The fellowship that became the Brethren Church originated in Germany in 1708. In its early years it was known by a variety of names, including Tunkers, Dunkards, Taufers, Anabaptists, Dippers, Brethren, and New Baptists. After moving to America following 1719, these folk were often called the German Baptist Brethren. This became their official name in 1871.
In the early 18th century many devout people scattered throughout Germany were much dissatisfied with the existing spiritual state of the church. They were disappointed in its cold formalism. They were confident that not all error had been detected or all truth discovered in the Luther Reformation. They deplored the bondage which the three state religions (Catholic, Lutheran, and Reformed) imposed upon them. These spiritually minded folk longed for a church in which they could worship God according to the leading of their conscience.
As a result a number of these people gathered at a place on the Eder River called Schwarzenau. This region was ruled over by a prince who gave them freedom from persecution and liberty to pursue their searching of the Scriptures without molestation. Among those who came to Schwarzenau were eight persons who became the founders of the Brethren Church.
These eight persons felt the need of a new denomination built wholly upon the teachings of the New Testament. Secluded from the busy marts of the world in their provincial village, they searched the Scriptures for a rule of faith and practice. So intent were they upon following the whole Bible as God's will for men that they determined they would adopt no human creed. They felt such a creed would limit them in the search after truth in the Scriptures. Thus, from that day to this the only creed the Brethren Church has had is: \"The Bible, the Whole Bible, and Nothing but the Bible.\"
The leader of this early group of Brethren was Alexander Mack, who is often called the founder of the Brethren Church. Their study of the Scriptures convinced these first Brethren that the only proper method of baptism was triune immersion. They were convinced of the importance of the various ordinances of the church. They abhorred carnal warfare. They increased in the knowledge of all the great doctrines of the Christian faith.
On a day purposely concealed, in a spot held sacred, these eight souls were received into the infant organization, having received the rite of triune immersion. The name of the first baptizer was kept secret, for they did not want to give undue recognition to any man. Alexander Mack, however, was the first person to receive baptism, and he in turn baptized the rest.
From this humble beginning the Tunkers or Brethren grew and prospered. It was not long, however, until persecution forced them out of the little nest in Schwarzenau. Like the early disciples who were scattered from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, these earnest people were deprived of home and safety. They went to different parts of Germany, Switzerland, and Holland.
In 1719 the first group, under the leadership of the noble Peter Becker, sailed across the Atlantic to the friendly shores of America. Some of them settled in Germantown, Pennsylvania, now a part of Philadelphia, where the first German settlement in the new country was located. In a few years a flourishing Brethren church came into being there, the first of its kind in America.
More groups of Brethren followed the pioneers of 1719 across the Atlantic, enduring indescribable hardships upon the sea. In 1729 came Alexander Mack, the first leader of the church, to bring real encouragement to the Brethren already in America. He labored a few short years in this country and then was called into the ?better country.? His body lies buried in the Germantown cemetery awaiting the morning of the Resurrection.
These early Brethren were intensely missionary in spirit. They set out from Germantown in pioneer efforts of evangelism. These rugged men of God declared the whole counsel of God. They endured hardships as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. New churches sprang into being. Brethren influence spread through Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and then later into Ohio and Indiana. Many churches arose in these places. Adherence to the Word of God and plain living marked the lives of these folk. Their worship was simple and devoid of all formalism. Many times they went to the extreme in their demands for plain living and simplicity of worship. Some grew resistive under the conditions that came to be, a forerunner of later developments among the Brethren people.
Unfortunately, there was a division in the church in 1881. This division arose as the result of progressive ideas advocated by such men as Henry R. Holsinger, who felt a great need within the church for a better educated and paid ministry. Furthermore, the progressives within the church deplored the undue stress being placed upon conformity in dress and practice and advocated less secrecy and authority on the part of the Standing Committee of the Annual Meeting. Opposed to these progressive ideas were the so-called conservatives, who opposed any changes.
Two irreconcilable viewpoints brought about the inevitable division into two separate denominations. The larger group is today known as the Church of the Brethren. The denomination we represent, known as The Brethren Church, was organized in Dayton, Ohio in June 1883.
Excerpts from a tract by Dr. Homer A. Kent, Sr.
