Picture a vision a fellowship coming together with a shared purpose. That vision became Grace Baptist Church of Richmond Hill. It started on February 15 1987. Weldrick Road Baptist and Liberty Baptist joined.
Weldrick Road Baptist was struggling. Its numbers had dwindled since its 1950s start. Liberty Baptist was a new church. It was only three years old. Doug Sargeant led 65 people in a school in Thornhill Ontario.
Together the two congregations had a vision. They had momentum. They also had a building. It was in a strategic location. The community was growing. Grace Baptist Church of Richmond Hill was ready to make an impact.
Over the years Grace Baptist Church of Richmond Hill has served its community. It created a food delivery service for the poor. A deaf ministry became a deaf church. A pre-school ministered to many families for 15 years. There was also a soccer league on the property. Day camps and clothing relief efforts helped many.
More than anything Grace Baptist Church of Richmond Hill became a place of the Gospel. God’s Word changed lives here. The church exists to help people believe. It helps them connect. It helps them share God’s grace in Jesus Christ. This is the mission of Grace Baptist Church of Richmond Hill.
The church’s beliefs unite its members. They share basic truths about God. They believe the Bible is God’s complete Word. The Old and New Testaments are inspired. They are free from error. The Bible is the final authority. It guides faith and practice. It is the basis for Christian unity.
Grace Baptist Church of Richmond Hill believes in one God. God is the creator. He is holy and eternal. God exists in three Persons. These are the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The church believes in Jesus Christ. He is absolutely divine. He existed eternally with the Father. He was born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life. His death was a substitution. He rose from the dead. He ascended triumphantly. He ministers as a mediator. He will return personally.
Grace Baptist Church of Richmond Hill believes in the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is divine and personal. He shows sin righteousness and judgment. He regenerates. He sanctifies. He illuminates and comforts believers.
The church believes in Satan. Satan is an evil personality. He is the originator of sin. He is God’s archenemy. He is also man’s archenemy.
Grace Baptist Church of Richmond Hill believes man was created in God’s image. Man sinned. He became guilty before God. This resulted in depravity. It incurred physical and spiritual death.
The church believes salvation comes from God’s grace. Christ suffered a death. This death was expiatory. Justification comes through faith. It is faith in Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. God preserves those He calls. They are perfected in the image of the Lord.
Grace Baptist Church of Richmond Hill believes in Jesus’ return. His return will be bodily and glorious. The just and unjust will be resurrected. The redeemed will have eternal blessedness. The wicked will face judgment. They will face conscious eternal punishment.
Grace Baptist Church of Richmond Hill believes in the church. A church is a company of believers. They are called out from the world. They are separated unto Jesus. They associate for ministry. They edify one another. They propagate the faith. They observe ordinances. It is an independent body. It uses its gifts. It follows precepts under Christ. Christ is the Head of the church.
The church recognizes two offices. Elders provide spiritual oversight. Deacons serve the church. They assist the Elders. They ensure the needs of the congregation are met.
Grace Baptist Church of Richmond Hill observes two ordinances. Baptism is immersion in water. It shows identification with Christ. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial. Believers partake of bread and wine. These symbolize Christ’s body and blood. This proclaims His death until He comes.
The church believes in separation of church and state. It believes in religious liberty. Every person has the right to practice his or her beliefs.
Grace Baptist Church of Richmond Hill believes the first day of the week is the Lord’s day. It is set apart for worship. Civil government is divinely appointed. Magistrates are to be honored. They are to be obeyed. This is except when things oppose Jesus. Jesus is Lord of conscience. He is Prince of kings.
The church believes marriage is between one man and one woman. This relationship is intended to last for life.
Grace Baptist Church of Richmond Hill partners with like-minded groups. It seeks support and accountability. The church is part of The Fellowship. This is a group of Baptist churches. It is also part of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. Grace Baptist Church serves its city. It serves the world. It welcomes all. It offers spiritual answers and friendship. It provides a place to build a strong family.