"We pray that this would be the first move of the Holy Spirit in a way that will truly blow in and through this town in shocking, incredible, courageous and encouraging ways," says the Rev. Erik Hanson of the "astonishing" gift and "astounding" display of unity from neighboring congregations.

Though the break with its parent is cordial, First Presbyterian Boulder desires autonomy, ownership and stronger adherence to traditional interpretations of Scripture.

Twenty people including eight pastors and church leaders showed up unexpectedly at a staff meeting of First Presbyterian to present their cash gifts to Hanson and his associates; they then prayed among each other and for 40 staff members, sharing communion, laughter and tears during the impromptu combined worship service of 60 people from eight churches.

Among them were pastors from two Boulder County churches—one of them a mega-church with 20,000 or so members and the other a smaller charismatic congregation—both having special and historic ties to the First Presbyterian Church Boulder.

Flatirons Community Church, one of the fastest growing and largest churches in the United States, began with a small Bible study group within First Presbyterian.

Flatiron's pastor, Jim Burgen, joined peers from smaller churches during the surprise visit to First Presbyterian, calling the downtown church an "anchor," as well as "courageous" and "bold" in its decision to leave the PC(USA) and join the ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians.

Charismatic church Vinelife has a long history of cooperation with First Presbyterian, hosting together outreaches to the less fortunate in Boulder. Members from both churches literally wash the feet of homeless or needy people, providing pedicures, haircuts, meals and other services at annual events called the Boulder Foot Wash and Lamb's Lunch. Volunteers also share the Gospel and pray for those who are open to personal ministry.

Vinelife's Teaching Pastor, Luke Humbrecht, was part of a conversation with Messianic Pastor Gene Binder of Cornerstone Church about rallying other Boulder congregations to help First Presbyterian with the $2.29 million price tag on its building and land.

"It was a Holy Spirit moment, a kairos moment when Vinelife members started streaming to the altar with their tithes and offerings totaling $28,000" says Pastor Bob Young. "They were giving their gifts to Vinelife but they knew their offerings were designated for First Presbyterian."

The six other churches uniting with First Presbyterian in buying its building and land are All Souls, Ascent, Calvary Bible, The Well and Boulder Valley Christian, whose pastor Matt Carlson envisioned the idea and presented it first to two church leaders, then to six other pastors who meet monthly for prayer, worship and fellowship.

The display of unity amidst diversity and the combined generosity of eight congregations inspired First Presbyterian's Associate Pastor Carl Hofmann.

"Sadly, churches and pastors too often view each other with jealousy and a competitive spirit. We lamely look at neighboring congregations, particularly the newer and more successful ones as competitors for market share.

"In this surprising act of kindness, these pastors demonstrated how Jesus views His Church: He sees us all together in one Body in a region, teaming up to minister together in His name," Hofmann says.

Hanson agrees. "I can't think of a more extraordinary expression of unity from God's people than to come let us know that they are standing with us spiritually and financially.

"That expression of unity was worth all its weight in gold," he says.

The Church is about two-thirds of the way to its financial goal, and an overwhelming majority of its members voted to join the more conservative, Biblically based order of Presbyterians.

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