In 1939 the Grace group was born out of a struggle over doctrinal issues and became known as the Grace Brethren. To more clearly identify the churches of which we are a part, the name ?The Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches? was adopted at a national conference some years ago. Winona Lake, Indiana is commonly thought of as the headquarters for the fellowship, but there are no official offices or officers as such. Grace Brethren North American Missions (home missions) and International Missions offices are there, along with CE National, Grace Schools, and our publishing house, The Brethren Missionary Herald Company.
Although we would be considered a denomination in the common usage of the term, the word fellowship better describes our affiliation. We are a fellowship of churches of \"like precious faith.\"
"; } else if (thisInfo == "historyGBC") { theInfo = "Our congregation began in 1964 in the home of Marion and Dorothy Forrest in Worthington, OH. Desiring the fellowship of a Grace Brethren Church, they started a Bible study in their home and asked Rev. Nathan Meyer to lead them. It soon became the desire of this group to start a church in the Columbus area. That June the group of about 30 people unanimously asked Dave Hocking to be their pastor. By October the fast-growing congregation was meeting in the Sharon Memorial Hall. Within another six months they had outgrown that facility, and they rented the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Continued growth has been a hallmark of the Grace Brethren Church of Columbus.
Other Markers Include
We the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches in harmony with our historic position, believing the Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible to be our infallible rule of faith and practice, and feeling our responsibility to make known the divine message of the Bible, present the following articles as a statement of those basic truths taught in the Bible which are common to our Christian faith and practice.
The Bible
The Word of God, the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, verbally inspired in all parts, and therefore wholly without error as originally given of God (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).
The One True God
Existing eternally as three persons--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:22; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
The Lord Jesus Christ
His preexistence and deity (John 1:1-3), incarnation by virgin birth (John 1:14; Matthew 1:18-23), sinless life (Hebrews 4:15), substitutionary death (2 Corinthians 5:21), bodily resurrection (Luke 24:36-43), ascension into heaven and present ministry (Hebrews 4:14-16), and coming again (Acts 1:11).
The Holy Spirit
His personality (John 16:7-15), and deity (Acts 5:3-4), and His work in each believer: baptism and indwelling at the moment of regeneration (1 Corinthians 12:13; Romans 8:9) and filling (Ephesians 5:18) to empower for Christian life and service (Ephesians 3:16; Acts 1:8; Galatians 5:22-23).
The Church
One true Church, the body and bride of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:25-32), composed of all true believers of the present age (1 Corinthians 12:12-13); and the organization of its members in local churches for worship, for edification of believers, and for world wide gospel witness, each local church being autonomous but cooperating in fellowship and work (Ephesians 4:11-16)
Christian Life
A life of righteousness, good works, and separation unto God from the evil ways of the world (Romans 12:1-2), manifested by speaking the truth (James 5:12); maintaining the sanctity of the home (Ephesians 5:22-6:24), settling differences between Christians in accordance with the Word of God (1 Corinthians 6:1-8), not engaging in carnal strife but showing a Christ-like attitude toward all men (Romans 12:17-21), exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and maintaining a life of prayer (Ephesians 6:18, Philippians 4:6), including the privilege, when sick, of calling for the elders of the church to pray and to anoint with oil in the name of the Lord (James 5:13-18).
Man
His direct creation in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-28), his subsequent fall into sin resulting in spiritual death (Genesis 3:1-24; Romans 5:12), and the necessity of the new birth for his salvation (John 3:3-5).
Second Coming
The personal, visible, and imminent return of Christ to remove His Church from the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) before the tribulation (1 Thessalonians 1:10, Revelation 3:10), and afterward to descend with the Church to establish His millennial kingdom upon the earth (Revelation 19:11-20:6).
Future Life
The conscious existence of the dead (Philippians 1:21-23; Luke 16:19-31), the resurrection of the body (John 5:28-29), the judgment and reward of believers (Romans 14: 10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10), the judgment and condemnation of unbelievers (Revelation 20:11-15), the eternal life of the saved (John 3:16), and the eternal punishment of the lost (Matthew 25:46; Revelation 20:15).
Salvation
A complete and eternal salvation by God\'s grace alone, received as the gift of God through personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7; 1 Peter 1:18-19).
