Welcome to the Grace Temple Community Church! With an extended hand and a joyful spirit we welcome you today! We are delighted and excited to share with you the marvelous ways in which God's hand is at work here at G.T.C.C. We thank you for visiting our website and truly hope you are blessed by its contents.
Prayerfully yours,
Samuel E. Crawford, D.R. Ed. / Senior Pastor
We believe there is only one God. (Isaiah 43:10; 44:6, 8; John 17:3; 1 Corinthians 8:5-6; Galatians 4:8-9)
We believe God is three in one. (Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; John 14:16-17; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Acts 2:32-33, John 10:30,17:11, 21; 1 Peter 1:2)We believe God is sovereign. (Zechariah 9:14; 1 Timothy 6:15-16)
We believe God is holy. (1 Peter 1:15)
We believe God is the creator of everything that exists. (Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 44:24)
We believe God is immutable. He does not change. (James 1:17; Malachi 3:6; Isaiah 46:9-10)
We believe the Holy Spirit is God. (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 2:11-12; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
We believe in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit for all Christians. (Romans 8: 14-27)
We believe that the Holy Spirit empowers believers for service in the kingdom of God. (Acts 4:31)
We believe Jesus Christ is God. (John 1:1, 14, 10:30-33, 20:28; Colossians 2:9; Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 1:8)
We believe Jesus is fully God and fully man. (Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 4:15; 2 Corinthians 5:21)
We believe Jesus is the only way to God the Father. (John 14:6; Matthew 11:27; Luke 10:22)
We believe Jesus died for the sins of each and every person in the world. (1 John 2:2; 2 Corinthians 5:14; 1 Peter 2:24)
We believe Jesus' death was a substitutionary sacrifice. He died and paid the price for our sins, so that we might live. (1 Peter 2:24; Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45)
We believe Jesus resurrected from the dead in physical form. (John 2:19-21)
We believe Salvation is a free gift of God. (Romans 4:5, 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 John 1:8-10)
We believe that Christ instructed the Church to go into the entire world and preach the Gospel to every person, baptizing and teaching those who believe. (Matthew 28: 13-18)
We believe biblical marriage is a covenant between a man and woman, a sacred vow. It is an institution created by God to be a symbol of Christ and His Church. (Genesis 2: 22-24, Matthew 19:4-6, Mark 10:6-7, Ephesians 5: 22-32)
We believe that Tithing is our opportunity to show God He is the “owner” of our finances by giving back to Him the first of what He gives us. (James 1:17; Mal 3:10)
We believe the Bible is the written and Holy Spirit inspired Word of God that is absolute and infallible and the final authority for the life of the believer and the church." (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)
Mission:
The mission of Grace Temple Community Church ministry is evangelism and discipleship. We are committed to the great commission instituted by Jesus Christ. We are focused on ministering to the unsaved and nurturing and developing those that are saved (Matthew 28:18-20). Everything we have done is to live out this vision that the Lord has given to our church family. From adding ministries to staffing, from building facilities to adding programs, from stewardship to membership, it has all been for the purpose of being obedient to the commission of Christ.
Vision:
We believe the word of God includes the proclamation of both the eternal power of Calvary and the potential power of Pentecost; the power of Jesus Christ for salvation because of the crucifixion/resurrection and the filling/controlling power of the Holy Spirit for service and holy victorious living because of Pentecost. (Acts 20:27; Acts 1:8) We believe in the value of all spiritual gifts for the edification of believers and the body of Christ until the end of this church age is consummated by the glorious event return of our Lord Jesus Christ. We believe these spiritual gifts are given for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of ministry and for the edifying of the body of Christ and are given without regard to ethnicity, social class or gender.
Covenant:
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.We engage, therefore, by the aide of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this Church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of its ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale or, and use of, intoxicating drinks as a beverage; to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other Church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word. All Glory to The LORD!
