Grants Pass Now

Dennis Webber, Senior Pastor of Parkway Christian Center

“We strive to be involved in our community as a partner with those people who are striving to improve the community and the lives of the people in it. ” — Dennis Webber, Senior Pastor of Parkway Christian Center.

Dennis Webber has been the senior pastor of Parkway Christian Center for the last fourteen years, with a prior six year involvement as youth pastor from 1980 through 1986. His statement, quoted above, exemplifies Parkway’s mission to see as many people as possible find a life changing experience through Christ. The church is going about this mission in a variety of ways.

One of the most popular programs hosted is called “Celebrate Recovery.” This support group is designed to bring together those who are struggling with different types of problems. The invitation to join is open to those who wish to find freedom from harmful habits to painful situations and everything in between. By providing a safe and supportive atmosphere, this program seeks to help people realize there is hope. Transformations are rarely instantaneous, but with the proper tools they can be achieved at a higher success rate than for those who go it alone.

Pastor Webber’s enthusiasm for the ministry is shared by Jeanette Webber, who is the Music Director of Parkway, and also Dennis’ wife. When she isn’t leading the sanctuary choir and worship team, Jeanette stays busy organizing special presentations and coordinating the bell choir. They are currently working on “Reclaiming the Arts” - a concept that includes worship and the encouragement of others through art - a medium that many churches in recent times have all but abandoned.

Both are thrilled to be a part of this thriving ministry and take joy in seeing broken lives healed. Parkway Christian Center is a church which is not only interested in what can be done within their building, but what can be accomplished to help people in the community throughout their whole lives. They fully understand the complexity of people, and that by having a person who is healthier physically and spiritually, they help build a strong community. Therefore, Parkway commits to a number of activities in Grants Pass. They provide Reading Buddies and Special Friends for local elementary schools, and are a founding sponsor of the Rotary Duck race, which raises funds for children and family initiatives. For children in the Josephine County foster care system, there is Royal Family Kids Camp. It runs for one week in the summer, and enrollment is open to any foster child whose case worker and care provider has approved attendance for.

Grief Share is yet another program that is well received. This support group offers workshops and classes, from a biblical perspective, for those who have lost a friend or family member (whether recently or in the past) and would like help in learning how to cope. They also offer a Divorce Care program, which provides seminars and a support group for those who are experiencing a divorce or separation. The concept behind these intense groups is healing through mutual support which is based on biblical ideals for how to handle difficult situations. Sometimes it’s as simple as knowing it’s okay to grasp at a lifeline, or as difficult as learning when it’s time to let go. Pastor Dennis’ “life message” is a teaching found in 1 Timothy 4:16, and teaches individuals to watch what they say, do, and tell others, because if a person is right with Christ, they will not only be able to keep themselves safe from falling spiritually, but they’ll be able to help save others as well.

Giving financial support for other charitable networks such as the Gospel Rescue Mission, Grants Pass Pregnancy Care Center, Faith House, and the ROCK, to name a few, is yet another way Dennis Webber and his church are reaching out to others. Amazingly enough, it doesn’t end with Grants Pass. They support a number of missionaries in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East. For those who are looking for a church home, Parkway Christian Center has a potpourri of choices. Sunday morning services are held at both 9 and 11 in the morning. There is a nursery, and there are special classes for kids, teens, and young adults. There are women’s meetings on Wednesday’s, a men’s breakfast on Thursdays, and much, much more. There’s something for everyone, and everyone who wants to join in the team will have something to do. For newcomers and those interested in the church, there is a free lunch held with staff members in order to people to the facility and answer any questions.

Parkway Christian Center is located at 229 NE Beacon Drive. For more information call 541-479-2639, or visit them on the internet by clicking this link: http://www.parkwaycc.com/