Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, the Reverend P. G. Mathew came to Davis in 1973 to teach New Testament Greek and systematic theology at a local seminary. He founded Grace Valley Christian Center (GVCC) in 1974.

Originally trained as a scientist, Pastor Mathew was called by God to preach the gospel while doing graduate studies in chemistry. He subsequently earned three graduate degrees from Central and Westminster theological seminaries (USA). In addition to being the founder and senior minister of Grace Valley Christian Center, he is the founder and president of Grace Valley Christian Academy and the founder and CEO of the Grace and Glory Foundation.

Pastor Mathew has traveled widely for mission work, especially in India. The ministry of GVCC has made a global impact, especially through its web ministry (active since 1995) and its outreach to international students and professors, along with their families. GVCC has reached people throughout the world, including in China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, the Philippines, India, Burkina Faso, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Madagascar, Bolivia, Russia, Argentina, Uruguay, El Salvador, Venezuela, Mexico, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, England, Germany, France, and Holland.

Pastor Mathew has written several books, including The Normal Church Life (1 John), Victory in Jesus (Joshua), The Wisdom of Jesus (Sermon on the Mount), Muscular Christianity (Hebrews), and Romans 1–8: The Gospel Freedom, and Good News for All People. Other works are forthcoming, including commentaries on Acts, Isaiah, Matthew, and Romans 9-16.

At GVCC, we enjoy the powerful expository preaching  in the tradition of Augustine, John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, Charles H. Spurgeon, J. Gresham Machen, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, and others. We accept all Reformed confessions, creeds, and catechisms to the degree that they agree with the sound interpretation of the holy Scriptures, which is our ultimate authority for doctrine and life. We believe in the power of the Holy Spirit, who applies the redemption to each elect sinner as planned by God the Father and accomplished by Christ the Son.

We rely on the same powerful Holy Spirit in all aspects of church life, including the vibrant community life we enjoy as we seek to live in love toward one another and in conformity to God’s word. We oppose dead orthodoxy, and believe in the authority of the Bible in the Reformation tradition. Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone— to God alone be the glory. We believe that the entrance of God’s word gives light and life.

In January 2008, Pastor Mathew began to preach through the entire book of Romans. As he has progressed through this great epistle, people have been challenged and hearts have been changed. In 2009, the Holy Spirit began a revival that continues to this day—a revival of revelation of sin, salvation of sinners, and returning of backslidden Christians to their first love. We invite you to join us as we seek the God who said, "You will seek me and find me when you seek for me with all your heart.”