How We Began

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How We Began

The birth of GRACE COVENANT CHURCH came about as the result of a church-planting project by the Church of the Redeemer, in Mesa, AZ. Thus, John Giarrizzo, a 1984 Redeemer Seminary graduate, was commissioned as Organizing Pastor in 1985. GRACE COVENANT began its first worship service on September 8, 1985 in a rented banquet hall. Our first year of existence was exciting yet challenging as we sought to establish both our doctrinal position and our identity as a Reformed Baptist church. In 1987, we established our own church constitution, adopted our Confession of Faith (1689 Baptist), and constituted our church membership with 28 charter members.

By 1992, we moved to our present location in Gilbert, where we now witness continued growth under the blessing of God. In 1996, a counseling center was established under the direction of Darrell Gustafson, also a 1984 graduate of Redeemer Seminary. Darrell also serves on staff as Associate Pastor. Then, in 1997, our congregation joined the Association of Reformed Baptist Churches of America (ARBCA), as a charter member. Throughout our existence, we have sought to glorify the Lord in all we say and do.

In June of 2002, the Lord guided us in building our new worship center debt free. This is phase 1 of a 3-phase project with a total of 13,000 sq ft planned. Phase 2 will start when the Lord has brought in about half of the needed funds. Our entire property was paid off in 2009 leaving us debt free after having a no interest loan.