Our Leadership
Pastor Joel Stamper
Pastor Joel is a 2007 graduate of Liberty University. He graduated with a degree in Biblical Studies but initially felt the Lord calling him into youth ministry. After marrying Mandy in 2008 they packed up what little they had and moved to Twin Falls, Idaho where Joel served as Director of Student Ministries at the First Baptist Church. Towards the end of 2012 while at a leadership conference he felt the Lord stirring his heart towards the pastorate. In March of 2013 Joel, Mandy and their son Elijah packed up and headed back across the country to their hometown of Sparta for Joel to answer the call to Pastor at Grace Community Church. In September 2015 they welcomed their second son, Judah. In February 2019 they welcomed their third son, Micaiah and in October of 2020 the first Stamper girl, Hazel Mae.
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Elders
Joel Stamper Steve Mason Daryl Simpson Tim Stamper Mark Parker David Clifton (Elder Emeritus) Deacons Dale Cox Donna Cox Donnie Shore Pat Shore Varan Walker Barbara Walker Severin Garrett Joe Morris Linda Young James Alexander Sharon Alexander Kathy Abernathy |
Statement of Faith
We believe that the Bible, consisting of the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is the revelation of God to mankind, is fully inspired by Him, is infallible and inerrant in it’s original manuscripts, and is the supreme and final authority for all Christian faith and conduct. (2 Tim. 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21)
We believe that there is but one God, who is infinitely perfect in all His attributes, Creator and Sustainer of all things, existing in 3 persons- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (1 Cor. 8:4, John 4:24; Col. 1:16,17; Matt. 28:19)
We believe that Jesus Christ is true God and true man. He preexisted eternally with the Father, was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, lived a perfect life, and died in our place for the sins of mankind. We believe He rose bodily from the grave, ascended to heaven, where He reigns as High Priest and Advocate; that He will return personally and bodily to earth at the close of this age. He is the only Savior and Lord of all! (Phil. 2:5-11; John 1:1; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 Tim 2:5,6; Heb. 4:14-16;
1 John 2:1)
We believe the Holy Spirit is a divine Person. We believe He was sent from the Father by the Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He regenerates and indwells all who trust in Christ. He is our Counselor and Guide, empowering us to walk in a manner worthy of God. We believe He gives spiritual gifts to every believer for the proper functioning of the Body of Christ. (Acts 5:3,4; Eph. 1:13,14; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 2:9-12; 3:16; 12:3-13, 28-31)
We believe that since Adam, every person is born with an inherently sinful nature, and is a sinner in thought, word and deed. Every person stands under the just condemnation of God and is unable to save himself, or to present deeds worthy of merit before God. (Rom. 2:6-16; 5:12-21; John 3:36)
We believe that salvation is by God’s grace alone. Each person must, by an act of faith, acknowledge that Christ is Savior and Lord. This results in forgiveness and a new standing before God, and all the privileges that accompany salvation. We believe in the eternal security of the believer, believing that God will complete the work He has begun. (Eph. 2:8-9; Acts 16:31; Rom.10:9; Acts 3:19; Phil. 1:6)
We believe that God enables every surrendered believer to live a life of obedience, with the fruit of the Spirit becoming increasingly evident in his life. We believe that the result will be to be conformed to the image of Christ. A believer who resists the gracious working of the Holy Spirit is chastened in infinite love by the Father, so that he may learn obedience. (John 14:21; 2 Cor. 10:4,5; Gal. 5:22-23; 2 Cor. 3:18; Heb. 12:5-14)
We believe that the Church of Jesus Christ is the universal body of believers, the Body of Christ, of which He is the head. We are His Bride, whom He loves infinitely, and His temple, in which He dwells. We believe the importance of not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, by one mind glorifying God through worship, fellowship, instruction in God’s Word, observing the ordinances, and training for service to the world. Our supreme task is to press on to know Him, and in that way, proclaim Him to the world. (John 14:3; 1 Thess. 4:16,17; Rev. 11:15)
We believe in the personality and depraved character of Satan, who is the great enemy of God and man. We believe that he, along with the company of demonic beings serving him, works out his evil plans as the prince of darkness. He is limited only by the sovereign rule of God. We believe he was judged by Christ at the cross, and will ultimately meet his doom in the lake of fire, where he will remain eternally. (Matt. 4:3-11; Gen. 3:1; John 8:44; Rev. 12:9-10; 2 Cor. 4:4; 1 John 3:8; Rev. 20:10)
We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. (Psalm 139)
Statement on Marriage, Gender and Sexuality:
- We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. (Gen 1:26-27.) Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.
- We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as described in Scripture. (Gen 2:18-25.) We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other. (1 Cor 6:18; 7:2-5; Heb 13:4.) We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.
- We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God. (Matt 15:18-20; 1 Cor 6:9-10.)
- We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of Grace Community Church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the Church’s members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by Grace Community Church in any capacity, or who voluntarily serve as Elders, Deacons, Teachers, Ministry Leaders and others, agree to and abide by this Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality. (Matt 5:16; Phil 2:14-16; 1 Thess 5:22.)
- We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. (Acts 3:19-21; Rom 10:9-10; 1 Cor 6:9-11.)
- We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31.) Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of Grace Community Church.
- Because God has ordained marriage and defined it as the covenant relationship between a man, a woman, and Himself, Grace Community Church will only recognize marriages between a biological man and a biological woman. Further, the Pastor (or other officiants in the Church) and staff of Grace Community Church shall only participate in weddings and solemnize marriages between one man and one woman. Finally, the facilities and property of Grace Community Church shall only host weddings between one man and one woman.
