5 /5 R.C. Dozier: My family and I have been visiting GBC for a few weeks now. A few preliminary remarks before my main comments. The church building is a lovely white chapel with plenty of parking. There are two main entrances into the church. We entered the church from the front entrance yet many people enter the building from the side entrance.
The church affirms the Five Solas of the Protestant reformation (e.g. Calvinism). The Bible translation used by GBC is the English Standard Version (ESV) and/or New American Standard Bible (NASB).
My family and I were quickly welcomed for our first visit. The deacons provided us with visitor welcome packets full of information about GBC.
We were greatly impressed by the expository preaching, congregational worship (it really is the whole church singing), and the authenticity of Gods people at GBC.
Pastor Rod Santiagos preaching is exquisitely expositional. Pastor Santiago preaches verse by verse, with detail given to the original Biblical languages, to effectively communicate the full counsel of God. He exemplifies proper homiletics to the glory of God (i.e. sermons flow from exegesis to biblical theology with practical application). He exemplifies holistic preaching. He applies the Bible holistically to the person with the intent God transforms both the mind and heart with the glorious gospel of Christ. The theological richness and reflection of Pastor Santiagos messages are, by the power of the Holy Spirit, convicting, challenging, correcting, and heart-changing. There is proper balance at GBC, in the sense that, biblical theology births doxology and evidences good works.
I think GBCs practice of communion is richly developed/nuanced. Any given person is warned with serious conviction that communion is a sign of the New Covenant, Christs substitutionary death for the penalty of sin, and His imminent return for authentic Christians (that divides/separates believers and unbelievers). Communion is not a trifling practice nor is it a ritual; rather, it communicates/relates symbolically a direct connection (e.g. self-identifying) with the gospel.
The worship consists of doctrinally enriched classic and contemporary hymns/songs. The style of music does not feel like a Christian rock concert where the vocalist is the focus. Quite the opposite. The whole church congregation echoes in songs of praise to God. The church unity is evident in the corporate singing. The lyrics promote praise, reflection, and celebration.
The people at GBC express authenticity, transparency and security.
Id recommend anyone to visit and/or join.
Blessings on you.
