Camp Good News
If you would like to connect with a Grace member who plays a leadership role with any of our partner ministries, drop us a note here.
Reach Our Community
At Grace, one of our core missions is to reach out, connect and serve others in our community. You can play a vital role in the life of others here in Peoria by serving in any of the following outreach and service ministries. We invite you to scroll down to see all of our ministry partners and prayerfully consider investing your time, talent, and resources in one or more of these ministries.
If you would like to connect with a Grace member who plays a leadership role with any of our partner ministries, drop us a note here.
+ + Child Evangelism Fellowship
CEF is a number of unique ministries which have proven to be effective tools in our effort to evangelize children.
How can you help? Be the hands and heart of Jesus to children at an after-school Bible Club for ninety minutes once a week. Encourage children through notes and prayers throughout the year, as well as provide snacks and rewards for weekly Scripture memory.
+ Dream Center Peoria Freedom Arts Projects
The Dream Center Peoria Freedom Arts Project aims to change the community by teaching young people lessons in the arts in a safe environment. Junior and senior high students participate one night a week in an 8-week course. The classes encourage young people, who otherwise would be unable to attend art classes, to pursue old and new passions in the arts. We hope to offer the following classes: art (drawing, painting), audio/visual, bass, choir, dance, drama, drums, guitar, keyboards, photography, recording/sound engineering, songwriting/spoken word, vocal, and graphic design.
How can you help? We are in great need of instructors to teach each class. Please call if you are interested, (309) 676-3000.
+ The Gideons
The Gideons International print and distribute God’s holy word. Last year Gideons distributed some 85 million scriptures world-wide. Since its inception Gideons have distributed over 1.6B scriptures. There are over 250,000 Gideons serving around the world. The Auxiliary wives make up the largest single Christian women’s organization in the world.
How can you help? You can contribute to the work of Gideons by donating funds. All monies so donated go to the printing and distribution of Gideon placed scriptures. For a $5 donation a Bible can be placed and for about $1.35 a pocket testament can be placed. You can become directly involved in the work of Gideons by becoming a member. If you are a member of a Bible believing church and meet a few other qualifications you would be eligible to join. See the Gideon Display in the Atrium or talk to any Gideon. Visit our website to learn more.
+ Great Oaks Camping Association
Great Oaks Camp was established in 1972 as a ministry to the urban youth of Peoria. We believe that building a child’s self-confidence, improving their attitude, developing their civility and citizenship, and helping them take personal responsibility first begins with a relationship with Jesus Christ. We nurture this relationship by offering a free week of camp to low-income children during the summer follow-up programs throughout the year.
How can you help? There are many ways to volunteer at Great Oaks. It could just be a one-time service project, continual involvement in one of our programs, or even full time work at the camp.
+ Hands of Love
Hands of Love Ministry spreads the gospel through the ministry of The Kramers. The gospel music group includes Scott & Rachel Kramer and Ben & Maria Wolfe. Through concerts and recordings, they minister in song in churches and large venues all across the country.
+ International Friendships, Inc.
International Friendships, Inc. (IFI) is a national organization partnering with local churches, universities, and volunteers to provide life-changing hospitality and friendship to international students who come to study in the USA. They work strategically to make them feel at home and extend God's love right where they are. IFI can be found on the Bradley University and Illinois Central College campuses.
+ Kairos Prison Ministry
Kairos Prison Ministry is an ecumenical ministry that conducts a short course in Christianity over 4-days at maximum security prisons in Illinois and over 400 prisons in U.S. and six foreign countries. The objective is to bring the truth of the gospel and build a Christian community within the walls of correctional facilities.
How can you help? You can volunteer to participate on a prison ministry team, bake cookies for the inmates, participate in the prayer vigil, or donate to sponsor an inmate to attend the ministry.
+ Land o' Lincoln - Camp Cedarbrook
Land o' Lincoln - Camp Cedarbrook is a camping ministry committed to loving kids, sharing Christ, and exploring nature. How can you help? Pray, donate, and encourage a young person you know to attend camp. Contact Charmaine Freeze at (309) 697-4422.
