What is GCC?
LifeSpring is a member of the The Great Commission Churches (GCC). GCC is an association of evangelical Christian churches in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, and Asia devoted to Jesus Christ and fulfilling of the Great Commission. Presently there are over 180 churches and ministries throughout the US and the world who are part of this fellowship. Their homepage can be found at http://www.gccweb.org
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Commission Churches (GCC)
1. What do you believe?
GCC churches are evangelical in doctrine and practice, holding to the basic truths of Protestant Christianity (inerrancy of Scripture, salvation by grace alone, the physical death and resurrection of Jesus, His second coming, assurance of salvation, etc.), including the Great Commission of Jesus Christ as recorded in the gospels (Matt. 28:18-20, Luke 24:46-49). Their doctrinal statment is available at http://www.gccweb.org/about/sof.asp.
2. How is GCAC organized?
Great Commission Churches (GCAC) functions as an interdependent family of churches where each church is autonomous and self-governed by its pastors, but united in mission, doctrine, and core values.
3. What are GCC's roots?
GCC began in the early 1970's as a campus church movement and has since developed into an association of churches based in the community and campuses in the U.S. and throughout the world. In 1989, Great Commission Ministries (GCM) was formed to continue the campus emphasis through a staff-based support system.
4. What are our views on controversial topics such as charismatic issues?
In general our focus is on the basic gospel of Jesus Christ, the fulfilling of the Great Commission and uniting with followers of Jesus Christ to worship and serve Him. In light of this, there is a great degree of flexibility on historically controversial issues that fall within the bounds of orthodox doctrine. In this way, we as an association of churches and believers in Jesus Christ can go about doing the Lord's will in the world while at the same time working through difficult issues. Having said this, the churches in GCC are generally non-charismatic in their beliefs and practices.
5. Who leads in GCC?
GCC has a board of directors representing the various regions of our world. It consists of pastors and ministry leaders in GCC. Presently the board consists of the following pastors: Dave Bovenmyer, Dennis Clark, Mark Darling, John Hopler, Brent Knox, Chris Martin, Herschel Martindale, Tom Short and Rick Whitney. John Hopler is the Executive Director of GCAC. John Hopler, Rick Whitney and Dave Bovenmyer represent the Executive Committee of GCC.
6. What services does GCC provide for churches?
GCC and other GCC ministries host several conferences for pastors, couples, families, teens, and college students on a regular basis. Regional leaders provide coaching and support to pastors and churches, both to new church plants and to established churches. GCC also has a leadership development program called Great Commission leadership Institute (GCLI) that includes pastoral mentoring, local mentor groups, and extensive doctrinal study, and regional conferences. GCC also provides funding for mission efforts in the U.S. and overseas, as well as relief for churches in need. Our devotional Faithwalkers Journal is also published quarterly for the encouragement of the churches.
7. Where are GCC member churches and ministries?
Member churches and ministries can be found in 180 locations, including over 21 countries worldwide and 43 U.S. campuses. There is a listing of our locations on this site, most of which are located near major universities or metropolitan areas throughout the world.
8. Any special ministry focus?
Generally, our priority has been on reaching the youth. Historically, GCC began as a movement on college campuses in order to reach the next generation. As we've grown as a movement of churches, we've planted more and more churches in U.S. communities to the point that today most of GCC's members are in community churches. As part of this community ministry, a major focus has been on high schools. Finally, because of our emphasis on reaching the whole world with the gospel, we are increasingly putting more emphasis on international ministry.
9. What are your values?
As an association of churches, we have always cherished the Great Commission and it remains our focus today. From that common mandate, our other core values have developed, including a strong emphasis on the grace of God, reaching youth, church-based leadership development, strong families, and a devotion to God and His Word. See our Core Values at http://www.gccweb.org/gcc/about/values.asp for a more complete listing and explanation of the values that shape our association.
