Here stands Grace Community Church a beacon of faith in Sun Valley. Grace Community Church began as a mission of First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood. The first public service was on July 1 1956. Don Householder became its founding pastor.
Within a few years Grace Community Church moved to this location on Roscoe Boulevard. The growing congregation led to two Sunday morning services. After Householder’s death in 1965 Richard Elvee became pastor. The church continued to grow under his leadership. Elvee passed away in 1968.
In February 1969 John F MacArthur assumed the pastorate at Grace Community Church. During the early days of MacArthur’s ministry Grace Community Church doubled in size every two years. The Family Life Center was built in 1971. A new Worship Center followed in 1977.
Grace Community Church is elder-ruled. It teaches Calvinist theology without aligning with a denomination. The church believes in the cessation of supernatural spiritual gifts. Grace Community Church emphasizes Lordship salvation. It affirms the sufficiency of Scripture. The church practices believer’s baptism by immersion.
As of 2008 the average weekly attendance at Grace Community Church was 8258. Grace Community Church faced controversy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The church defied local health orders regarding masks and social distancing. This led to legal battles with the State of California and Los Angeles County.
In September 2021 California courts ruled that Grace Community Church’s constitutional right to religious liberty had been violated. The State of California and Los Angeles County agreed to a settlement of 800000 dollars to be paid to the church in legal fees.
In March 2022 Grace Community Church announced the production of The Essential Church. This feature-length documentary explores the global church its persecution and responses to COVID-19 restrictions.
Grace Community Church has also faced accusations of improper response to domestic abuse. These accusations involved women victims of domestic violence. They were reportedly asked to return to their husbands. This was allegedly under threat of excommunication.
Despite controversies Grace Community Church remains a significant religious institution. It stands as a testament to faith tradition and community in the San Fernando Valley. Its history reflects growth challenges and unwavering commitment to its beliefs. Grace Community Church has been at the heart of the local community since 1956.