Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get connected to other people like me at Grace Church?
The primary ways to connect and form meaningful relationships at Grace Church are through Community Groups, Men’s & Women’s Ministries, and Serving (volunteering). The first step to finding out more and getting involved is to come to Discovery. You can also find out more on the sections of the website dedicated to these ministries.
Does Grace Church have a Singles or College Ministry?
We do not have a formalized ministry specific to singles or college due to our belief that life change and spiritual growth best takes place in a community setting that closely resembles everyday life. Our goal is to integrate singles and college aged individuals into our Community Groups (which have single and married participants) and Men’s and Women’s groups (which also have both). Our mission at Grace Church is to equip the church for a life of spiritual passion, and while we recognize the benefit of interaction between specific demographics, we have chosen to remain a “simple church” and focus all of our energy on doing well with a few specific ministries (mentioned above).
Is Grace Church affiliated with a denomination?
Grace Church is a non-denominational church without affiliation to a larger governing denomination. All decisions affecting the spiritual direction of the church are made by the board of elders. We can be succinctly described as a non-charismatic evangelical church dedicated to accurate teaching and practicing of the bible. Our church doctrine is covered in an orientation class called Discovery, which is the first step towards church membership.
Who is your Senior Pastor?
Grace Church believes in the plurality of leadership, and as such all decisions regarding the spiritual direction of the church and major financial and physical decisions are made by the board of elders. The board of elders executes decisions in plurality, meaning that all must agree, or a decision is tabled. Decisions, as they relate to every day function of the church, are made by the staff leadership in accordance with the spiritual direction set forth by the board of elders. Decisions are not made by vote of the church body, however, input and concerns are always welcome and considered.
How are elder’s elected and replaced?
There is no set number of elders, and the current board is always praying and considering additional elders as the church continues to grow. New elders are selected by the current board of elders, and the church body has an opportunity, prior to ordination of a new elder, to bring forth reasonable concern or the agreement with the qualifications of the proposed elder. Once ordained, an elder remains on the board as long as he has a heart for eldership, effectively fulfills his responsibilities, and adheres to the qualifications of an elder set forth in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9.
Why are there multiple teachers at Grace Church?
Grace Church has a team teaching structure. Matt Williams is the staff Teaching Pastor who teaches most weekends throughout the year, however, there are several other people who teach from time to time based on their spiritual gift in teaching and the subject of the teaching.
Can I join Grace Church without my spouse?
Our primary concern at Grace Church is for the spiritual health of our members. When both spouses are followers of Christ, we believe strongly in mutual pursuit of spiritual growth at Grace Church, including husbands who lead their wives and wives who support their husbands in this pursuit. For other circumstances, please contact a pastor at the church office to discuss so we can determine how to best serve you.
Can women fill leadership positions at Grace Church?
Women fill vital roles in the work of God at Grace Church, including leadership in Women’s Ministry, Children’s Ministry, Student Ministry, and Hospitality. Nearly all Community Groups are led by couples. Our staff also includes many women in roles that oversee and shape our ministries.
What is Grace Church’s stance on baptism?
We believe that baptism is commanded for followers of Christ, but do not believe that the act of baptism is assurance of salvation in any way. We support a “believer’s baptism”, where a person makes a decision to follow Jesus Christ and publicly professes this through baptism and testimony. We practice baptism by immersion because it is the example given to us in the New Testament. We do not prevent members from observing other forms of baptism, however, we do not practice them in our services.
For more on baptism and other topics concerning the Christian faith, read Grace Church's Position Papers.
