"I remember the first time our denomination approached us about church planting...
They shared a compelling argument for the need of more healthy churches all over the world—specifically mentioning the suburbs of Sacramento. But my simple reply was “No Way!” To which they said, “What are the odds?” I responded, “2%, and my bride is 20% behind me, so around NEGATIVE 18!”
I had a dream job as an associate pastor in beautiful Orange County, California. I was an adjunct professor at Biola University, had the privilege of traveling and speaking at conferences, and was one of the preaching pastors at our church. I was at a church I loved, and a church that, in spite of knowing me well, loved me. In the seven years of ministry at RCC, I saw God work in amazing ways through a community of faith that believed there was more Joy in Jesus than anything else the world had to offer and was committed to pursuing Him and that Joy above all else. Lives were being transformed, and I was able to be a part of it. My life was being transformed, and I was happier than I had ever been— in Christ!
That’s when it clicked.
I wanted that joy-filled community for others. My life in the seven years at RCC wasn’t perfect, or even close by the world’s standards. Four of those seven years were filled with cancer treatments as my son battled cancer twice! But the Joy of Christ and His amazing Bride, which surrounded us like an army, changed our lives forever. Now, our greatest hope is to share this type of community where Christ, community, joy and scripture meet perfectly in El Dorado Hills.
It took a while (beginning with that conversation in September 2011) before we finally said yes to church planting. With excitement, we know we have found a community to dive into. A new joy-filled community of faith will be planted on the north end of town where there were no churches, in this city that mirrors the community we left in Orange County.
In September of 2013 we began meeting in an office space with a launch team of about 35 adults and 20 kids to lay the foundation of Vintage Grace. Not long after that we began meeting as a church in February of 2014 in Marina Village Middle School.
A lot has changed since then and God has done immeasurably more than we could have ever thought or asked! As of the end of 2016 we’ve had the joy of helping plant Hope Church (Now called One Church) in Oak Park. We were a part of two churches joining forces as one to reach our community, moved into a newly renovated location positioned in the heart of El Dorado Hills, we've had the privilege to partner with the Garcia's in helping to launch New City Church in Oakland in 2020 and are excited to launch Vintage Placerville in the Fall of 2023; all while continuing to experience numerous stories of people growing in their ongoing spiritual transformation throughout El Dorado Hills and beyond. In 2022 we formally launched a family of Churches with the 4 churches above, and we are SO excited to see how our continued partnerships will bring God Glory as we storm the gates of Hell together, all for His Glory! Our God is SO great! I can’t wait to see what God does next in and through our church.
The thing that hasn’t changed is the Gospel and its power to transform lives. We believe we have been ushered by Christ, at the right time, with the right team, to be a part of a special movement of God in this region. Come be a part of what God is doing. Can’t wait to see you soon!
Mission
We encourage people to enjoy God together.
Vision
We are passionate about building joy-filled communities of faith whose very existence inspires individuals to live an abundant Christian Life, made up of three key relationships: a deepening relationship with God (R1), A life-changing relationship with other believers (R2), and an engaging relationship with those yet to believe (R3).
Values
1. More Joy in Jesus
It’s easy to settle for less with our tempting world, but we believe there is more joy in Jesus than anything else. Simultaneously, our Joy cannot be dictated by difficult circumstances but rather the fact that if we live it’s for Christ, and if we die it’s our gain. We believe that true happiness is found in a lasting relationship with Jesus.
2. Biblically Saturated
Everything we do as a church is informed by God’s Word. We care about the author’s intent, the logic and flow, and proper application. Our heart is that as the church is saturated in Scripture you become Self-feeders who form your life around His Word.
3. Communitas
More than simply belonging to a group, we are a community formed around a common mission. Each Sunday we are SENT as everyday missionaries to be the living proof of a loving God.
4. Living Proof
We are culturally embedded everyday missionaries: God did not create us to isolate ourselves, but rather to live in the world (not of it), so others might see the hope we have in Christ!
5. Embrace Inevitable Tensions
The fallen world and sometimes the text itself bring up tensions. We are NOT God, so we can do our best but won’t fully understand all of His ways until Heaven.
