Our Diversity is What Brings Us Together
When guests walk into Grace Outreach Center, they will likely see people from different backgrounds and stages of life. Cultural, generational and ethnic differences are no barrier for the members of this Plano church as they meet together on Sundays and throughout the week. But this type of diverse community requires intentionality, and Pastor Cody Brooks says, “It’s our goal to create an environment where everyone feels welcome.”
Many church members have experienced the welcoming environment at Grace firsthand. It is the “most friendly church for the whole family,” says Ade Opere. “We have great pastors, and we are one big family.” The Operes were looking to join and serve a church that focused on preaching, evangelism and ministries for youth and children, and they found all that at Grace.
With such an emphasis on family ministries and care for children and youth, Pastor Gerald Brooks often jokes, “Adult care is also provided.” Cindy Ramsey, who has been going to the church since 1996, loves that her two children get to participate in a program that teaches about God in a way kids can understand, but she and her husband, Travis, also appreciate the community they find in adult life groups. “Everyone is friendly,” she says. “It’s a very diverse church with people of all ages who have a passion for the lost.”
The Victor family felt similarly when they first moved to Plano from India in 2015. Siddarth and Judith Victor, along with their son, Jaden, felt comfortable with the church’s uplifting worship music, meaningful sermons and diverse congregation. “[Grace] is not just our church, it’s an extension of our family and who we are,” says Siddarth. “It’s a warm and friendly place where you’ll always feel welcome [and] meet folks from different walks of life and at different stages in their journey with Christ.”
Walter Megura claims that he and his wife, Kathy, cannot imagine any other place they would call their church home. “We have gotten to know some really wonderful people who are kindhearted and genuinely care for us,” he says, noting the staff’s dedication to helping people grow in their faith. “It is a very fun, friendly and vibrant church community.”
As a child, David Villarreal attended an Easter service with his mother after someone invited her to Grace Outreach Center. “It changed my life,” says David. Now, nearly 20 years later, he and his wife, Stephanie, attend the church with their three children. The Villarreals specifically appreciate that their kids get to grow up in a place where people from all walks of life can come together as one church family. David says, “Everyone is, and has always been, welcome at [Grace].”
Grace Outreach Center >Grace Outreach Center
3301 Preston Rd.
Plano, TX 75093
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