FAQ
Is Grace Fellowship Church part of a denomination?
Grace was founded independently of any established Protestant denomination in 1980 by four local couples (see Our Story). We’re probably best thought of as an independent Christian church, contemporary in our form, and traditional in our theology.
Theologically, we are committed to biblical truth, and to the teaching and life of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only Son of God, the author and protector of our faith. We believe that scripture is the inspired word of God, and we value prayer as well as community.
In our form, we would be considered a contemporary church. We believe that the ways in which we worship, fellowship, and study God’s word must be relevant and interesting. Our desire is to be a church that models the love and truth of Jesus Christ in a way that is accessible to our world.
We also believe that we are an integral component of the Kingdom of God, a kingdom that is inclusive of other church traditions with which we share core beliefs. Thus, we want to break down barriers so that the truth of salvation may be preached throughout the region.
We have also outlined our four core commitments and beliefs here.
Does Grace have a Sunday School?
Perhaps you grew up in a church where there was a separate “Sunday School” hour before or after “Worship.” Often, adults, as well as children, had Sunday School. Following Sunday School, both adults and children would go to the worship service. You may have memories of sitting in a pew as a young child trying to keep still until the last song was sung!
At Grace, we do things just a little differently.
For children from birth through 5th grade, our Children’s Ministry provides an outstanding age-appropriate learning environment for our children at the same time as our weekend services.
For our middle schoolers, Wildfire provides a high-energy program tailored specifically to the needs of this age group.
Venture is the name of our high school ministry. Powered by more than 200 students and adult volunteers, their large group meets on Sunday evenings.
So, what about adult Sunday school? We do that, and much more, in our small groups. Getting connected to others isn’t difficult!
What are Grace’s views on baptism?
Being baptized in water proclaims through a physical symbol the spiritual reality that you have become identified with Christ through saving faith in Him. Therefore, those who have trusted in Jesus Christ as their Savior should be baptized.
Baptism is our response to Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:19-20 where He says “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV)
Much like a wedding ring signifies a commitment that has been made between husband and wife, the public act of baptism signifies a commitment that we have made to Jesus Christ. Baptism is one of the two ordinances practiced by the church (the other being the Lord’s supper or communion.)
Many true believers practice infant baptism followed by a confirmation of a faith commitment once an age of reason is reached. Others “dedicate” infants and reserve baptism for those who have made a commitment to follow Jesus on their own. At Grace, we understand the biblical bases for both approaches. As a matter of church order, we practice the latter.
We hold periodic baptism classes in order to help those who are exploring or planning to be baptized to learn more about it.
If you would like to know more about baptism at Grace or if you think it’s time to be baptized and would like to sign up for the next class, you can find out more at our ceremonies ministry.