The membership of this Church shall be composed of individuals who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and affirm the tenets of the Statement of Faith, and who offer evidence, by their confession and their conduct, that they are living in accord with their affirmations and this Statement of Faith, and are actively pursuing and continuing in a vital fellowship with the Lord, Jesus Christ. The Pastor & Elders of this Church shall have final authority in all matters of church governance.
Statement on Final Authority for Matters of Belief and Conduct:
This statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God, speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of Grace Community Church’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our Pastor & Elders are the church’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.
We believe that the Bible, consisting of the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is the revelation of God to mankind, is fully inspired by Him, is infallible and inerrant in it’s original manuscripts, and is the supreme and final authority for all Christian faith and conduct. (2 Tim. 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21)
We believe that there is but one God, who is infinitely perfect in all His attributes, Creator and Sustainer of all things, existing in 3 persons- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (1 Cor. 8:4, John 4:24; Col. 1:16,17; Matt. 28:19)
We believe that Jesus Christ is true God and true man. He preexisted eternally with the Father, was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, lived a perfect life, and died in our place for the sins of mankind. We believe He rose bodily from the grave, ascended to heaven, where He reigns as High Priest and Advocate; that He will return personally and bodily to earth at the close of this age. He is the only Savior and Lord of all! (Phil. 2:5-11; John 1:1; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 Tim 2:5,6; Heb. 4:14-16;
1 John 2:1)
We believe the Holy Spirit is a divine Person. We believe He was sent from the Father by the Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He regenerates and indwells all who trust in Christ. He is our Counselor and Guide, empowering us to walk in a manner worthy of God. We believe He gives spiritual gifts to every believer for the proper functioning of the Body of Christ. (Acts 5:3,4; Eph. 1:13,14; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 2:9-12; 3:16; 12:3-13, 28-31)
We believe that since Adam, every person is born with an inherently sinful nature, and is a sinner in thought, word and deed. Every person stands under the just condemnation of God and is unable to save himself, or to present deeds worthy of merit before God. (Rom. 2:6-16; 5:12-21; John 3:36)
We believe that salvation is by God’s grace alone. Each person must, by an act of faith, acknowledge that Christ is Savior and Lord. This results in forgiveness and a new standing before God, and all the privileges that accompany salvation. We believe in the eternal security of the believer, believing that God will complete the work He has begun. (Eph. 2:8-9; Acts 16:31; Rom.10:9; Acts 3:19; Phil. 1:6)
We believe that God enables every surrendered believer to live a life of obedience, with the fruit of the Spirit becoming increasingly evident in his life. We believe that the result will be to be conformed to the image of Christ. A believer who resists the gracious working of the Holy Spirit is chastened in infinite love by the Father, so that he may learn obedience. (John 14:21; 2 Cor. 10:4,5; Gal. 5:22-23; 2 Cor. 3:18; Heb. 12:5-14)
We believe that the Church of Jesus Christ is the universal body of believers, the Body of Christ, of which He is the head. We are His Bride, whom He loves infinitely, and His temple, in which He dwells. We believe the importance of not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, by one mind glorifying God through worship, fellowship, instruction in God’s Word, observing the ordinances, and training for service to the world. Our supreme task is to press on to know Him, and in that way, proclaim Him to the world. (John 14:3; 1 Thess. 4:16,17; Rev. 11:15)
We believe in the personality and depraved character of Satan, who is the great enemy of God and man. We believe that he, along with the company of demonic beings serving him, works out his evil plans as the prince of darkness. He is limited only by the sovereign rule of God. We believe he was judged by Christ at the cross, and will ultimately meet his doom in the lake of fire, where he will remain eternally. (Matt. 4:3-11; Gen. 3:1; John 8:44; Rev. 12:9-10; 2 Cor. 4:4; 1 John 3:8; Rev. 20:10)
We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. (Psalm 139)
Statement on Marriage, Gender and Sexuality:
- We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. (Gen 1:26-27.) Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.
- We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as described in Scripture. (Gen 2:18-25.) We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other. (1 Cor 6:18; 7:2-5; Heb 13:4.) We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.
- We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God. (Matt 15:18-20; 1 Cor 6:9-10.)
- We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of Grace Community Church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the Church’s members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by Grace Community Church in any capacity, or who voluntarily serve as Elders, Deacons, Teachers, Ministry Leaders and others, agree to and abide by this Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality. (Matt 5:16; Phil 2:14-16; 1 Thess 5:22.)
- We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. (Acts 3:19-21; Rom 10:9-10; 1 Cor 6:9-11.)
- We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31.) Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of Grace Community Church.
- Because God has ordained marriage and defined it as the covenant relationship between a man, a woman, and Himself, Grace Community Church will only recognize marriages between a biological man and a biological woman. Further, the Pastor (or other officiants in the Church) and staff of Grace Community Church shall only participate in weddings and solemnize marriages between one man and one woman. Finally, the facilities and property of Grace Community Church shall only host weddings between one man and one woman.
The membership of this Church shall be composed of individuals who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and affirm the tenets of the Statement of Faith, and who offer evidence, by their confession and their conduct, that they are living in accord with their affirmations and this Statement of Faith, and are actively pursuing and continuing in a vital fellowship with the Lord, Jesus Christ. The Pastor & Elders of this Church shall have final authority in all matters of church governance.
Statement on Final Authority for Matters of Belief and Conduct:
This statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God, speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of Grace Community Church’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our Pastor & Elders are the church’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.