ABOUT US - GRACEPOINT CHURCH - TARBORO

Gracepoint Church - Tarboro was born not merely out of human planning, but out of divine revelation and spiritual burden. In the early morning hours of the night, when much of the world was still and quiet, God impressed upon the heart of our founder, Pastor J. Russell Harris, the name Gracepoint Church. What began as a name whispered into his spirit became the seed of a God-ordained vision. From that sacred moment, the Lord gave birth to a ministry that would stand as a beacon of grace, hope, healing, and sound biblical preaching in the Tarboro community.

 

Under the leadership of Pastor J. Russell Harris, Gracepoint Church began to take form through prayer, faith, obedience, and the willingness of committed believers to follow the call of God. The first meeting was held on February 10, 2025, marking the official beginning of the church’s journey. With expectation in their hearts and faith in God’s promise, the ministry continued to develop until its first worship service was held on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. That first worship gathering was deeply significant, as Resurrection Sunday served as a fitting reminder that God has the power to bring life, purpose, and promise out of what once existed only in seed form.

 

As the months progressed, Gracepoint Church was strengthened through the support, labor, and faithful commitment of those who believed in the vision from the beginning. Their prayers, presence, sacrifice, and steadfastness helped establish the foundation upon which the church now stands. This growing work was formally celebrated during the Dedication Service held on October 18, 2025, with his childhood friend, Bishop Aaron McNair, II, a moment that further affirmed the hand of God upon the ministry and its future.

 

Gracepoint Church joyfully honors those who faithfully helped establish this ministry. These individuals will forever be remembered as Charter Members, whose lives and support are woven into the history of the church:

 

Lady Lotticia Harris, Gabrielle Harris, Ashton Harris, Patricia Harris, Elder Dee Lyons, Dearia Lyons, Deidra Lyons, Laveda Lawrence, Daron Suggs, Contrina Suggs, Loretta Hilliard, Carrie Hyman, Kenneth Brown, Elder Delzora Holley, Elder Nadine Burton, Leonard Burton, Jakendric Person, Mother Reta Exum, Shaquasia Powell, Melanie Smith, Milan Smith, Minister Linda Staton, Jasper Howard, Angela Howard, Sumer Draughn, August Draughn, Antonio Draughn Jr., Antonio Draughn III, Jermaine Hinton, and Elizabeth Powell.

 

The church also gratefully recognizes its Honorary Charter Members, whose support and presence hold a treasured place in this story: Bishop Shelton Daniel, Justin Williams, Naomi Harris, and Jevard Powell.

 

The history of Gracepoint Church is a testimony that when God speaks, obedience gives vision a body. What was placed in Pastor Harris’s spirit during the early hours of the morning has now become a living ministry, established in faith and sustained by grace. Gracepoint Church Tarboro stands today as a testament to God’s faithfulness, the power of divine calling, and the commitment of those who answered the call to build alongside their pastor. Its history is still being written, but its foundation has already been laid with prayer, sacrifice, unity, and the unmistakable hand of God.

 

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