Ordinances
The Christian should observe the ordinances of our Lord Jesus Christ, which are the baptism of believers by triune immersion (Matthew 28:19) and the threefold communion service, consisting of the washing of the saints\' feet (John 13:1-17), the Lord\'s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:20-22, 33-34; Jude 12), and the communion of the bread and the cup (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
Satan
His existence and personality as the great adversary of God and His people (Revelation 12:1-10), his judgment (John 12:31), and final doom (Revelation 20:10).
We worship through our lifestyle and attitudes as we publicly and privately acknowledge the sovereignty of God, the lordship of Jesus Christ, and the empowering ministry of the Holy Spirit.
We impact our world by equipping believers to know that outreach is primarily a natural process of reflecting the love of Jesus Christ.
We bring believers to maturity in Christ by helping people solve their problems biblically, manage their time, and care for each other.
Corporate Values:
Baptism is a testimony of our belief and a symbol of our relationship with Christ. There\'s nothing special about the water. There\'s nothing magical about the act. We can go to heaven without being baptized.
But Jesus asks us to do it as a testimony of what we believe...a symbol of our relationship with Him...a demonstration that we\'ve left a former way of life to live a new life as children of God.
Baptism was Jesus\' idea
At a special time in a special place, Jesus made it clear that Christian baptism was to be a part of the life of His Church. The time was just before returning to heaven. The place was the Mount of Olives.
Jesus commanded His followers to share the Gospel and nurture those who believe, \"baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit\" (Mattthew 28:19).
His followers were obedient. The day the Church was born Peter preached, people repented, and 3,000 were baptized (Acts 2:41)!
Since then, it has happened over and over. The Word is preached, people believe, and there is baptism.
Grace Brethren believe that since the very word \"baptism\" literally mans \"to dip\" or \"to immerse,\" that is what we should do. We believe that only baptism by immersion communicates precisely what Jesus meant baptism to symbolize.
Baptism is a testimony
Baptism is a public declaration concerning your attitude toward Christ.
Your baptism tells the world?or at least those who watch or hear about it?that you love Jesus Christ and trust Him as the Lord and Savior of your life.
It is saying, \"Watch me, I am being obedient to Christ in this and I want to be in all else too.\" A person can be a \"secret believer\" of sorts, but public baptism in the church brings him out in the open for Christ where he should be all the time.
If you have received Christ into your life by faith, trusting Him as Savior and Lord, declare it in an open and beautiful way in the waters of baptism (Acts 8:35-38).
We believe this testimony and symbolism is for all who are sure of their faith in Christ. It doesn\'t mean you know everything there is to know about Jesus or your new life. It simply means you are publically declaring that you have personally received Jesus as Lord. In the Bible, baptism happened immediately or shortly after salvation (Acts 16:30-33).
Children are often baptized, but only after they know for sure Jesus is their Savior and that they are trusting Him for eternal life. There is no special age when they should be baptized, as long as they understand what it means.
Baptism is a symbol
Many important things happen in the courts of heaven and on the books of eternity when you receive Christ into your life. Water baptism symbolizes some of them in a physical way.
Baptism symbolizes death and life?yours!
When you receive Christ, you start over (2 Corinthians 5:17). You die to self and are born again in Him (John 3:3). You are crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20).Being immersed in water represents a burial for your old life (Romans 6:3,4). Coming up out of the water represents resurrection (Romans 6:4). It reminds you and tells others that you\'re starting a new life.
Baptism symbolizes a bath--a thorough cleansing.
When you became a Christian, God washed the sins from your life and gave you a pardon (Titus 3:5,6). Jesus made that possible. Peter mentions that and explains that it is not the water that saves you or makes you clean (1 Peter 3:21). The water is the symbol of the clean conscience and heart God gives you when you take His grace. Being clean feels good! And baptism is Christ\'s visual aid of the cleansing already accomplished in the life of a Christian.
Baptism symbolizes the Holy Spirit\'s work of placing you in Christ.
The Holy Spirit came into your life when you came to Christ--not a moment later (Romans 8:9). The Bible teaches that it is the Spirit who baptized or \"immersed\" us into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13).
Baptism is a mysterious, beautiful action God sees and you understand only as you believe Him. This Spirit-life in you makes you a member of the Body of Christ in the world and ties you together with Christ and all the other believers in Christ.
Just as the Holy Spirit baptizes you into the Body of Christ, the pastor symbolizes that by immersing you into the body of water. And you are often then recognized as being in the body of local believers, as a member of the church (Acts 2:41).
