Thirty five years ago we attended Gospel Echoes Bible Church in northwest Phoenix which planted a church in Mesa in 1980. We then attended this fellowship from 1986 to 1995 as it changed names to Word of Grace. Work of Grace has now transformed to City of Grace under the leadership of Terry and Judith Crist. We still have a lot of friends there and so decided to visit a few weeks ago.
City of Grace meets in a large and well known facility near downtown Mesa. The spacious auditorium was only about half filled the Saturday night we visited, but the large worship band filed the auditorium with vibrant and enthusiastic music. Many talented singers and musicians on a variety of instruments were led by the outgoing worship leader, Daniel Stringer. This is classic and sophisticated charismatic music which encourages and inspires the listeners.
The congregation is very mixed – youth, families and a large number of mature saints. And it does seem to be a “city church” with a great socio-economic as well as racial mix.
The senior pastor Dr. Terry Crist has an easy to listen to style. Rather than expository teaching he is topical in his approach. He mixes plenty of scriptures that are consistent with the context with personal and practical and often humorous stories to make his point.
His message on our visit was, “Living with a Sense of Humility,” which is part of a series titled, “Live Like You are Dying.” The key passage was Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what the LORD requires of you. To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Pastor Crist did a good job of explaining that humility is not weakness but dependency on God.
In true fashion of the modern day missional minister, he delivers his message without a pulpit. This aids in connecting with the congregation. No pulpit, Wow! How do they do it? Judging from the congregation’s size, active involvement, cross generational and cultural makeup, Pastor Crist connects. The other claim to fame for this church family is Kurt Warner, quarterback for the NFL champion, Arizona Cardinals attends the church.
Afterward we spied the Pastor and his wife mingling with the people of the congregation. One can tell that they love the people and connect well, even in such a large church.
City of Grace seems to be a great place to be able to just blend into the crowd and grow in God… and it also seems to have a lot of programs and friendly people when you want to find and connect with a community.
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