About Us

No Perfect People Allowed!

At GCF you will find real people who are learning together. In fact, our only rule is “No Perfect People Allowed!” In other words: come as you are, but you’ll never stay as you are when you experience God’s grace.


And, we also believe everyone, including you, has a next step in their spiritual journey. We’re happy to help and support you as you take that next step!

Serving Central New York

Our Mission

We multiply followers of Jesus by changing lives through changed lives.


Our Vision

Our long-term vision is multiplying followers of Jesus, leaders for Jesus, and churches with Jesus in Cortland area, Northeast America, and around the globe.

Our Beliefs

GCF believes in the historical teachings of the Christian faith:

  • The Trinity

    There is one true God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.



  • The Bible

    The 66 books of the Bible are inspired by God and authoritative.



  • Salvation

    All of humanity has rebelled against God and needs salvation.

  • Afterlife

    Hell is real because God’s justice is real.


    Heaven isn’t for good people; it’s for forgiven people.

  • Jesus

    Jesus lived a perfect life, died in our place, and was resurrected for our rescue.


    We believe Jesus is King, and his love changes everything.

  • Salvation

    Salvation comes through faith in Jesus alone.

  • The Church

    The church is a vital community established by God.

  • Marriage

    God’s gift of sexual intimacy is for a man & woman in marriage.

  • The Second Coming

    Jesus is coming back again to rule and reign forever.


Our History

GCF started in 1801 when Thomas Jefferson was president. Since then, 33 lead pastors have served the GCF congregation under the ultimate Lead Pastor, Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:18).


Grace Christian Fellowship has navigated lots of change over the last two centuries, but one thing hasn’t changed—the good news of Jesus! Thousands of people have found their way back to God through faith in Jesus at GCF.


Through the courageous faith and perseverance of our core members, GCF’s current Fisher Avenue facility was built in 2005.


The name of our church tells our story well. Grace is a gift from God that we don’t deserve. Christian means “little Christ,” which is who we want to be. Fellowship means loving one another well. For over 200 years, Grace Christian Fellowship has been a gift from God made up of people who want to be more like Jesus every day while connecting in a loving community with each other.

Our FAQs

  • When are our services?

    We have two worship services that start at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Grace Kids meets during both services. Grades 6-8 meet in the Youth Room during our second service.

  • What should I wear?

    Wear whatever you’d like to our Sunday services. Most of our church attendees wear casual or business casual clothing on Sunday mornings.

  • What about my kids?

    If you have children, you can bring them into the service with you or have them attend Grace Kids – age-appropriate classes at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. designed just for them. Grades 6-8 meet in the Youth Room during the second service.

  • What will happen when I get there?

    Once you arrive, you’ll see friendly parking lot attendants and door greeters with weekly bulletins that provide helpful information. We serve fresh coffee at our Welcome Center, and our hospitality team will answer any and all questions you have!

  • What will we do in a service?

    Our Sunday services include singing together with our worship band playing songs that help us focus on God and praying for another church in the CNY region during our announcements because God’s Kingdom has no turf wars.


    Sundays also include a message where we will explain Scripture in a down-to-earth way that challenges our minds, fills our hearts with hope, and calls us to action – all motivated by the love of Jesus and the power of His Good News!

Missions at GCF

Just as Jesus sent out the disciples with the gospel from Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8), we minister in expanding circles of influence from Cortland, across the U.S., and around the world. You can learn more about the GCF missions partners below. 

Learn More