Baptism always should follow believing in and receiving Christ. It\'s simply a symbol of what has already happened--the unseen work of the Spirit bringing you into the Body of Christ. That\'s why we don\'t baptize children who are too young to believe.
Baptism symbolizes the Trinity
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all involved in the miracle of salvation in your life. The mystery of the Trinity does not keep us from believing the miracle.
When Jesus sent His followers around the world with the Gospel, He told them to baptize people \"in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit\" (Matthew 28:19).
It\'s one reason why we dip people into the water three times, \"in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.\" It is one baptism, but three times into the water.
Baptism is thus a three-in-one act of gratitude for God\'s triune involvement in our salvation.
Baptism is for you
Baptism is a declaration of your faith in Christ and a meaningful symbol of what He has done for you. It is a special privilege for every believer. When baptized, you are doing what Jesus did (Matthew 3:13-17) and obeying what He commanded.
You are following the example of millions of believers throughout time who have been immersed as a symbol of their faith and love for the Lord Jesus Christ.
You are saying, without embarrassment, \"I am with Him. I\'ll tell the world.\"
Baptism is for you a symbol of all that has already happened, a proclamation of your new life in Christ, and a special source of joy as Christians join you in the celebration of your confession.
?1994 CE National Scripture quoted from the New International Version Bible
"; } else if (thisInfo == "communion") { theInfo = "Communion is a symbolic event Jesus left for us as a reminder of His love. Symbols point beyond themselves to something deeper. So it is with communion?Jesus\' very special three-part symbol of love. The meaning is deeper than the simple elements of washing feet, eating the meal, and breaking the bread and drinking the cup.
Communion symbolizes Jesus saying \"I love you\" to His bride, the Church. It\'s meant to cause us to worship Jesus and to love Him more in return. It reminds us of His daily cleansing in our lives, the celebration awaiting us in heaven, and the price He paid so we could have eternal life.
Washing feet
This first part of communion, the footwashing, reminds us of our need for daily cleansing from sin. It\'s a time of introspection and self-examination.
Jesus wants us to remember that even though believers have been forgiven for all sin--past, present, and future?we must appropriate His cleansing power and forgiveness on a daily basis. Theologians call it \"present, progressive, sanctification.\" \"Present\" means it\'s happening now. \"Progressive\" means it will continue throughout our lives on earth. \"Sanctification\" is the process by which Christ sets us apart for the special treatment of being transformed into His likeness (Romans 8:29).
Washing feet as a symbol of present progressive sanctification wasn\'t something thought of by the Church of the Apostles. It\'s something Jesus asked us to do. \"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another\'s feet\" (John 13:14). When Jesus washed His disciples\' feet, He gave an example. It was an example to be followed in practice, not merely known (John 13:12-17).
There\'s more to this symbol than first appears.
It\'s more than an oriental custom
Jesus said: \"You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand\" (John 13:7). The disciples understood the custom, but not the new meaning.
It\'s more than an example of humility
Although feet washing is an example of humility, it is more than that. When Peter refused to allow Jesus to wash His feet, Jesus gave a curious answer: \"Unless I wash you, you have no part with me...A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet, his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you\" (John 13:8,10). Judas wasn\'t clean.
There is a cleansing of feet and there is a bath. The disciples had the bath but needed their feet washed. \"Saved\" they were, to use our terminology, but not clean from the contamination of daily sin.
It is more than an outward cleansing
Scripture presents water and cleansing as word pictures of true cleansing by the Word (Ephesians 5:26). Feet washing is a symbol. It\'s a symbol of love. It\'s a statement that the people of a church make together, as they have communion, that Jesus is the one who does the real cleansing on the inside. He does that constantly, as we appropriate His forgiveness. At a church communion service, this is pictured in a very meaningful, Christ-like way.
The love feast
The love feast, the second part of communion, reminds us that Jesus will welcome us to His celebration in heaven without sin. It is also a reminder that we are now, as a group of His believers, His loved ones...His future bride.
Theologians call it \"glorification\"--seeing and sharing the glory of Christ (1 John 3:2). This part is in the future. When it happens, God\'s special plans for us will be brought to completion (Romans 8:29,30).
It\'s appropriate that a meal, shared in Christian fellowship, be one of the symbols Jesus left behind. Scripture promises a special future occasion, the ultimate love feast, with Jesus Himself as host (Revelation 19:7-9).
