Our story
A heartfelt yearning to worship the Lord with a revitalized spirit and focused mindset paved the way for the formation of a Bible study group called “The Promise Seekers.” As the group flourished, they transitioned from a living room to a garage, led by various laypeople and clergy. The fellowship soon outgrew the driveway, and with summer approaching, it became evident that a larger space was needed. A local business owner generously offered the use of “The Cotton Junction” restaurant for their Thursday evening Bible studies, where attendance continued to soar. Recognizing the Lord’s guiding hand, the founders contemplated establishing a new church. A steering committee was formed, fueled by a reinvigorated zeal to worship and embody the body of Christ in this place. They prayed fervently and decided on the name “Grace Fellowship Church of Buckeye,” inspired by II Corinthians 13:14. The inaugural church service was held at the converted Cotton Junction on September 22, 1996, with the corporation papers filed shortly after. Sunday school for all ages commenced on October 20, 1996.
Seeking a vision for Grace Fellowship, the committee emphasized pursuing the mind and heart of Christ, reaching out to the lost, and embodying God’s grace. They embarked on a search for land to accommodate future growth and potential for a school. They identified a plot on Miller Road, and on April 20, 1997, the membership approved the purchase. A campaign to “Possess the Land” launched on June 15, 1997, raising over $81,000.
On September 28, 1997, the congregation held a “Blessing of the Ground” ceremony at the future site, dubbed “The Miracle on Miller.” The groundbreaking ceremony took place on March 14, 1999, for a campus with three buildings: a multi-purpose sanctuary/gym, a nursery and children’s classrooms, and a youth building with fellowship space. The first worship service at “The Miracle on Miller” was held on December 12, 1999, where the congregation continues to worship today
February 1996
A group formed from a heart-felt desire to worship our Lord in a renewed spirit and re-focused attitude. A Bible study started with this renewed purpose. They called themselves: “The Promise Seekers.”
The Bible study grew until the living room was too small so they moved into the garage. The study was led by many different people; some lay people and some clergy. The fellowship and love of the people soon over-flowed the garage out onto the driveway. As summer approached, it became evident that a larger place was needed to meet.
A local business owner allowed us to use “The Cotton Junction” restaurant for Bible study on Thursday evenings. The people multiplied again. Soon it became clear, by the incredible response of people, that perhaps the nudging that the founders were feeling was from the Lord. They suggested investigating the possibility of moving beyond a Bible study group to beginning a new church.
Soon a steering committee was formed from those who shared the same heart-felt desire to worship the Lord with a re-vitalized zeal, and in a renewed sprit of what it means to be the body of Christ in this place.
To work they went! Praying, praying, and praying some more. The first item on the agenda… What do we call this new church? The name “Grace Fellowship Church of Buckeye” was suggested.
This name was chosen from the scripture II Corinthians 13:14, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” It was unanimous! Grace Fellowship would become the new name of this group!
September 1996
The decision to formally begin church services was made. The doors of the “converted” Cotton Junction were opened for church on September 22, 1996 at 11:00 a.m. Corporation papers were filed, and we were well on our way!
As the Lord raised up the leadership, Sunday school began for all ages on October 20, 1996. The Lord had brought us so far, so fast! The vision to press on continued. It was clear that this “movement” was way beyond our own limited resources. Praise God for His unlimited abilities!
In a meeting, the committee asked themselves, “What is our vision for Grace Fellowship?” As each member answered, it became clear that first we be a people seeking the mind and heart of Christ. Then we respond in obedience, reaching out to the lost, to the ones who have fallen through those so called “cracks”, and re-learning what it means to be a people of God’s grace. It was unanimously felt that a search for land needed to begin. With the potential growth of this valley, a plot of land needed to be secured that was highly visible and accessible. Large enough that one day soon a school could be part of the picture. The search was on! Phone calls were made, people consulted with, many options considered.
Having searched the Buckeye area, we were convinced that Miller Road was the place. Now, to find someone willing to sell a small
