Articles
Our Story
Grace Park Church began in 2005 with one goal in mind: to accurately represent what it means to be a follower of Jesus. At that time a handful of people began dreaming about what it would look like to make a positive impact for Jesus in the city of Spring Hill. Getting to know the people of Spring Hill brought about an awareness of the negative perceptions many people have of what it means to be a Christian and what it means to be a church. For others, their perception wasn't negative. It was just that church seemed to have no relevance for their lives. So Grace Park set out to redefine the perceptions many have of church and Christians by accurately representing Jesus and His message of redemption.
Humble Beginnings
Although our beginnings looked humble, they were quite exciting! Several churches in Middle Tennessee and in surrounding states saw Spring Hill as a place where big things were possible. So, they partnered together to provide many resources that helped Grace Park begin. And, that is when the physical supplies needed for a new church began pouring in. Churches in Mississippi sent entire classrooms of portable children's supplies. Churches in Middle Tennessee gave hundreds of new chairs while others donated sound equipment. Before long, Grace Park had a trailer overflowing with supplies.
Church, however, isn't just about supplies. In the early years Grace Park met in a borrowed detached garage that belonged to another nearby church. They quickly outgrew that space, and through connections made with a local photographer began renting business space for Sunday morning use. Around this time, one full time staffer "became" three as a worship arts pastor and small groups pastor joined the team. Over the years, Grace Park continued to change locations until they settled in at Marvin Wright Elementary, a new school, that opened in 2006. Grace Park moved from Sunday morning gatherings to Sunday evening gatherings. More importantly, though, than the meeting spaces and changing of venues were the people that became a part of Grace Park, many of whom are still there today, including the addition of a full-time children's pastor.
Redefining Perceptions
The simplest way we have found to redefine perceptions is by sharing life with our neighbors, co-workers, and friends. At Grace Park, you will find people who genuinely desire to live life in authentic relationships.
Redefining perceptions has taken on many different forms. You might see us around Spring Hill serving our neighbors and friends. In the spring we partner with local businesses to provide the city's Easter Egg Hunt. In the summer we host totally free car washes. Really! (with no strings attached) You might also find us hosting a food drive for The Well Food Pantry or hosting a baseball camp. And, on Halloween Night watch out because you never know which neighborhoods will get mugged. Mugged, as in a free coffee mug filled with Starbucks hot chocolate, Tazo tea, Hershey's, and a simple card from our church all with no strings attached. For us, all of this is about living out what it means to be a Christ follower in real and meaningful ways.
