Grace Community Church, a Bible church affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, was founded in 1977. It began as a home study that grew into a full-fledged church. After meeting in a home, it moved to a privately run business establishment, and then to a community hall. During the formative stages, Northwest Church of Fresno gave pastoral assistance for the morning services. In 1983, John Adams School became the site for church services.

The church was incorporated in May of 1978 under the name of Madera Community Church, but changed its name to Grace Community Church of Madera shortly thereafter. Grace Community called its first pastor in 1980. In 1983, Randy Brannon moved from Portland, Oregon to assume pastoral responsibilities. The church moved to its current campus in October of 1985. The people had built the worship center over the previous 5 months, the finances being provided through internal church notes. In 1989/90, the men and women of the congregation constructed the educational building, as was the case with the first building.

The missions ministry began in 1987 with our first Faith Promise Missions Conference. Missions are at the forefront of every thing Grace Community does, whether local or worldwide. In addition to missions, there is a great emphasis on youth and children’s ministries that look to the future. In April 2019, James Kendall moved from North Carolina to become Senior Pastor and he served as Senior Pastor until December 2021. In January 2022, Brandon Hopkins assumed the role of Interim Senior Pastor, and on June 6, 2022, the members of Grace Community voted in Pastor Hopkins as our Senior Pastor.

The Council of Elders is responsible for developing and implementing all policies. The Council consists of laymen and the pastoral staff. Congregational votes are held to confirm new elders, make constitutional changes, or purchase of new properties.

We recognize that the Church is the Body of Christ and it is the Lord Jesus who will build His church. Matt. 16:18. He is the head and sovereign over all that is done at Grace Community. As He lives His life through us while we crucify our fleshly desires, the glory of God will be seen and His people will benefit.

 

Grace…Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5,6

Community…Matthew 9:35-38; Matthew 11:25-30

Church…Matthew 16:18; 1 Peter 2:9,10