Our Story

The beginning

While the story of Gilbert Bible Church is just beginning, by God’s good providence, the path to this work has been unfolding over two decades. In 2001 Grace Bible Church (originally East Valley Bible Church Tempe) was planted. Shortly after being established, the pastors of Grace Bible Church committed themselves to the intentional discipleship and training of men. Gospel expansion through church planting was on the hearts of the elders. The thought of additional churches in the East Valley embracing sound doctrine, similar convictions, and a biblical philosophy of ministry centered on God’s Word was especially compelling. Many prayers and many conversations ensued. Diligent labors and patient waiting on the Lord characterized the elders as the desire continued to grow to see additional faithful churches established.

The location

Over the years, the elders considered various locations for a church plant in the Valley. The spiritual need for faithful bible churches in the Southeast Valley and the location of many members of Grace Bible Church who desired to be a part of this work in their immediate area made Gilbert an ideal location.

In April of 2021, the plan to plant a church in the Southeast Valley was agreed upon. We planted in the first half of 2022 with Tom Angstead and Josh Kellso as founding elders, and Tyler Azeltine as an elder intern. Our plan was to send around 150 (adults and children) from Grace Bible Church to be founding participants in this work. God is already working in wonderful ways. Servants both eager to be a part of the plant and eager to send faithfully have been abundant and such an encouragement. We are excited to see how God will use this endeavor to establish this new work of Gilbert Bible Church and strengthen and grow Grace Bible Church.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about Gilbert Bible Church or would like to know how you can join, serve, support, or pray for the ministry, please email us at [email protected].