CHURCH FAMILY

What we believe shapes how we live together as a church family.

At Grace, we believe the Christian faith is not simply about ideas or beliefs, but about following Jesus in everyday life loving God, caring for one another, serving our community and sharing the hope of the gospel with others.

The following is a summary of some of the practical ways we seek to live out our faith together as a church.

Two women sitting and engaging in conversation after a Sunday Service at Grace Community Church. #Church #Community #family
Two women talking outdoors, after a Sunday Service at Grace Community Church. #Church #Community #Grace
A diverse congregation attending Sunday Services at Grace. Come as you are. #Church #Community #Grace

Meeting together

There’s something special about gathering together as a church family.

Every Sunday, people of all ages and backgrounds come together to worship, learn from the Bible, pray, encourage one another and spend time together in community.

We currently meet for three morning services and a separate evening service. Alongside our larger Sunday gatherings, many people also connect through smaller Homegroups during the week – building friendships, supporting one another and growing spiritually together in a more personal setting.

Whether through Sunday services, Homegroups or other church gatherings, we believe meeting together regularly is an important part of following Jesus and growing in faith.

Membership & belonging

We believe church is more than simply attending meetings – it’s about belonging to a spiritual family.

At Grace, we want people to feel known, valued and connected. Membership is an important step for those who consider Grace their church home and want to actively support the life, mission and community of the church.

We believe every member has gifts, abilities and experiences that can strengthen and serve others. Our desire is to help people grow spiritually, build meaningful relationships and play their part within church life.

Two women sitting and engaging in conversation after a Sunday Service at Grace Community Church. #Church #Community #family
A volunteer helps with car parking at the Addison Centre during a Grace Sunday Service

Serving one another

Church life at Grace is supported by many people serving in all kinds of ways.

From welcoming on Sundays and making teas and coffees, to children’s work, worship, tech, pastoral care, Homegroups, community projects and practical support – many people generously give their time and gifts to serve others.

We believe serving is not simply about filling roles, but about loving one another, building community and using the gifts God has given us for the good of others.

Serving is also one of the best ways to build friendships, feel connected and become more involved in church life.

Two volunteers are hanging a colorful welcome banner at the Addison Centre for a Grace Sunday Service
A volunteers mans the sound desk at the Addison Centre for a Grace Sunday Service
Two men are sitting in a room having a deep and meaningful conversation, supporting one another. #churchfamily

Caring for one another

We believe church should feel like family.

That means celebrating together in joyful moments, but also supporting one another through the challenges and difficulties of life.

At Grace, care happens in many different ways – through friendships, Homegroups, prayer, meals, practical support and pastoral care. We want people to know they are not alone and that support is available during difficult seasons.

Prayer is an important part of church life, and we regularly encourage and pray for one another as a church family.

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are important parts of church life at Grace.

We baptise believers by full immersion in water as a public expression of faith in Jesus Christ and new life in Him.

We also regularly share the Lord’s Supper together as a church family remembering Jesus’ death and resurrection and celebrating God’s grace towards us.

A diverse crowd of people gathered outdoors on a sunny day, gathered round a small pool where Christian baptisms are taking place.
A man serves a church member Communion, or the Lords Supper, during a Sunday Service at Grace

Sharing the good news

We believe the message of Jesus is good news for everyone.

As a church, we want to live in a way that reflects Jesus both privately and publicly at home, at work, in friendships and in the wider community.

We encourage one another to care for people, pray for others, and thoughtfully share the hope of the Christian faith in everyday life. Through our Sunday services, courses, community groups and relationships, we want to help people explore faith and discover the hope found in Jesus Christ.

Two men discussing the issues of life and faith in the community.
One of the church elders preaches from the Bible during Sunday Services at Grace Community Church - relevant, contemporary and engaging.

Leadership & accountability

Grace is led by a team of elders and deacons who seek to serve the church with humility, care and integrity.

Elders provide spiritual leadership, teaching and direction, while deacons support many of the practical needs of church life. Alongside this, many volunteers and ministry leaders help support the ongoing life and mission of the church.

As a church, we seek to lead responsibly, transparently and in a way that honours Jesus Christ, who we believe is the true head of the church.

As a registered charity, we have a board of Trustees who manage the charity and ensure the organisation stays true to its core charitable purpose.

Generosity & mission

Grace is supported through the generous giving of church members and supporters.

This enables the church to run ministries for all ages, support local community initiatives, care for people in need, support global mission work and continue sharing the message of Jesus both locally and globally.

We believe generosity is a response to God’s generosity towards us and an important part of serving others and supporting the wider mission of the church.

Two women enjoy doing craft together at the Net - a weekly group that runs for women in Kempston.
A group of children and adults sitting on the floor listening to a story at one of Grace's many kids clubs that take place during the week in Kempston. #Youth #Children #KidsClubs
A group of children sitting on the floor, watching something with interest and smiles in a school or community setting.

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