Land o' Lincoln Camp Cedarbrook
+ Mission Peoria
Mission Peoria is a week-long mission trip which provides youth the opportunity to serve and minister to children and their families within the inner city of Peoria. Each day we go to different locations to provide a VBS-style event for children aged 2 – 12 which includes songs, skits, Bible lessons, games and inflatables. We also participate in various service projects in the inner city. Each evening we have a powerful time of worship and life changing messages.
Contact John Vanne
+ Pathway Ministries (formerly Peoria Rescue Ministries)
Pathway Ministries is a gospel-centered ministry of mercy that creates pathways out of poverty through Jesus with our neighbors in need. Pathway Ministries has been serving the poor and those in need since 1955. Through our areas of ministry, we provide food, shelter, clothing, counseling, pregnancy& parenting services, and renewal programs to the people of Central Illinois.
If you are interested in volunteering opportunities, please contact Lori Skinner, Engagement Coordinator, or call her at (309) 208-8421.
Men's Residential Center
601 SW Adams St., Peoria, IL 61602Highly regarded as a leader in rescue ministries across the country, Pathway Ministries exists to reach homeless and needy men 18 years or older with the gospel of Jesus Christ, while providing for their physical needs with food, clothing, and shelter.
In a clean and well-maintained atmosphere, men who are willing to abide by the structured rules are always welcome.
Men in need of more than crisis relief are offered the opportunity to join the Next Step program or Renewal program that best suits the needs of the individual.
1212 Community House (Apartments) is an affordable residential living opportunity for qualified graduates of our Men’s Renewal Program.
The Esther House - Women's Shelter
6847 N. Allen Rd, Peoria IL 61614Crisis relief services are available to women only; female by birth, age 18 or older. Crisis relief services are offered in a clean and comfortable setting for up to seven nights per month. Crisis relief includes bed, showers, nutritious meals, clean clothes, chapel services, and light case management. Our shelter facility is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Esther House provides a welcoming atmosphere where relief and hope are found in Christ. We provide spiritual, emotional, and physical care for the women we serve.
Women in need of more than crisis relief are offered the opportunity to join the Next Step program or Renewal program that best suits the needs of the individual.
Barnabas Center
1831 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria, IL 61603Bible-based counseling services at low or no cost to those in need.
Since many issues stem from problems with family and personal relationships, Pathway Ministries established the Barnabas Center to fulfill the need for Biblical counseling. Clients who are mentally, emotionally, and spiritually discouraged can openly share their fears, hurts, and difficulties and receive discerning Biblical wisdom. Membership is held in the American Association of Christian Counselors. Marriage, family, and individual counseling are available.
Empower Life Center
1825 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria, IL 61603At Empower Life Center, we not only provide no-cost pregnancy screening and STI testing, we also provide parenting skills classes that give our clients more than a choice. If gives them a solid chance at flourishing.
Since its opening in 1987, the Empower Life Center has provided information and care to women and men from pregnancy through parenthood. All services are free of charge and confidential. In 2018, the name of the Center was changed from the Women’s Pregnancy Center to better reflect the Center’s purpose and services.
Whatever their situation, we are here to help and inform our clients. We offer many services to assist both women and men.
+ Peoria Jobs Partnership
12-week practical evangelistic Bible Study on how to be a Christian in the work place offered at the Southside Mission Career Training Program as well as in many state and federal prisons and local community jails. They also provide practical job application skills as well as Bibles and follow-up letters and books. They also manage 2 houses that help former female prisoners to transition to living in the community.
How can you help? There are many volunteer opportunities. Teachers are needed as well as financial, book or postage donations; they are also looking for items for inmates in transition.
+ South Side Mission Food Pantry
South Side Mission food pantry distributes food to up to 1,000 people in a single month! We collect food at Grace every week in the South side Mission barrels located at Grace entrances. We take all of the donations on Monday to the Food Pantry.
How can you help? A great way for children, adults, and Sunday School classes to directly help needy Peoria area families is to bring non-perishable canned and boxed food items for the Mission.
Contact: Rick & Dick Trumpe, 309-243-7273
+ Unlimited Grace Media
Founded by Dr. Bryan Chapell, the ministry of Unlimited Grace takes the gospel into 80+ nations and equips the next generation of gospel-centered preachers. Through video and audio resources, Unlimited Grace proclaims the gospel internationally and has become one of the largest preacher training organizations in the world.
+ Youth For Christ