ORIGIN

In the 1950's the Santa Clara Valley underwent a dramatic transformation from an agricultural to an industrial environment. Opportunities in employment and education drew people from all over the country. Included in this group were six young families from other parts of California who shared a common background in churches following a New Testament pattern.

Their desire to continue to worship and serve God following these principles resulted in the formation of the San Jose Gospel Chapel. In October of 1956 the group began meeting in one of their homes. Within two years a Sunday School was started and the congregation's growth prompted a move to rented quarters at the American Legion Hall in Los Gatos. A desire for expanded ministries resulted in a 1962 move to the Willow Glen area.

In 1963 the Lord lead the group to purchase property in Cupertino for a permanent location. A general contractor was hired, and the congregation joined in the construction of what is now the east half of the building. It was an enterprise that brought the chapel families closer together and helped to establish the ministry which was renamed Hillview Bible Chapel.

One of the key events in the history of this church took place in 1968 when elders were selected and given the responsibility for the spiritual leadership of the church. Deacons continued to administer the business affairs, and the assembly began to function according to the New Testament in government as well as practice.

As the congregation grew further the need for a larger facility arose. In the summer of 1977 the main auditorium and the west half of the present building were completed.

We give God the glory for His wisdom and guidance over these many years as we have seen this assembly of Christians grow.

On September 19, 1999, Grace Bible Chapel was born as a result of a hive off from Hillview Bible Chapel. Grace is located in Blossom Valley, San Jose, California.

CHURCH ORGANIZATION AND MEMBERSHIP

The New Testament prescribes that each local body of believers is to be lead by several men, designated as elders, who are responsible for the spiritual welfare or the body and accountable directly to the Lord (Acts 20:28-31; I Tim. 3:1-7;Heb. 13:17; I Pet. 5:1-3). For this reason the body at Hillview has always remained autonomous and free from any outside control. Although we are an independent church we seek increasing fellowship with believers in other churches. Presently we cooperate with other churches in summer camps, missionary conferences and other special training and christian service projects.

The pastoring and teaching is carried on by those members of the church who are gifted in these areas, although both are part of every Christian's responsibility (I thess. 5:14; Heb. 5:12; II Tim. 2:24). Pastoring or shepherding is a ministry, and not a responsibility, position or title to be assumed by one man.

Deacons are charged with the responsibility of caring for the physical needs of the congregation and the church property. They administer the financial aspects of the church (Acts 6:1-6; I Tim. 3:8-12) but, like Stephen and Philip, should minister to the spiritual need of the people as well (Acts 6,7,8).

Our policy of receiving people into fellowship is fairly simple. We welcome any and all to our Sunday school, training classes and Family Bible Hour, all of which are devoted to Bible exposition and teaching. All who know Jesus Christ personally as Lord and Savior are encouraged to share in the Lord's supper at our weekly communion service. The Lord's supper is a time of collective worship in which every Christian should participate regularly. (Matt. 10:40; Rom. 14:1; 15:7; 16:1-2; I Cor. 11:23-30; Phil. 2:29).

However, church fellowship (or membership) is more than just attendance. Some of the characteristics of fellowship are these:

1. Having personally received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Ps. 119:63; Acts 2:44; Eph. 1:13-14; I Cor. 12:12-13).
2. Walking in submission to the authority of God's Word (Eph. 5:11; II Thess. 3:6,14-15; I Pet. 1: 14-16; I Jn. 1:7).
3. Regular attendance at the scheduled meetings of the church, including the Lord's supper, and participation in the life of the church (Acts 2:42; Heb. 10: 24-25).
4. In agreement with the doctrinal position of the church (I Cor. 1:10; Phil 1:27).
5. Willingness to submit to the authority of the elders in relation to affairs of the church (Heb. 13:17; I Pet. 5:5).

A warm welcome awaits all who love the Lord Jesus. However we discourage Christians from leaving other fellowships to join ours without sound Scriptural reasons.

FUNCTIONAL OVERSIGHT OF THE CHURCH

Teaching

The church elders are responsible for the development and coordination of all the Bible teaching within the church, including Sunday School, Small Group Fellowships and Family Bible Hour.

Shepherding

The elders also develop and coordinate the pastoral activities. Included are Small Group Fellowships designed to create an opportunity for close Christian fellowship for each member of the congregation, and the various counseling ministries of the church.

Evangelism and Missions

The elders are responsible for the development and oversight of our evangelistic efforts and of our involvement in foreign and domestic missions.

Administration

The administrative activities are also developed and coordinated by the elders. This includes not only the oversight of the deacon's ministries but the many other details of administering the church's activities. Included are the organizing of the meetings of the church, the activities of the church secretary, and various business functions.