May 15, 2025
GRAYSON, Ga. — Churches and communities gathered on Good Friday for services across Georgia. For the first time, seven Grayson-area churches assembled Friday night for Good Friday Grayson.
A crowd estimated at more than 1000 gathered in Grayson Park for worship, scripture reading, prayer, and messages from pastors and ministry leaders who shared from the seven sayings of Jesus throughout the Gospels during the crucifixion.
Bordered by Snellville to the southwest and Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County’s seat, to the north, Grayson sits on the southeastern edge of the county. Although unmistakably rooted in the busyness of metropolitan Atlanta due to Highway 20 serving as the town’s main thoroughfare, Grayson still maintains some of its small-town charm. Once known as “Gwinnett’s best-kept secret,” the city has emerged in popularity due to Grayson High School’s championship football. City government and community members have supported the Church’s presence and participation in the community for many years.
Mayor Allison Wilkerson, who attended the Good Friday service, shared, “A Good Friday service is something that has been talked about between a couple of churches and myself for a couple years now. So in January, when two of the pastors came to me and said they felt God calling them to do the service, there was no way I was arguing with them. This service brought more people to the park than the city has ever had in the seven years we’ve had our ampavillion. It was a beautiful and moving service and it was a great event for the city to have the pleasure of hosting.”
Among the seven partnering churches were Anchor Church and Chestnut Grove Baptist Church, both long-time cooperating Georgia Baptist churches with histories of citywide community engagement.
Chris Alexander, senior pastor of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church, spoke during the Good Friday event focusing on Jesus’ cry from the cross, “Why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46).
“The other six sayings on the cross were words of mercy, redemption, comfort, and completion. But when Jesus asked God, “Why have You forsaken Me?” these are the eeriest words on the cross. God’s wrath of abandonment is poured out on Him because of our sins,” Alexandar shared.
He continued, “The seven churches along with the Southeast Gwinnett County Co Op working together to make Jesus known in our community was wonderful. The attendance was outstanding. And the response during the invitation made everything worth it. I am certain that Jesus was pleased, and He moved in a mighty way.”
Anchor Church’s lead pastor Matt Tipton concluded the seven passages by recounting Jesus’ final words on the cross from John 19:30, “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
Tipton shared, “‘It is finished’ is not a cry of defeat, but a shout of triumph. In that moment, Jesus secured redemption for all who would believe—once for all.”
Excited about participating in this year’s event, Tipton said, “Our prayer is that what started this year continues to grow—not as an event, but as a movement of gospel unity and Kingdom impact in Grayson.
“This night was a powerful reminder that the Church is at its best when we come together to lift high the name of Jesus. I’m grateful to be part of a diverse community where that unity is possible in Christ.”
Excitement about future community partnership was evident among church leaders. Eventgoers affirmed their enthusiasm for a gathering next year, likely the beginning of an annual community Good Friday event in the city.
