Grace Chapel Church of Christ held its first services in October of 1999. Grace Chapel was planted by the North Atlanta Church of Christ (www.nacofc.org) under the leadership of Glenn Robb and Don McLaughlin. Bill Bundy and Ted Matthews served as Grace Chapel's first elders, with Jack Coker added early in 2000. Grace Chapel's first services were held on Sunday evenings at Big Creek Elementary School, moving to South Forsyth Middle School a year later.
In 2001, with Grace Chapel's growth, it became evident that a full time evangelist was needed. With much prayer and consideration, Kurt Picker was chosen for this job. Kurt and his wife Roxy came to join Grace Chapel in March 2001.
On Easter, April 15, 2001, Grace Chapel began holding Sunday morning services. With this transition, small group Bible studies began meeting in homes on Sunday evenings. Once again, Grace Chapel continued to grow. Prayer and planning began to take place for a new facility that could be used any time of the day. Grace Chapel decided to lease some unfinished warehouse space in Cumming. Thanks to the devotion and skill of many members, the warehouse facility was fully finished and ready for our first worship service in August of 2001. With this new facility, Grace Chapel was able to add Wednesday evening Bible classes as well as the ability to have events throughout the week.
Meanwhile we began looking for property to purchase for a permanent facility in South Forsyth county. Through the Lord's provision and with some very generous giving, Grace Chapel was able to purchase property in Cumming at the corner of Castleberry and Majors Rd.
In 2003, Grace Chapel had once again outgrown its facility. And, once again, the Lord provided, as adjacent warehouse space became vacant. This was quickly leased and finished as well. Grace Chapel also began its search for a youth minister. Mike Eppes was prayerfully chosen, and the Eppes family joined Grace Chapel in June 2003. After Mike was called to another location to serve the Lord Rocky Wyatt joined us as our very talented youth minister.
The year 2003 also brought the beginning of the "Touched by Grace" building campaign. With this campaign, Grace Chapel was able to begin building its own facility on the purchased property. October 5th, 2003 marked the official start of the construction phase with its Groundbreaking ceremony. All Grace Chapel families began "clearing the land."
In December, 2004 Grace Chapel held its first official worship assembly in the new building at Castleberry and Majors. In just 4 years Grace Chapel transitioned from a small group of 6 families to a growing congregation of over 150 familes. Full time staff now include
- David Jernigan. Church Life Minister
- Diane Lathem, Church Adminstrative Assistant
- Mark Payne, Building and Grounds
- Kurt Picker, Senior Minister
- Rocky Wyatt, Youth Minister
- John Shamblin, Youth Minister (Partial Office Hours)
As Grace Chapel continues seeking to build relationships with God and each other, we are prayerful and committed to doing God's will to reach our community. Our vision is simple, Love God, Love Others, and Tell Others About God, but our purpose is eternal. Take an opportunity to join us, and find out what a God focused, Spirit filled, Christ led life is all about. It may be better than anything you have ever imagined!