The year was 1992 when six faithful Christians began meeting for a weekly Bible study in The Great Outdoors Premier Golf and RV Resort. From those humble beginnings a regular Sunday morning worship service was formed and has grown into what is now known as “Great Outdoors Community Church.” Those early meetings were held in the Manor with guest preachers being invited in each week. Later in 1992 the first Annual Meeting was held at which time six trustees were elected to the board. Their first assignment was to develop a Constitution and By-Laws document for this newly formed non-denominational church whose purpose was to “glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” The church’s foundation is based on a belief in Christ as personal Savior and in the Bible as the Word of God.
In December of 1993, Rev. Ken VanderBroek became the Founding Pastor of the church and led the congregation into a more formal worship service with a choir, musicians and a fellowship time afterwards. Year-round services were held with laymen and guest pastors coming during the summer months. As the congregation grew, a building committee was formed and on April 5, 1998 a beautiful Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall were dedicated with some 600 people attending the dedication service and reception. As you progress through this directory, you will see the evidence of God’s working with the various groups and ministry teams that have developed over the years.
Upon Pastor VanderBroek’s retirement in 2000, the Reverend Jeff Moody became the fulltime Senior Pastor and Reverend Al Stuck was hired to be the Associate Pastor of Visitation. During Pastor Moody’s tenure a new chime system was installed in the spire. In April 2000, a parsonage was purchased on Twin Lakes Drive and paid for by February of 2004. As the church grew ministry teams were formed and a number of small groups were begun to encourage Christian growth and fellowship. When Pastor Stuck retired in 2007,Rev. Dave Murton was brought on as the Minister of Visitation. Later that same year Rev. Wes Hyde was hired as the Minister of Small Groups and Administration.
The church continued to grow under Pastor Moody’s leadership. Another building committee was formed, a vacant lot north of the church was purchased and in February of 2009 ground was broken for an expansion to both the sanctuary and the fellowship hall. The newly remodeled and expanded facility was dedicated to the glory of God on Sunday January 17, 2010. The church is now debt free. On October 31, 2011 Pastor Moody retired after serving faithfully for eleven years.
On January 8, 2012, the Rev. Dr. David W. Price was installed and is now serving as the new Senior Pastor. Under Pastor David's guidance and acumen, the attendance of the church has grown to where, during peak season, two services are needed to accommodate everyone. Upon the retirement of Pastor Wes and Pastor Dave , Pastor J.B. Kump and Pastor Dan Zahn came on staff. Pastor J.B. as Minister of Small Groups and Visitation and Pastor Dan as Minister of Visitation and Prayer.