What are the purposes of GCA?

In Ephesians 4:11-16, we read that Christian leaders working locally, regionally and nationally (v. 11) provide equipping (v.12) of the churches, to build unity (v.13) and to provide accountability to guard against unbiblical teaching (v.14.) These are the three purposes of GCA: Equipping (through conferences and written materials); Unity (building cooperation between churches and ministries for the Great Commission); and Accountability of pastors and churches (both doctrinal and ethical.)

 

What do you believe?

GCA 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

 

Our Statement of Faith is available on this site for more detail.

 

How are we organized?

Great Commission Association (GCA) 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. 

 

What are GCA's roots?

GCA began in the early 1970’s as a campus church movement and has since developed into an association of community churches with a strong campus presence. 

 

In 1989, Great Commission Ministries (GCM) was formed to continue the campus emphasis through a staff-based support system. 

 

What are your 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 GCAC are generally non-charismatic in their beliefs and practices. 

  

Who leads in GCA?

GCA is led by the executive committee of the Board of Trustees. The executive committee is comprised of John Hopler, Board Moderator; Rick Whitney, Board Vice-Moderator; and Dave Bovenmyer, Board Secretary and Treasurer. The other GCA board members are Terry Bartley, Dennis Clark, Nelson Guerra, Brent Knox, Herschel Martindale, and Greg Van Nada.

 

What services does GCA provide for churches?

Our devotional, Daylights, is also published quarterly for the encouragement of the churches. 

 

Where are GCA member churches and ministries?

Member churches and ministries can be found in over 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.

 

Any special ministry focus? 

Generally, our priority has been on reaching the youth. Historically, GCA 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 GCA’s members are in community churches. As part of this community ministry a major focus has been on the middle and high schools.

 

What are your values?

As an association, 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 for a more complete listing and explanation of the values that shape our association.

 

Quick Links