Grace Community Church (Arlington)

Benjamin Inman

Grace is a welcoming place for people curious about God. It truly is a church for people who don’t go to church.

Alev “ASJ”

This is going to be a long one. If you’re checking out the “rating” of the church. It’s 5stars IMO. But what do I know about how church people rate a church? What I know is my own personal experience so if you’re interested in that part, here it goes. It’s a kind of long review. One of the things that first drew me to visit Grace Community Church is because of a conversation. The church communications speak to me. I read it as super authentic. The slogan, “a church for people who don’t do to church”, is totally me. I identify with it. That was almost 20 years ago and still think this way. Only difference is I get to experience a journey in my faith. I’m lucky to have the privilege - I’ve had all positive experiences since those early days of meeting in a small elementary school cafeteria in 2003 and all the way up to where the church is now in 2022. I still attend virtually and looking forward to the new space in Ballston Quarters. Driving from Bethesda, BQ is much closer to me than where they meet now so I’m REALLY excited about it. Sermons are bible-based, practical and contextual and events are purposeful, and almost always focused on meeting a need (community building/housing/hunger etc) —all the real stuff. I’ve gotten to watch/hear/experience first-hand what Christianity is all about from a consistent and central message that focuses on serving people through Jesus’s teachings. The nondenominational structure also resonates with me. I have roots in Muslim and almost converted to Judaism at one point in my life. My upbringing was “just believe God is one” in the home and I attended a Catholic school education. All that to say, the nondenominational part only made sense for me because I never understood why so many Jesus follower’s were so separate in various churches. Grace was unifying. I also appreciate the many backgrounds of people I’ve met here. Some folks who identify as “non-believer”, “not sure”, “tell me more” to the fully committed, seasoned, “I was raised at the pulpit” churchgoer, and everything in between that spectrum. But that’s not what is most rare to me about this church. For me what’s most rare is that the church is human-centered, not afraid to tackle tough questions about life and issues and all the stuff humans are faced with, and at the same time admit that we’re all in this together. No one has the exact answer about God but we have folks who make it their job to study and pastor folks who are hoping to learn more and grow more. Rather than taking a stance that has the potential to be divisive or exclusive, the messages/sermons I hear are focused on delving deeper with curiosity and grace through the lens of Jesus. “What does Jesus say about this issue?” OH AND THE MUSIC! Better than a rock concert. So so so lovely. Grace has been a huge part in my journey. I could go on and on with so many more examples but I don’t want anyone to check it out because of a review. You just have to experience it for yourself, attend a newcomers luncheon, ask questions, check out past sermons, etc etc. Do your own research. I’m posting a couple of photos from 2003-4 years in hopes there are others who read this and remember them!

mco bubba

Their slogan - "A Church for People who Don't go to Church" is important because there is no pressure on where you are in your journey OR just curious. Great messages and kind atmosphere.

Kimberly Middleton

I visited Grace for the first time in 2006. I had begun dating a man who was a member there, and the place he worshipped would be a “make or break“ criteria for me. The atmosphere was genuinely warm and welcoming. Pastor John knew my name …Thanks for sharing, Kim. We are so glad you are here and that you have found a wonderful home at Grace.