Who We Are As A Church
Discover Community has – from the very beginning – been a church that is marked by volunteerism, hospitality, generosity and love for others. We desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We want to radically love on people, be rooted in prayer, diving into the Bible, and seeking people for Jesus. We are passionate about serving our church, community, and as far as our reach can go for Jesus’ name; demonstrating God’s love to others. We want to engage in relationships that provide love and relief to those that hurt. So that all may know Jesus.
Our Purpose
Discover Community is:
- a gathering place with a community heart where people are encouraged to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ
- a place for healing from life’s hurts, hang-ups, and hardships
- a place of acceptance, hope, and growth
- a place to hear relevant, Biblical truths that can help you and your family face the challenges in today’s world
- a place to connect with new people and experience authentic community
- a place where God’s love motivates us to reach out to others
- a place where you can find a purpose and a plan for your life!
Core Values
- All people are important to God
- The Lord shall be exalted in all things
- The Message will never change, but the methods will
- Strive to grow larger and smaller at the same time
- All participants will have a desire to grow spiritually
- Teach for life change experiences
- Focus on what unites us and not the things that may divide us
Core Biblical Values
Great Commission
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commandment
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all you soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39
Great Compassion
“‘I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.’” John 15:11-13
What We’re About / Mission
That all may know Jesus!”
“That all
We are more than a building or a name. We are a community of people who are on an adventure to discover the love of Jesus. We want all people to join us. Our doors are always open.
may know
God does not want us to stay the same. We are to be a people who know Him and are transformed by His saving grace. We are being changed by Him as a community of seekers and learners.
Jesus!”
The more we seek Him, the more God reveals Himself to us and who He wants us to be. He is the reason we exist. He is the reason our lives have been changed and then used to influence others.
Discover Community is a community of people coming together to worship Jesus Christ with our lives. We love God—celebrating Him, serving Him, and reaching out to share His love with others. Our doors are open to all. Each person adds something valuable to who we are. We are a community where people can discover God’s truth, experience His love and respond to Him with acts of love.
History
In the Beginning…
Following God’s calling, Pastor Chuck Simonson and his wife Connie came to Maricopa in 2009. Discover Community started out meeting in their home with a few families.
A Big Step…
By November 2010, an opportunity opened up for us to rent Saddleback Elementary School. While we may not have been ready to make that step, we feared another opportunity may not come up for a while. So we started meeting in the Multi-purpose room with a few round tables and those few Maricopa families. We are still meeting there today.
The Next Chapter…
We began as simply a non-denominational church until 2012 when it became affiliated as a developing church of the CMA (Christian and Missionary Alliance). In 2013 Pastor Chuck Simonson, founding pastor, was ordained and licensed by the CMA. In 2020, we became fully incorporated with the CMA.
Then it grew…
With the help and guidance of the CMA, Discover Community has become a presence in Maricopa. We slowly grew and with Pastor Chuck and the CMA’s guidance continued a strong ministry.
Seasons Change…
At the end of 2019 Pastor Chuck retired, having served faithfully these many years. In 2020, Pastor Danny Hodges began serving as pastor. Danny Hodges received a call to Blairsburg, IA to which he accepted. With sad hearts we sent him north. He continues to faithfully serve at a church there. Upon his departure, Pastor John Smith took over Discover Community as pastor in August of 2021.