We practice the love feast because Jesus included it in the \"communion service\" He had with His disciples (John 13) and because the early church perpetuated its inclusion (1 Corinthians 11:17-34; Jude 12). The meal is a fellowship time characterized by His love. Eating together reminds us of our special bond to Christ and with each other.
We feel something of the secure love those early believers must have felt as they ate together and talked about His love and His plans.
The bread and cup
Sometimes called the Eucharist (the Greek word for \"thanks\"), the bread and cup isn\'t complete without remembering the price Jesus paid to secure eternal life for us. Because of His broken body and shed blood, God the Father declares us righteous. Theologians call it \"justification.\"
The broken body, the shed blood, the grotesque death they represent was endured by God\'s perfect Son. Because of that, when people become Christians, a great exchange takes place. God considers the penalty of our sins to be paid by Jesus\' death, and He considers the righteousness of Jesus to be ours (2 Corinthians 5:21).
It\'s a wonderful gift, but very costly
The bread and cup, symbols of His broken body and shed blood, also symbolize a unique way of relating to God. No more animal sacrifices are required. No more priests are needed to intercede. Instead, we have direct communication with the Creator because of the body and blood of His Son (1 Timothy 2:5,6).
Jesus asks us to continue observing this symbol of love until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:25,26). This is to serve as a reminder to each believer of the price He paid.
The symbols of communion are solemn and holy, yet joyful and peaceful. So serious are they that we are warned to examine our own lives and thoughts before participating in communion, making sure we are in fellowship with God and properly remembering these symbols (1 Corinthians 11:27-30).
Communion The word means fellowship, sharing, holding something in common. For Christians it\'s a special time of worship when we remember Jesus\' great love. Anyone who shares our faith in Christ is welcome to participate. We also welcome people who would like to observe the symbolism without participating.
\"For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord\'s death until he comes\" (1 Corinthians 11:26).
?1994 CE National Scripture quoted from the New International Version Bible
"; } else if (thisInfo == "deaconship") { theInfo = "God is not looking for perfect people to serve as deacons and deaconesses, yet He indicates high standards and hopes in 1 Timothy 3 for those who want to serve.
\"Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well\" (1 Timothy 3:8-12).
Criteria to be a deacon
Worthy of respect ? Can anyone think of you in a negative way for things like unethical business decisions, careless or suggestive speech, deficient expressions of care for your wife or children, etc.?
Sincere ? Do you say what you mean, and mean what you say?
Not Indulging in much wine ? Are you dependent upon any man-made substance to such a degree that it controls your life (or causes your life to be unbalanced in a specific area)?
Not pursuing dishonest gain ? Is your workplace ethic characterized by doing the right things in the right way for the right reasons?
Holding the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience ? Is there any significant lifestyle conflict or gap between what you know (Our Statement of Faith) and how you live?
They must first be tested ? Does your ministry record affirm and confirm your desire to serve as a leader?
Husband of one wife ? How would you describe your relationship with and commitment to your wife? What do you consistently do with and/or for her to tangibly demonstrate your love for her?
Manage his children and his household well ? How would you describe your relationship with your children? What do you do to influence and shape their spiritual values?
Criteria to be a deaconess
Worthy of respect ? Can anyone think of you in a negative way for things like unethical business decisions, careless or suggestive speech, deficient expressions of care for your husband or children, etc.?
Not malicious talkers ? Would others describe your consistent, verbal response to disagreements or misunderstandings as being cruel, vicious, harsh, resentful, deliberately evil in nature, etc.?
Temperate ? Is your life balanced? Do you possess a reasonable level of self control?
Trustworthy in everything ? Can you be counted on to do what you have agreed to in all areas of your life (excluding situations and/or reasons that would legitimately make it impossible to fulfill your commitments)?
The process
Steps to involvement
Becoming a deacon or deaconess at Grace Brethren Church of Columbus involves tangible steps that are designed to affirm God\'s will for you and the church.
Once you are elected to the College of Deacons, you will receive training which includes the following ministry areas: Hospitality, Baptisms, Communion, Friendship Focus Ministries, and Emergency Care.
All deacons are expected to serve in the areas of Widows, Communion, and Greeters. You may also choose to serve in other areas of the Deacon Ministry.