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
Dr. Samuel E. Crawford was born December 1, 1956 in Dallas, Texas. At age 12 he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior. On July 7, 1992 he surrendered to the call and commission to preach the gospel. Min. Crawford preached his 1st sermon November 29, 1992 entitled “Don’t die when you’re Cold”. After confirmation by Pastor W. J. Shackelford (now deceased) and Church body, he was bestowed his license to preach the Gospel. Under the direction of Dr. W. J. Shackelford experience was gained in many areas of Christian leadership & worship services. He served as Associate Minister, Youth Minister Children’s Church, Male Chorus President, and Young Men for Christ President, Sunday School Teacher, Youth Advisor, VBS Instructor, & Youth Director of the BTU Congress Bethesda District Association 1995-1998. In November 1996 Under the Recommendation of Pastor Shackelford and the Bethesda District Association Board…Dr. R. L. Kennedy Moderator ordained Min. Crawford. Min. Crawford Attended Bishop-College 1975-1976, East Texas State University 1976-1978. Acting upon his calling & commission in the ministry Rev. Crawford enrolled in Southern Bible Institute where he received his Bachelors Degree in Theology in 1997 (BTh). Upon the calling of Pastor Dr. B.L.Bell, Sr. - Min. Crawford was inspired by his powerful preaching & tremendous teaching ministry he was encouraged to continue in studying God’s word and enrolled at Dallas Theological Seminary Center for Biblical Studies. Where he received his Diploma in 2001 (Dpl BS), and Faith Evangelical Seminary where he receive his Masters Degree in Theological Studies 2007 (MTh). In 2013 Min. Crawford enrolled in School of The Scriptures where he received his Doctorate in Religious Ed. Under the tutorage and inspiring leadership of Dr. Bell, - Min. Crawford served with the following ministries as Senior Associate to Pastor, Youth Minister, VBS Director, Evangelism Ministry, CLT Instructor, Youth Advisor, Male Chorus Chaplain, and K- Night Ministry, Make it Happen Team Member, And a Three-year attendee of W.H.W. Ministers Where Dr. Bell served as National President of the Layman’s Division. And Frank Ray Expository Preaching & Church growth conference. Min. Crawford is married to Joyce Crawford and they have been blessed with six children between them. Min. Crawford served at New Pilgrim Rest Missionary B.C. were Dr. B.L. Bell Sr., is the Senior Pastor.
Chief Financial Officer: Dea. Lewis McKenzie, M.B.A.
Chief Operations Officer: Shannon Handley, A. BA
Public Relations Director: Tiffany McKenzie, B.S.
H. U. G. Director: Beverly Drake
Ushers Director: Thomas Crawford
Programs Director: Rita Ratcliff
Women of the Word Director: Lee Williams
Senior Saints Director: Joyce Crawford
Media & Audio Director: Tyreana Handley & Josiah Drake
Men of Purpose Director: Dea. James Drake
Communion Director: Dea. James Ratcliff
Wednesday Night Bible Study: Dr. Crawford
Youth Directors: Kaylah Handley, B.S. & Nariah Drake, B.S.
The C.R.E.W. Director: Jabree Drake, B.S
Praise Dance Director: Tyreana Handley, B.S.
Here at Grace Temple Community Church, we believe that there is a place for everyone to share his or her spiritual gift. Through a variety of ministries available to all members, you can grow in and share your faith with fellow Christians looking to make their church and community stronger. G.T.C.C. welcomes all members to become more involved in ministry activities to build lasting relationships with the church family while giving of your time and talent to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
THE C.R.E.W.
Christ Radicals Edifying the World. The C.R.E.W. is a ministry designed to inspire, encourage and meet the needs of the 18-35 years of age demographic. The C.R.E.W. consist of a Young Adult Ministry and Young Adult Movement that is dedicated to winning souls to Christ as we connect and engage in service, Christian fellowship, and community development. For more information, contact Sis Jabree Drake
Bible study and Christian living classes are offered to give the congregation the opportunity to study God’s Word in depth.
Women of the Word:
This ministry strives to develop spiritually mature women actively influencing their families, church and community for Christ. Meetings are the 2nd Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Men of Purpose
To promote the discipleship, fellowship, and service of men. Meetings are the 2nd Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Senior Saints
To promote the discipleship, fellowship, and service of seniors (55 & over). Meetings are the 3rd Saturday of each month at 10 a.m.
Marriage Ministry
To promote the discipleship, fellowship, and service of married couples.
Sunday School
Sunday Church School is an educational ministry focused on providing a weekly (Sunday) study of the Word of God for all ages. Our mission is to continually identify and develop relevant issues, materials and activities that will help transform us into a mature body of saints, edifying and encouraging transformed lives for Christ. (Ephesians 4:12)
Sunday Church School is a branch of Grace Temple Community Church Christian Education (CE). The mission of CE is evangelism and to make disciples. (Matthew 28:19-20)
All are welcome from the ages of 3 years old (potty-trained) up to Senior Adults.
Sunday Church School meets every Sunday at before the morning service times.
Media & Audio Ministries
Communications – Provides support to the Communications Department in several aspects including the website, social media, (and other mediums), and graphic design.
YOUTH
K.I.D.S. (Kids in Divine Service) Children’s Church is an interactive worship opportunity for preschool (3 year old potty trained) to 11 years old. Worship services are offered on the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Sundays.
PRAISE DANCE
The Connecting of Body and Spirit that is always done with the intention of reaching out and ministering to people. Praise dancers dedicate their movement to God, and treat dance as a way to express love for God. Praise dance has been a part of community gatherings, gospel festivals and even funerals, for years due to its communal nature.