By Mary Owen
A fellowship group that met mid-week in local homes for almost two years has expanded.
Formed as a home group through Jefferson Baptist Church, Grace Bible Fellowship launched as a fully fledged church on Sept. 25.
“Jefferson Baptist has a goal to plant a church every two years, so this was a natural process,” said Sam Duke, who pastors the newly established church.
GBF has its own elder board and leadership, and although no longer under JBC, will remain “very closely associated,” Duke said.
“We will be a part of CB Northwest, which is an association and provides support for leadership and training,” he said.
CB Northwest is a covenant community of 244 conservative Baptist churches and church plants in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
GBF’s services will be a time of worship, teaching and “chill time,” Duke said.
“Grace Bible Fellowship believes that church is so much more than just a Sunday morning meeting,” he added.
Fellowship is something that I really value, and we will incorporate that into the services. This is a time for people to get to know one another.”
The “laid-back” services will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday mornings at the Stayton Community Center. All ages are invited, and childcare will be available during the sermon for those younger than 7. Plans are in the works to start midweek small groups and Bible studies to encourage spiritual growth and fellowship, Duke said.
“It has been on my heart to plant a church for some time, and my involvement in the home group led to my decision that this would be a great place for that to happen,” Duke said. “It has been a long process filled with a lot of prayer.”
Duke’s ultimate goal for the new fellowship group is “to make disciples and support the town and community in any way we can.
“I think that is the role we want to help fill along with the other churches in the area that are already doing this,” he added.
Enthusiasm from all involved and the support GBF has received motivates Duke, he said.
“My biggest challenge has been my own stress level,” he said. “It has been a real growing process for me as I lead. I have been challenged and pushed in ways that I haven’t before now. It’s really been awesome!”
In five years, Duke would like to see Grace Bible Fellowship be an established part of the community. To begin this process, GBF has rented an office at 318 N. Third Ave.
“I want our office to be a place where people come to talk,” he said. “I want it to be a place where anyone can drop in and have a great conversation and a cup of coffee.”
Duke said he is excited to get to know the people of Stayton and discover practical ways to serve the community.
“Can’t wait to see what God is gonna do in this town!” he said enthusiastically.
Duke was born and raised in Jefferson. He graduated from Multnomah University, a Portland-based Bible college and biblical seminary, where he met his wife, Shannon. The two have been married for nine years and have three children, Isaac, 7, Adrie, 5, and James, 2.
“I love cycling, hunting, fishing, pretty much any sport, movies, music, close friends and family,” Duke said.
For information about Grace Bible Fellowship, call the church office at 503-769-5582 or send an e-mail to gbfstayton@gmail.com.
