We are on a journey.

In the beginning…Grace Covenant Church of Roanoke was founded on April 2, 1978. The original name was Church of the Living Way. About thirty-five people attended the first meeting at The Feed Box Restaurant.

1978: Jimmie Hollandsworth establishes church

The founding pastor was Jimmie Hollandsworth. Jimmie and his wife, Dot, served as Presbyterian missionaries in Mexico for many years. 

1990: John Ault Installed as lead pastor

John Ault became the pastor in 1990. For a time, the church owned and met in a large home on Grandin Road. When the church outgrew that location they gathered at Patrick Henry High School.

2002: Jeff Ell Installed as Lead pastor

Jeff Ell became the pastor in August 2002 and had a vision for us to become a multi-ethnic church. He brought Chris Stup on staff in 2010.

2003: Purchased Church Property

After continuous growth, we outgrew Patrick Henry High School and purchased 23 acres of land situated in Roanoke which still serves as our primary campus.

2016: Chris Stup installed as our lead pastor

After coming on staff in 2010, Chris became assistant pastor in 2012, and was ordained as associate pastor in 2014. In October of 2016, Chris was installed as the lead pastor. Jeff and Deneen were called and sent to plant a church in Richmond, VA.

2017: Church Expansion

In late 2016 we broke ground to double the size of our building, adding a new sanctuary and renovating the former sanctuary to triple our space for kids. Our new facility opened in February of 2017.

2018: Celebrated 40th Anniversary

In 2018, we celebrated 40 years of ministry as a church.