This is partially, my experience, and a response to the other review. My experience with Grace is a stark contrast it seems.
I found GBC a few years ago. I was looking for a solid-Bible believing church home. I didn't want to attend an impersonal cold place, and I have never found Grace to be anything but friendly. I wanted to go to a place that told the truth- not fluffy meaningless messages. I wanted to grow in Christ, to be taught. I wanted to participate in a church that did community outreach and helps people. Grace has all of that- and more. I had negative church experiences in the past, and was skeptical at first, but I went anyway. Immediately, I was accepted. I never stopped going. I want to mention too that I was accepted regardless of how I look- I have obvious tattoos, lots of holes from piercings, and my clothes aren't necessarily 'churchy' (though I do try to be respectful of the church- God's house, and dress respectfully.) Never has anyone made a snide remark, or asked me to change my clothes, as opposed to some churches who do not allow women to wear pants for example. We have no such rule. I have never seen that happen. But if I wore a hat during prayer they may ask me to remove it out of respect for God etc., that's simply a respect issue, not a dress code violation. That's the only instance I could possibly see. Anyway, I have never found a church like Grace, it is Christlike with a family atmosphere. I love my church family. I could write a book but don't take just my word for it, look up Grace Baptist Church in Madison on Facebook and ask any 'friends' on there, I think that would be the best way to get honest feedback from the people who attend.
In re: to the other review:
When were you at Grace? Your account is very odd to me because I have been going to GBC consistently for a couple of years and I do not remember this happening. I see people wearing jeans and t-shirts at every service at church, so I don't understand why anybody would be singled out for a hat- unless it was because of prayer and that would be like I said above, just a respect issue to God not a personal issue. I'm sorry that happened to you but I don't understand. I've always felt GBC was warm and friendly, accepting people. We pick up homeless people for our RU program every week, so I don't think dress code is one of the chief concerns at GBC, at least I never got that impression. I've never witnessed anything like that in the years I have been going. Our number one concern (in fact our theme this year) is other people. Essentially to be the people Christ wants us to be, and spread the gospel.
Pastor Howell probably was acknowledging you as an individual visitor when he mentioned you in the hat it wasn't a personal dig. We get visitors every service so he was welcoming you to the congregation. It wasn't meant to single you out, it's his way of saying 'hi.' I should clarify to any that may read this: if you were a 'member' you would have to give your personal testimony (salvation testimony) to deacons, and members would vote you in as a church member. A person just going to church is not a church member. I don't know how other churches do that, but at Grace, people are voted in, and it's a great celebration, you get more hugs and handshakes, than you ever had in your life.
As for your child, this too is confusing, you said your child is 5, so he/she wouldn't be in the nursery. We don't put out coloring books for the children. I have never seen a time when the church handed out coloring books. You didn't say which service you attended, but on Sunday morning the children go to 'Jr. Church.' There's no coloring in Jr. Church, they sing songs, hear stories and play games- I have worked with Jr. Church, so I do know what goes on. The only time we ever have coloring is in children younger than 4 (nursery and toddlers.) I can't respond because I have never seen that happen. It's possible another child brought in coloring books and crayons of their own, and wouldn't let your child play with them, sorry if that's the case. I have no idea who the 'girl and her father' is so again, I can't respond to that, I haven't seen that happen.
The only time we give testimonies is on Sunday night and testimony time is about giving praise to God so it lasts as long as people wish to. As for the preaching, Pastor Howell ALWAYS preaches the gospel. There is never a service that he does not talk about salvation or give an opportunity for someone to accept Christ. This is important, this is the main reason I attend Grace-Christ. I will not go to a church that does not preach salvation. I know Pastor Howell preaches the gospel. If you left early perhaps you didn't hear the entire gospel message, but that does not mean it was not given.
The Grace Baptist Church website I am sure would answer any questions you have regarding Grace and if not, you can call the church. http://www.gracebaptistmadison.com/ read more