"; } else if (thisInfo == "salvation") { theInfo = "God\'s Answer to Eight Vital Questions About His Plan of Salvation
1. Who is Jesus Christ?
John 1:1 - \"In the beginning was the Word (Jesus Christ) and the Word (Jesus Christ) was with God and the Word (Jesus Christ) was God.\"
John 20:28 - \" And Thomas answered and said unto Him (Jesus), ?My Lord and my God.\' \"
2. Why did Jesus Christ come into the world?
Luke 19:10 - \"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.\"
I Timothy 1:15 - \"This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.\"
3. What did Jesus Christ do for the redemption of lost mankind?
Romans 5:6,8 - \"For when we were without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly...But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.\"
I Peter 1:3 - \"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.\"
4. What do you need to be saved?
Romans 3:23 - \"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.\"
Isaiah 59:2 - \"Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you that He will not hear you.\"
5. Upon what basis does God receive sinful men?
Romans 3:24 - \"Being justified (declared righteous by God) freely by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.\"
John 3:16,17 - \"For God so loved the world that He gave (on the cross) His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.\"
I Peter 1:18-21 - \"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed...but with the precious blood of Christ...through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God.\"
6. Does God receive men on any other basis?
John 14:6 - \"Jesus said: \'I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no man cometh unto the Father but by me.\'\"
Acts 4:12 - \"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby ye must be saved.\"
7. How does one obtain the salvation freely offered by God through Jesus Christ?
John 1:12 - \"But as many as received Him, (Jesus Christ) to them He gave the right to become the sons of God, even to them which believe* on His name.\"
John 5:24 - \"Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth My word, and believeth* on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life.\"
*There are three distinct elements involved in saving faith. See below.
8. Can one really know he has eternal life?
I John 5:11-13 - \"And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son...He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life...These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.\"
1. Belief - Wherein I say \"I believe the truth about Jesus Christ as it has been revealed by God in the Bible.\" This is intellectual assent (I Cor. 15:1-4).
2. Appropriation - \"I take Jesus Christ as my Savior\" (John 1:12). The word translated \"receive\" means not merely to accept, but to take. This is an act of the will.
3. Committal - \"I commit myself to God on the basis of what Jesus Christ did through His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead.\" This too is a purposeful act of the will (2 Tim. 1:12).
Many make their commitment to the Lord through a simple prayer such as:
Dear God, I believe the truth about Jesus Christ as you have revealed it in the Bible. I have sinned and have come far short of your glory. I believe that Jesus was God come in flesh, that He died for my sins, and that He rose from the dead. I take Him as my Savior and Lord and I commit myself to you on the basis of what Jesus did when He died on the cross. Thank you for receiving me as your child.
![](\"ministries/askDirections/header.jpg\")
Click here to ask for directions.
In God\'s Word the Church is described as a body whose members belong to one another, bear each others\' burdens, and work together to accomplish significant tasks within God\'s will. You may already wish to be involved beyond just attending a Sunday worship service. But at a place as large as Grace, and with so many opportunities available, maybe you\'re not sure where to begin.
The new Directions Office (formerly Assimilation) was created to enhance communication between you and your church. Our goal is to help you connect with a group of people who will care for you as you grow together in knowing, loving, and serving Jesus Christ. God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well (Romans 12:4-6). We believe it\'s vital for every believer to find a significant place of service in the Body of Christ.
The Directions Office partners with other Grace ministries by linking you to the wonderful opportunities they provide. Whether you\'re looking for a class, a group in which to form relationships, an opportunity to use your giftedness to serve, or a place to get answers to questions you have about Grace, we\'ll help point you in the right direction. Let us assist you with the next step of your spiritual journey here at Grace!
There are several ways to utilize the Directions Office. Beginning Sunday, March 1, following the worship service, come to the new Directions window near Grace Bookstore/Café to talk with one of our staff. Stop by any Sunday to ask a question, pick up additional information, request a call from a Grace staff member, or set up an appointment to discuss a need or inquiry. You may also contact us by e-mailing directions@gracebrethren.org. Whenever you need immediate personal assistance, call 614-410-3227.
"; } else if (thisInfo == "sermons") { theInfo = "Current Teaching Series
Sunday Mornings • 9:00 & 10:30 • WC Auditorium
Leading up to Easter (April 4), our Shepherding Team will share a series of messages about the many aspects of the Cross. Come learn why Jesus had to die and what it means for our lives today.
