Over and over, they cite the church’s friendly, welcoming atmosphere and commitment to acts as well as worship.

For many, there is also a history of dissatisfaction with previous churches.

Jennifer M. Chen ’04 recalled her search for a regular church two years ago.

“Freshman year I was shopping around for a church. I couldn’t find a place I was satisfied with,” she said. “I like the atmosphere at Grace Street.”

The original founders have gone a long way towards making the church of friendly place for newcomers.

An unfamiliar face can’t walk into the church without being greeted by almost everyone.

“I come here because it’s small and has a real sense of community,” says Zahl.

“People I’ve talked to who have come to the church tell me it is very friendly and welcoming,” said Mulder.

The Preaching Hour

The numbers at Grace Street vary from week to week.

More than 50 will attend the more crowded services—most of them Harvard students.

A service at Grace Street consists of songs, a 10-minute break to socialize, communion, and a sermon by Schlecht— sermons which get rave reviews.

“He tries to make the sermon applicable to student’s lives,” said Chen. “He knows a lot of students spend time there.”

“He’s funny, he’s real,” said Zahl. “He’s not just lecturing—he’s engaged with his congregation.”

About once a month Grace Street has a “compassion service,” where congregants make gifts for the local homeless and elderly, in place of the regular sermon.