Who We Are

Our Story, Our Faith,
Our Family

For over 25 years, Grace Community Church has been rooted in scripture and committed to serving Grand Rapids with love and purpose.

Our Mission

Connecting People to God & Each Other

Grace Community Church was founded in 1999 by Pastor David Mercer and a small group of passionate believers who wanted to create a church that felt less like an institution and more like a family.

Our vision is simple: love God, love people, and serve the world. Everyone — regardless of background, past, or circumstance — deserves to experience the transforming love of Jesus Christ.

Church community
25+
Years of Ministry
3,200
Church Family
47
Active Ministries
12
Mission Partners
Our History

A Timeline of Faith

1999

The Beginning

Pastor David Mercer and 12 founding families held the first service in a local school gymnasium.

2003

Our First Building

Grace Community moved into its first permanent home on Faith Avenue with 300 members.

2009

Launching Missions

Sent our first mission team to Kenya, beginning a global outreach that continues today.

2015

Campus Expansion

Broke ground on the Grace Center, a 40,000 sq ft community hub for worship and service.

2024

25 Years & Growing

Celebrating a quarter century with 3,200+ members and 12 global mission partnerships.

Church history
What We Believe

Our Core Beliefs

Founded on the Word of God, guided by the Holy Spirit, and centered on Jesus Christ.

📖

Scripture

We believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God and the final authority for all matters of faith and practice.

✝️

Salvation

We believe salvation is a free gift received through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not through works or merit.

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Holy Spirit

We believe in the active work of the Holy Spirit — guiding, empowering, and transforming every believer.

🌍

The Church

We believe the church is the body of Christ — called to worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism.

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Prayer

We believe prayer is the foundation of our relationship with God and the source of our power and direction in life.

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Return of Christ

We believe in the personal, bodily return of Jesus Christ to establish His kingdom and reign forever.

Leadership

Meet Our Pastoral Team

Senior Pastor

David Mercer

Senior Pastor

Founding pastor with 25+ years of ministry, author, and community leader in Grand Rapids.

Worship Pastor

Sarah Johnson

Worship Pastor

Leading our praise and worship ministry with passion and creativity since 2011.

Youth Pastor

Marcus Thompson

Youth Pastor

Passionate about equipping the next generation to know and love God wholeheartedly.

Outreach Pastor

Linda Osei

Outreach Pastor

Directing our local and global outreach initiatives since 2008.

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."

— Matthew 5:14, NIV