Apr. 04, 2010 - \"Beyond the Cross\" Easter Sunday
by Pastor Jim Custer
Sunday morning messages on CD or tape may be purchased at Grace Bookstore/Café. Stop by or call 614-431-8222.
Previous Sermon Audio
Sunday Sermon Podcast - How do Podcasts Work?
Listen - Mar. 28, 2010 - Jesus on the Cross: Victory in Action by Pastor Beau Stanley
Listen - Mar. 21, 2010 - Power of the Cross by Dr. Glenn McElhinney
Listen - Mar. 14, 2010 - The Cross's Motive - The Love of God by Pastor Steve Edmonds
Listen - Mar. 07, 2010 - God's Justice Is Served
by Pastor Ed De Zago
Listen - Feb. 28, 2010 - Psalm 23
by Pastor Steve Edmonds
Listen - Feb. 21, 2010 - What Beats Fear?
by Pastor Beau Stanley
Listen - Feb. 14, 2010 - Colossians
by Pastor Ed De Zago
Listen - Feb. 07, 2010 - Trusting Him for All Things
by Pastor Steve Edmonds
Listen - Jan. 24, 2010 - Looking Back
by Pastor Dave Plaster (his last sermon)
Sunday mornings at Grace Brethren Church of Columbus are designed to be an uplifting start to a week of knowing, loving, and serving Jesus Christ! Our identical 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. worship gatherings are culturally relevant, biblically accurate, and musically diverse. Enjoy solid, biblical teaching, eclectic music, meaningful drama, and more at a time that works best for you! Gatherings take place in the auditorium of the Grace Worship Center, located at the corner of Worthington-Galena and Lazelle Roads, one block south of Polaris Fashion Place. (directions)
At the same time as the Gatherings, GraceKIDS classes or KIDS Gathering (children), Youth Bible Fellowships (YBFs), the CollegeCommunity@Grace, and Adult Bible Fellowships (ABFs) take place. Kids in Grades 1–5 will love the music, drama, games, and breakout groups that make KIDS Gathering like a big, fun kids' rally! Students in Grades 6–12 can enjoy hanging with friends, interacting, and having relevant discussions about life. College-age young adults are invited to take part in growing relationships through a variety of projects, studies, and fun. And adults of all ages can be part of age- and life-stage-specific fellowship that helps foster personal relationships.
All these smaller groups help bridge the gap between the large worship service and individual care. For more information click on the links below.
GraceKIDS (children)
Youth
The CollegeCommunity@Grace
Adult Bible Fellowships
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Worship Center
8225 Worthington-Galena Road
Westerville, OH 43081
614-888-7733
The Grace Worship Center is located at the southwest corner of Lazelle and Worthington-Galena roads in Westerville (8225 Worthington-Galena Road).
From I-270 on the north side of Columbus, either:
A) take the US 23 North (High Street) exit. Turn right onto Campus View Boulevard. Campus view becomes Worthington Woods Blvd. Turn left onto Worthington-Galena Road. Turn left into the church.
Or
B) take the I-71 North exit. Turn right onto Polaris Parkway. Turn right onto Orion Place. Orion Place becomes Worthington Road, then Worthington-Galena Road. Turn right onto Lazelle Road, then turn left into any of three entrances to the church.
From the north (Delaware County and northward), either:
A) Take I-71 southbound to the Gemini Place exit, turn left onto Gemini Place, turn right onto Orion Place. Take Orion Place across Polaris Parkway. Orion Place becomes Worthington Road, then Worthington-Galena Road. Turn right onto Lazelle Road, then turn left into any of three entrances to the church.
Or
B) take US 23 South to Lazelle Road, turn left onto Lazelle, then turn right into any of the three entrances to the church.
Administration Center
6675 Worthington-Galena Road
Worthington, OH 43085
The Grace Administrative Center (AC) are located at the corner of Schrock and Worthington-Galena roads in Worthington, two blocks east of High Street. From I-270 on the north side of Columbus, exit south on Rt. 23 to Worthington. At the fourth light turn left (east) onto Worthington-Galena Road. The AC is on the left about two blocks up the hill. From Westerville/Northeast Columbus take Schrock Road west to Worthington, where it deadends at Worthington-Galena Road. Turn left, then immediately right into the AC parking lot.
