“To glorify God and to enjoy him forever.” That’s the aim of Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church. This Christ-centered Presbyterian church welcomes everyone to worship and service. It stands as a beacon in the Washington D.C. area.
Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church is more than just a building. It is a community. Here, God’s Word teaches. Here, people grow in Christ. The church rejoices in participating in God’s great work. This work gathers and builds up His people through the gospel.
The church’s roots run deep. They trace back to the 16th Century Protestant Reformation. Grace adheres to the Westminster Standards of the 17th Century. These standards include the Westminster Confession of Faith. They also include the Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
“Presbyterian” comes from a Greek word. It means “elder”. Grace is governed by elders. These elders care for the spiritual well-being of the members.
Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church is part of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church or OPC. “Orthodox” means “straight thinking” or “straight teaching”. This reflects the church’s commitment to the historic Christian faith.
Grace in Vienna, Virginia seeks to welcome all visitors. Their worship involves reverent praise. There is real engagement with the Christian Scriptures. Grace is a congregation of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. As a Presbyterian Church, they belong to the Reformed Christian tradition. This traces back to the sixteenth-century Reformation. It goes further back to the early church. Further still, it finds its roots in the Bible. The Bible is the infallible authority and the Word of God.
The church is evangelical. It focuses on the saving gospel of the Triune God. Grace is a connectional church. It links in a presbytery with like-minded churches. Elders lead these churches. The church is also covenantal. Believers and their children belong within God’s covenant of grace.
Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church is a church filled with sinners. They commit to living by grace. They strive for integrity. They seek obedience to Jesus Christ. The sermons by pastors Dan Clifford and Steve Brown are worth a listen.
Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church is a thriving fellowship. It consists of long-term members. Many are brought to the area on temporary work assignments. The community includes singles and families. There are many children and youth. Weekly attendance averages around 200 people.
The associate pastor assists the senior pastor. He fulfills pastoral duties. These duties include preaching, teaching, and counseling. He also directs church ministry activities. The senior pastor, Dan Clifford, has served for 15 years.
So, as you stand before Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church, remember its mission. Remember its commitment to faith, community, and service. This is a place where people gather. They grow in faith. They rejoice in God’s work. It is a place where all are welcome.