Our Core Values
Theologically Reformed. We are convinced that the Reformed faith represents the most consistent expression of Christian principles. From simplicity in worship to an all-of-life application of Scripture, Reformed Christians self-consciously follow the spiritual heritage of the Protestant Reformation.
Family Friendly. Recongnizing the critical role of healthy families, we desire to stimulate the growth of families through an integrated program of worship and service. We encourage parents to assume their God-given responsibility in preparing their children for a lifetime of Christ-honoring service.
Biblically Literate. Not simply honoring the Bible, we seek to make it our personal and practical guide for daily living. Every dimension of life should reflect a biblical orientation; to that end we engage in a systematic study of both the Old and New Testaments.
Presbyterian in Polity. We understand the Scriptural pattern of church government to be reflected in the principles of Presbyterian polity. Since the days of Abraham, God's people have been led by wise elders (presbyters) who have been gifted and called by God.
Musically Traditional. Desiring to utilize and preserve the rich heritage of Christian hymns, we employ music sung by the church since the Reformation. Acceptable music for public worship is not determined by the date of its composition but by its exaltation of God and its faithfulness to the message of Scripture.
Historically Orthodox. We are indebted to the orthodox followers of God who have gone before us, and we affirm our commitment to the great summaries of the faith such as the Apostles' Creed (2nd century) and the Nicene Creed (4th century), and the five core beliefs of the Reformation: Sola Scriptura, Solus Christus, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, and Soli Deo Gloria (Salvation based upon Scripture alone, Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone, solely for the glory of God). As Presbyterians, our theology is best summarized in the Westminster Confession of Faith (17th century), along with its Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
God-centered Worship. Our primary focus in meeting for public worship is to acknowledge the majestic greatness of our God and to lift our hearts and voices to praise Him. While we desire to minister to each other, such benefits must be secondary to exalting the God who saved us.
People Oriented. We recognize that the church consists of people, not a building. While an appropriate setting is conducive to biblical worship, a faithful congregation will honor the Lord through ministry to individuals in membership and to the community at large..
Family Friendly. Recongnizing the critical role of healthy families, we desire to stimulate the growth of families through an integrated program of worship and service. We encourage parents to assume their God-given responsibility in preparing their children for a lifetime of Christ-honoring service.
Biblically Literate. Not simply honoring the Bible, we seek to make it our personal and practical guide for daily living. Every dimension of life should reflect a biblical orientation; to that end we engage in a systematic study of both the Old and New Testaments.
Presbyterian in Polity. We understand the Scriptural pattern of church government to be reflected in the principles of Presbyterian polity. Since the days of Abraham, God's people have been led by wise elders (presbyters) who have been gifted and called by God.
Musically Traditional. Desiring to utilize and preserve the rich heritage of Christian hymns, we employ music sung by the church since the Reformation. Acceptable music for public worship is not determined by the date of its composition but by its exaltation of God and its faithfulness to the message of Scripture.
Historically Orthodox. We are indebted to the orthodox followers of God who have gone before us, and we affirm our commitment to the great summaries of the faith such as the Apostles' Creed (2nd century) and the Nicene Creed (4th century), and the five core beliefs of the Reformation: Sola Scriptura, Solus Christus, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, and Soli Deo Gloria (Salvation based upon Scripture alone, Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone, solely for the glory of God). As Presbyterians, our theology is best summarized in the Westminster Confession of Faith (17th century), along with its Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
God-centered Worship. Our primary focus in meeting for public worship is to acknowledge the majestic greatness of our God and to lift our hearts and voices to praise Him. While we desire to minister to each other, such benefits must be secondary to exalting the God who saved us.
People Oriented. We recognize that the church consists of people, not a building. While an appropriate setting is conducive to biblical worship, a faithful congregation will honor the Lord through ministry to individuals in membership and to the community at large..
Our Vision
Through the grace and providence of God, we envision Grace Christian Fellowship growing as a body of Christian households committed to the serious application of Scripture to life in the 21st century. Achieving distinctiveness is not an end in itself; nevertheless, genuine Christians committed to the absolutes of Scripture will be different from those for whom the Faith is a hobby rather than a consuming passion.
America desperately needs the leavening influence of serious Christians. We aim to resist the growing tide of paganism and demonstrate the practical value of biblical faith for all of life.
Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." It is vital that we not only pray in this way but also that we work to extend the impact of God's Kingdom. Christ must not only rule in the hearts of believers but also be acknowledged as Lord in our homes and nations. No dimension of society is beyond the purview of His throne. The mission of this church must be to speak prophetically to society, thereby calling for a spirit of repentance and restoration of biblical principles.
If our nation is to survive and prosper, it will only be as we repent in humility before God, publicly acknowledge Christ as Lord, and uphold His righteous standards. Ultimately, our national security will not be found in a superior military-industial complex, in a prosperous economy, or in a well-written constitution. Instead, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" (Psalm 33:12).
America desperately needs the leavening influence of serious Christians. We aim to resist the growing tide of paganism and demonstrate the practical value of biblical faith for all of life.
Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." It is vital that we not only pray in this way but also that we work to extend the impact of God's Kingdom. Christ must not only rule in the hearts of believers but also be acknowledged as Lord in our homes and nations. No dimension of society is beyond the purview of His throne. The mission of this church must be to speak prophetically to society, thereby calling for a spirit of repentance and restoration of biblical principles.
If our nation is to survive and prosper, it will only be as we repent in humility before God, publicly acknowledge Christ as Lord, and uphold His righteous standards. Ultimately, our national security will not be found in a superior military-industial complex, in a prosperous economy, or in a well-written constitution. Instead, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" (Psalm 33:12).
Our Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Edward Guyer has ministered to this church since March of 2007. A native Altoona, Pennsylvania, he previously served congregations in central Maryland and northeastern PA. He also worked as a missionary to British Columbia, Canada for sixteen years. As the father of six and the grandfather of three, his heart is to see families founded upon the principles of Scripture and fulling their ciritical role as the building blocks of a healthy society and a strong church.
He has earned graduate degrees in theology and missiology and is a Teaching Elder of the Potomac Presbytery of the PCA. His focus is on the proclamation of the Word of God in the public worship of the church. He welcomes inquiries on the interpretation and application of God's Word to life today.
He has earned graduate degrees in theology and missiology and is a Teaching Elder of the Potomac Presbytery of the PCA. His focus is on the proclamation of the Word of God in the public worship of the church. He welcomes inquiries on the interpretation and application of God's Word to life today.