"; } else if (thisInfo == "membership") { theInfo = "Heaven is bigger than any of us or all of us put together. So why sign on the dotted line at a local church? Membership is an official tie with other people in the name of Christ. It is an agreement of cooperation and responsibility, your voluntary commitment to minister.
Just what is membership?
Like brothers and sisters in a home, members in a church are related. They have agreed to be united by common consent to some important biblical beliefs and goals.
Membership is the basis for church and pastoral care for you from the rest of the church. This official tie works both ways! While the church seeks to love the whole world, it has special responsibility for those who seek that care through membership.
Membership is a witness, a public work of your faith. In our church only openly committed believers in Christ may join. Membership in itself says you trust Him, and it provides opportunities to express that faith to some of the people of the church.
Membership qualifies you to help choose your church leaders, approve the financial ministry goals of the church, and help make other decisions. Only those who want to seek the mind of Christ and obey Him carefully should seek to be part of that voice.
The Bible does not have chapter and verse to say: \"Thou shalt join the following local church....\" It does furnish numbers though, indicating someone was counting to see how many people were becoming Christians. There were rolls. People knew who was in church and who was not. Membership is voluntary. You do not automatically become a member by attending, by being baptized, or by being involved in church ministries.
Steps to membership
You will be notified by mail regarding your official acceptance into membership and will receive a membership certificate.
Should you choose to move your membership from the Grace Brethren Church of Columbus to another Grace Brethren Church, your request is reviewed by the elder board so they may approve your transfer as a member \"with good standing.\" Upon this approval the other Grace Brethren Church is contacted by mail to inform them of the transfer of membership.
Responsibilities of membership
Is membership automatically for life?
Names may be removed from membership when a member fails to participate or attend the church for one full year (sickness, age, military service, and missions work excluded). Reasonable efforts will be made to determine if that person wishes to remain a member. When a member departs from the faith by advocating divisive teachings or those contrary to the Bible as defined in the Grace Brethren Statement of Faith, or engages in continuous unrepented sin damaging the testimony of the church, the individual may be disciplined and ultimately removed from the membership by the elders. Attempts will be made to restore the wayward member using the guidelines in Matthew 18:15-17.
Raising children to become Christians is no small task in our culture today. We offer three instructional sessions designed to help expand parents awareness of their responsibility in this area, prior to public dedication during a worship gathering.
For more information call Jodie Adkins (641-410-4249).
Communications
If you have people skills or computer skills, there are opportunities from the very technical to the very functional. From Ministry Center to cyberspace (Web site), there\'s a place for you.
Karen Carman (614-410-4228) (people); Bryan Barlitt (614-410-4226) (computers) Bill Palmateer(614-410-3293) (communications)
Drama Team
Sketches, readings, and dramatizations enhance the message in some worship celebrations.
Dave O\'Roark (614-410-3289)
Grace Media Group
This group is dedicated to investing in the development of people whose gifts lie in the technical, performance, communication, visual, and creative arts, as well as in media, including graphics, audio, video, book and print music publishing, and curriculum development. For more information click here.
Randy Kettering (614-410-3229)
Music Ministry
If you are a vocalist or an instrumentalist, we have a place for you. Choirs, orchestra, large and small ensembles, worship teams and bands, soloists, and graded children\'s choirs make up a wide range of opportunity for involvement.
Randy Kettering (614-410-3229) (vocalists); Don Nathan (614-410-3222, x3554) (instrumentalists)
Publications
The weekly bulletin and monthly calendar are part of the material produced in house for all church ministries. Those with a gift of writing, photography, or graphic arts are needed to support the many publications. In addition the Copy Center welcomes volunteers to work on bulk mailings and special projects.
Publications: Bill Palmateer (614-410-3293); Copy Center: Wes Turner (614-410-4266)
Special Events
A wide variety of volunteer opportunities exists for each of our special events: Hosanna, a multiple-day music conference; and Living Christmas Trees, our outreach pageant.
Karen Carman (614-410-3201)
Technical Support
Skilled in audio, computers, graphics, or video? We invite you to be involved in our services, concerts, and special events.
Bryan Barlitt (614-410-4226) (computers); Brent Dye (614-410-3232) (audio); Bill Palmateer (614-410-3293) (graphics); Mike Seemueller (614-410-3230) (video/lighting)