Frequently Asked Questions

We’re glad you found us!  We understand that visiting a church can sometimes be awkward and perhaps a bit intimidating.  So, we intentionally endeavor to create an atmosphere that welcomes you.  Our Pastor’s Café opens following our 8:00am Celebration Service.  Stop in and grab a cup of coffee, some fruit, pastries, or enjoy a full breakfast and be greeted warmly by the people around you.

Please click each frequently asked question to reveal the corresponding answer.

When are worship services held?

Our Sunday Celebration Services are held at 8:00am and 11:00am.  Doors open 30 minutes prior to start of Service.  These exciting Services include exuberant worship through music, a Biblically-based sermon, prayer, and a time for offering.  Communion is served during both Celebration Services on the first Sunday of each month.   

How long do the worship services last?

Our Celebration Worship Services are approximately 90 minutes long, but that timeframe is subject to change under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

Who leads the church?

Pastor Joseph E. Simmons leads Greater St. Paul Church under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit.  God called Pastor Simmons to this position in 1994.  He leads along with our Board of Directors and members of our GSP Ministry Leadership Team.

What should I wear?

Clothes. That’s our only request.  We are not nearly as concerned about what you wear as we are about what’s going on inside you.  You will see people dressed in different ways – some in fancy “church clothes”, others in casual clothing.  Our Pastor and Ministers often wear jeans and casual clothes.  Feel free to come as you are!

What is the music like?

AWESOME!  Everyone loves our Music Ministry!  Our live band consists of guitars, drums, organ, keys and musicians who really know how to play them. The songs we sing have significant meaning and are easily understood.  You are free to sing as loudly as you like, to dance praising God for what He’s done, to lift your hands in worship, or to simply sit and reflect quietly.  We invite you to join us as we worship our amazing God together!

What about the children?

Our Children’s Sunday School programs for preschool and up are located in the Fellowship Hall on the lower level of the Sanctuary Building. Class time is 9:30am to 10:30am.  Our GSP Kidz Nursery opens 15 minutes prior to the start of our 11:00am Sunday Celebration Service, and welcomes children ages 6 months to 5 years old.  Other classes for children and youth are held as announced.

Will I be bored?

We sure hope not.  We strategically plan our Celebration Services to engage your heart, mind and soul. A life connected to Jesus should be fulfilling and rewarding. We use music, video, dance, drama, powerful Biblical teaching and other experiential elements to help you connect to God in a meaningful way.

What is the overall environment like?

We endeavor to create an atmosphere in which you feel welcome as you put yourself in a position to connect with God. We provide comfortable seating, and an environment that will set the tone for you to be more focused on God, and less concerned about the atmosphere around you.

How do I become a member of GSP?

We are honored that you are interested in becoming a member of our church.  You have several options.  Toward the end of each of our Celebration Worship Services, an invitation is made for people who would like to connect to our church as members and/or accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.  This is one of the best times to get connected.  You can also come to our Administration Office during hours of operation (9:00am to 6:00pm, Monday-Thursday and 7:00am to 3:00pm on Sunday) and speak with a member of our Ministry Team.   Finally, you can call us at 510.452.0803 to be assisted by phone.

What is iChurch?

iChurch is an online community that meets during the streaming of our live Celebration Services and offers fellowship to online viewers in chat, private prayer with prayer partners, spirit-filled worship, and dynamic sermons from Pastor Joseph E. Simmons.   Live Celebration Services are  streamed on Sunday at 8:00am and 11:00am PST, or you can watch them on demand, 

How can I serve at GSP?

There are many opportunities for service at GSP. Some of our volunteer positions require you to be a member of our church, others do not. Click here to see a list of our current volunteer opportunities.

How do I stay connected?

At Greater St. Paul Church, we’re about building relationships. We hope that your visit to our website will be the first step in an exciting and fulfilling relationship with our ministry. Here are some other ways of staying connected:

Guest Information Card:  When you visit, please be sure to fill out the guest card that is passed out during the Celebration Worship Service so that we can stay in touch with you regarding all the awesome things that are happening at GSP!

Contact Us: We encourage you to reach out with any questions, comments or concerns, or to learn more about ways you can get involved in, and give back to, the work of Greater St. Paul Church.  We offer ways to contact us via postal mail, phone, email or a simple Contact Us online form. Contact us now.

Email Sign-Up: We invite you to join our email list to receive regular news and updates regarding what's going on at Greater St. Paul Church.

Download our mobile app:
Have you found that your daily commute does not align with Greater St. Paul's live streaming schedule?  Would you like to watch Greater St. Paul on-the-go? We have an app for that!  Follow these instructions to download.

  • Send a new text message to the phone number 71441
  • In the message type GSPBC
  • You will get an instant response on your phone with a link to information about our church.
  • Select the link and add to your phone’s homepage and the GSP icon will appear on your phone.

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For Directions to GSP click here