About Us
The people of GraceLife eagerly receive and regularly engage the word of God.
The Light of the Cross
The Unfading Light of the Cross
A Window of Opportunity
A Last Lesson in Light: Staring at the Invisible, Shunning the Imposter
Scripture
We believe that "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God,” by which we understand that men “were directed by the Holy Spirit” to write the very words of Scripture. We believe that this divine inspiration extends equally and fully to all parts of the writings as appeared in the original text. We believe that the whole Bible in the original text is therefore without error and that all Scriptures were designed for our instruction to lead us into every good work. As the sure word of God, the Bible is therefore our supreme and final authority in matters of faith and life.
God
We believe that God has existed eternally as one essence and three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Within the Trinity there exists unity, diversity, and community. We believe the second person of the Trinity took on human nature to deliver man from the curse of sin and to bring man into fellowship with God.
Creation and Fall
We believe that God created two groups of personal beings, angels and humans, both of which in their initial states were innocent and sinless until their respective falls through which by their own free choice and disobedience became separated from God. Angels who remained obedient continue their role in serving God and serving humans.
We believe that humans—male and female—are the special creation of God, made in the image of and after the likeness of God. Human sin results in death—separation from the life and fellowship found only in God. Through humanity’s fall, the created world was subjected to the curse of sin.
God’s Work in History
We believe that in each stage of history God has given humanity opportunities to believe in Him resulting in life. God’s plan for faith has included the nation of Israel; the Church (known as the body of Christ); and all other peoples, nations, and groups, preserving for each of these groups the promises guaranteed to them. We believe that according to the “eternal purpose” of God salvation has been always “by grace through faith.”
Salvation
Aspects of Salvation:
Justification
Sanctification
Sanctification is the responsibility of every believer to live free from the power of sin in this earthly life through the empowerment of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Through yielding to the Holy Spirit, the believer may grow in grace to fulfill the role of being a disciple of Christ throughout one’s life on earth.
This spiritual growth is distinct from justification. While it is God’s expectation for every believer, this growth is not necessarily manifested uniformly in every believer. This growth is made possible by our new creation in Jesus through which we can abide in good works. The believer’s life should be characterized by gratitude and obedience to God in response to the grace He has freely shown us. We receive our justification through the gracious work of Christ and are encouraged to live graciously toward others in our sanctification.
Glorification
Glorification begins at the end of a believer’s life when the believer enters the presence of God. It culminates at the resurrection and is characterized by the ultimate state of sharing and enjoying life with God free from the presence of sin. An individual who is justified is guaranteed to be glorified.
Proclaiming the Gospel
We believe that gospel presentations should reflect the clear message of eternal life presented in Scripture—that one receives the free gift of grace upon believing in Jesus Christ. There are no works we must do to obtain God’s grace or to maintain God’s grace—it is freely given by God to those who believe Him for it.
Eternal Security
The one who believes in Jesus Christ for eternal life is guaranteed to spend eternity with God, being sealed by the Holy Spirit. Our justification is free, received solely on the work of Jesus Christ; it is not earned or lost through one’s works, nor do works add to or nullify the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross and His subsequent raising from the dead.
Disobedient believers, though they are eternally secure based on their justification in Christ, forfeit the grace of Christ in their earthly lives and face the potential loss of both earthly blessings and heavenly rewards.
End Time Events
We believe Jesus will one day return to gather believers, which will be followed by a time of great trouble on the earth, which will ultimately give way to Jesus establishing God’s Kingdom. There will be a final judgment of all creation, including both men and angels.
Eternal State
We believe that upon death the spirit of every believer enters the presence of God, while the spirit of every unbeliever dwells separated from God. In the final state a believer’s spirit is reunited with his glorified, resurrected body in like fashion as the resurrected Christ. An unbeliever is reunited with his body to be cast away from the presence of God and from the glory of His power.
Matt Barclay
Associate Pastor
Jerome Bell
Minister of Prayer and Encouragement
Darren Gann
Interim Church Administrator
Cori Howell
Kids' Ministry Director
Tim Ruddell
Youth Ministries Director
Anna Smith
Communications Director
Elizabeth Stewart
Worship Director
Michael Stewart
Lead Pastor
Angela Synan
Videography Director
Ed Taylor
Band/Audio Leader
John Watson
Minister of Missions
Bobbi Whitehead
Director of Ascend Interim Director of GraceLife Academy
Karri Williams
Business Manager