In 1946, Rev. E.G. Gerhart founded “The Lord’s Church” near downtown Houston and served as its pastor for 20 years. After his retirement, Rev. Bill Hulme became the church’s second pastor and led the congregation until 1983. By the late 70s and early 80s the church was facing many of the challenges that inner city churches often struggle with—a changing neighborhood and a shift in city demographics; and by 1984 the active church membership down to about 25. In the spring of 1984, Rev. Rick Minett was extended an invitation to become pastor, accepted the call and continues to serve as Senior Pastor to this day. It became apparent to him that in order for the church to survive it needed to relocate, but that was much easier said than done. For nearly 10 years the church property was on the market with no interested parties until a private school finally purchased the old church property in 1993.
In 1993, Pastor Rick led the small congregation (now about 30 members) to a piece of property located just off the Katy Freeway (I-10) and asked the members to truly take a giant leap of faith. With very limited financial resources and very few members, we purchased our current property and signed a 15-year note, which at the time, seemed almost impossible to pay. But soon thereafter miracles began to happen and God started to supply our financial need in amazing ways time and time again. Within two years, the property was paid for and soon thereafter we began to tear down the old buildings that we were using.
In 1999, a new 6,000 sq. ft. educational center was built and paid for in cash by the time it was completed. In 2003, a new 6,000 sq. ft. multipurpose building (fellowship hall, commercial kitchen, nursery, large foyer, etc.) was built and completely paid for shortly thereafter. In a few months we will begin construction of a new worship center that will accommodate over 1,000 members in multiple services on Sunday mornings. The necessary funds needed to construct this new 6,000 sq. ft. sanctuary have already been raised; therefore we will continue to maintain our debt-free status after construction.
Our church sits at the population center of Houston, just off one of the largest freeways in America (the 22 lane Katy Freeway). From humble beginnings, our property and buildings are now valued at several million dollars- proving that God is faithful to supply the need of those who will walk by faith and not by sight. Since moving to our Campbell Road location, our church membership has grown from 30 to 400, and continues to grow each month. Most significantly, our mission giving has increased during this same period from approximately $3,000 per year to $150,000 per year.
At Grace Community Church we are growing and we invite you to come and grow with us. There's never been a better time to come and see why everybody needs a little Grace.
|
