Doesn’t the name Grace Gospel Church suggest a haven of faith and community? The Grace Gospel Church isn’t just a building. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith.
The Grace Gospel Fellowship officially began in 1944. However its roots go back decades earlier. A growing number of pastors and Bible teachers were understanding God’s unique program. This program was for the church. It was for the Body of Christ.
These pastors and teachers shared a commitment. They taught the entire Word of God. They used a dispensational perspective. They emphasized the unique revelation of the Body of Christ. This revelation was received by the Apostle Paul.
Pastor Herman Reich of Evansville hosted a conference for pastors in September 1944. This conference was driven by a desire. It was for increased fellowship. It was for cooperative efforts. These efforts were among those who shared a core doctrinal commitment. This event marked the birth of the Grace Gospel Fellowship.
The Grace Gospel Fellowship was founded for a specific purpose. It was founded to provide fellowship. This fellowship was among those who believe the truths. These truths were contained in the doctrinal statement. It was also founded to promote the gospel of the grace of God. This promotion would occur throughout this land and throughout the world. J.C. O’Hair, Charles F. Baker, Cornelius R. Stam and Harry Bultema were instrumental in founding the GGF.
Initially the GGF served predominantly as an association for pastors. In the early 1970s this changed. A constitutional revision formed a National Council. This council was composed of pastors and laity. It would serve as the governing body. Chuck O’Conner was chosen as the first full-time president of the GGF in 1971. These changes allowed the GGF to minister. It expanded its ministry to the local church. It also ministered to its lay leadership. It continued to provide pastoral care and guidance.
The Grace Gospel Fellowship is not a denomination. Its churches and pastors recognize something important. They recognize the importance of partnering. They partner with one another. They do this as members of the Body of Christ.
They seek to work in harmony as churches and individuals. This harmony occurs on a national level. It also occurs within their geographical regions and locally. They also have an international outreach. This outreach is through their affiliated mission agencies.
The purpose of the Grace Gospel Fellowship is clear. It promotes health among pastors. It also promotes health among boards. It does the same among congregations. It does this for other vested stakeholders within the Grace Gospel Fellowship.
These churches share a commitment. It is a commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They also share a passion. It is a passion to spread the matchless grace of God. They want to spread it in and through their churches. They also want to do it in communities of influence. This shared dispensational perspective is life-giving.
The collective wisdom is important. The resources are as well. The giftedness among their pastors is too. Their boards and churches represent an interdependent network. It demonstrates its strength. They learn. They grow. They invest in each other. They are stronger together than they could ever be apart.
The Grace Gospel Church stands as a beacon. It is a beacon of faith. It is a beacon of community. It reflects the mission. It brings glory to God. It proclaims the message. It is the message of reconciliation. It is for all the unsaved.