Community Outreach

Our philosophy of ministry at GVPC emphasizes the whole gospel to the whole person in the context of the whole community. Consequently, instead of advocating a separate set of church ministry programs for every "age and stage," we encourage our members to embody the love and truth of Christ by weaving their faith into the very fabric of their existing life: recreation, daily routine, work, academic pursuits, social network, community service, political involvement, etc. We take this kingdom-driven approach for three reasons:

First, in a program-driven church, ministry becomes a juggling act that leads to frustration, exhaustion, and burnout. Pastors become professional recruiters and members become human resources.

Second, a dense schedule of church programs tends to draw Christians out of the community--where their influence is desperately needed--and into the isolated bubble of the Christian subculture.

Third, a program-driven ministry tends to reinforce the secular/sacred split in a person's life, whereas a biblical world and life view brings the gospel to bare on every facet of life, emphasizing a more holistic approach to life and ministry.  Instead of withdrawing into the safety of a fortress mentality, God calls us to engage the culture as living testimonies to the gospel, walking trophies of His grace.