture, prayer, and generosity for those in need. Real connection happens in circles, not rows.
Our Story
Shipyard Church started with a simple conviction: the church is a family, not an institution. We looked at how the earliest believers gathered in Acts 2 and asked, what if we just did that?
So we gather together. We open the Bible and read it slowly. We talk about what it means and how to live it out. We pray for one another. We share our burdens and our joys. Everyone participates.
No stage. No sound system. No programs. No spectators. Just the church being the church.
How We Gather
We are not trying to be different for the sake of it. We are trying to be faithful. But if you have only experienced large church settings, here is what you will notice.
Participatory gatherings.
Dialogue, not monologue. We read Scripture together, discuss it, ask questions, and encourage one another. This is not a performance. Everyone has a voice.
Tentmaker oversight.
No paid staff. Our leaders make a living on their own, just like Paul did. Every dollar given goes to the mission, not to overhead.
Multiplying through mitosis.
We stay small on purpose. Deep relationships require proximity. When we grow, we do not build a bigger building. We prepare people to launch new groups.
Simple and reproducible.
No fancy equipment, batteries, or assembly required. Anyone can do this. That is the point.
Common Questions
Is this a real church? +
Yes. A church is not a building or a budget. It is the people of God gathered together. We teach, worship, serve, make disciples, and care for one another. That is what a church does.
What do you believe? +
We hold to historic, orthodox Christianity. The faith once for all delivered to the saints. We affirm the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed. You can read our full statement of faith.
What denomination are you? +
We are nondenominational. We are part of the Local Faith network of simple churches.
What happens on a typical Sunday? +
We meet at 10 AM at the Loring Center in Plymouth. We open the Bible and walk through a passage together. We discuss it, ask questions, and pray for one another. It is relaxed, participatory, and real. See our Sundays page for more.
Can I just show up? +
We would love that. Reach out so we can welcome you and share the details. No pressure, no commitment.
What about kids? +
Kids are welcome and included. We are a family, and families include children.
Do I need to believe anything to come? +
No. Come as you are. Ask questions. Wrestle with doubt. We are not looking for perfect people. We are looking for honest ones.
Do you record or livestream? +
No, and that is on purpose. We want everyone to feel free to join in, ask questions, and share openly without a camera in the room.
Where does the money go? +
We have no paid staff and minimal overhead. Giving goes to mission work, benevolence, and equipping others to start simple churches. You can learn more on our Give page.
Come be with us.
We would love to meet you. Reach out and we will get you connected.