Church tries nonformal approach

A Baptist church in Pinson seeks to build a community of grace by reaching the lost through a nonformal approach to ministry.
   
The congregation of Grace Community Church came together four years ago in order to minister to people in the community who are not members of any church.
   
According to Steve Belcher, pastor of Grace, more than 4,000 people live within four square miles of the church.
   
"There are a vast number of people in this area who are unreached,” Belcher said. “Our church wants to minister to those who have been ignored and reach those who do not know what church is about.”
   
The 60-member Baptist church sets itself apart from others in the community by offering a nontraditional yet comfortable style of worship.
   
“We have seriously, thoughtfully tried to have a different approach. Our statement is that God loves you and accepts you and so do we,” Belcher said.
   
Contemporary praise music fills the air at Grace Community Church, along with southern-style gospel and traditional hymns.  The informal approach to worship is also reflected in the casual dress of members and visitors.
   
Belcher said, “Our church is not here to impress anyone but to praise the Lord.”
   
“We have a real sincere and close fellowship,” Belcher added. “I think anyone who comes here knows that they truly are accepted. We are not here to judge anyone; we’re here to let people know that God loves them the same as He loves us and we want to share that love. We want people to come as they are.”
   
In April the church celebrated the dedication of its new church building. Over the past year, 20 members of the congregation including adults, youth and children labored on the church structure. After a construction company erected the shell of the building, the church members finished all the interior work with the help of a few professional volunteers.
   
Belcher said the church is not finished and still needs some work primarily on the exterior. Areas lacking completion include sidewalks, yard work and carport. The church also needs carpet for the upstairs facility.
   
Since the building dedication, Grace Community Church has already baptized five and has observed its first Lord’s Supper. Belcher said the church has had visitors for every service, including Wednesday nights.
   
Cammie Gorham, a new church member, was attracted to Grace because of the presence of God.  “When I came, I could feel God here,” she said.
   
Although the church continues to grow, Belcher said that they are not concerned with numbers. “We just want to be as big as God wants us to be.”
   
Charter member Helen Ware said the purpose of the church is to follow God’s will. We just want to do what God wants us to do, and that is why we came together as a church,” she said.
   
Members of Grace Community Church said that by following God’s will they will not only be helping the community but also will be building a family of grace.