Elders.

University Blvd. Campus

Brian Brandt

I grew up in Oklahoma in a Christian home. My faith grew significantly while in college through the ministry of FCA and as I began working in Christian camping ministry. I have a leadership development company that provides training, coaching, strategic planning, and a speakers’ bureau. My hobbies usually have me outside mountain biking, hiking, swimming or reading.

I’ve been married to Ann Terese for over thirty years, and we have three grown children.

I became an Elder in 2003, and I hope that Grace Community Church will continue to come alongside those that call Grace home to deepen their walk with Christ and to help them become loving, caring, discipling people where they live, work, play, and serve throughout the world.

Old Jacksonville Campus

Casey Bryans

Bio coming soon!

Senior Pastor

Doug Clark

I grew up in Akron, Ohio. There were five of us in my family – my parents and my two sisters with me in the middle. I trusted Christ when I was 12 years old and then strayed through most of junior high and high school. The summer before my senior year in high school, two of my best friends and I went to a Young Life Camp in Colorado. It was on the bus ride home that Jesus really got a hold of my heart. I committed to following Him and was discipled, and I’m grateful for the patience the Lord showed me.

I attended Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, where I majored in business. After graduation, I worked for my dad in the family business, saw much of the country from the seat of a bicycle, and volunteered with Young Life. Around this time, I met Vicki. She was on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ, and God used her in a major way to move me toward ministry.

Vicki and I were married in November of 1987 and immediately moved to Portland, Oregon, where I attended Western Seminary. I graduated with a Masters of Divinity and a Masters of Theology. We have been privileged to raise two incredible children, Micah, who is married to Mary, and Chelsea. We also have one granddaughter, Ella, and we love spending time with her whenever we can.

I joined the Grace Staff in December of 2005, and my passion is that we would be a body of disciples who make disciples – that is helping people come to Christ and grow in Christ so they can then help others experience the same for the Glory of God. I want our church to live out the word of God by loving Him and others.

Lindale campus

Mark Cox

I grew up in Canton, Texas, and my grandparents were instrumental in teaching me about Jesus.

I am married to Rachel, and we have two adult children, a daughter, Ella, and a son, Andrew, who recently married our daughter-in-law, Khalia. I enjoy anything outdoors including cycling, backpacking, and CrossFit. I have worked in the medical device industry for over twenty years.

I became a Grace Elder in 2017, and my hope for Grace is that we will live out our mission to share the Gospel with those who don’t know the Lord. I also hope we will love those who are difficult to love as we all fall into that category sometimes.

Old Jacksonville campus

Todd DeRoo

I was born in Southern California but also lived in San Francisco, then Northern New Jersey, and as a high school student, moved to Columbus, Ohio. My father was a pastor, and I was raised in a loving Christian home. I’ve always felt that Jesus loved me, but I came to know him as Lord and Savior in high school.

I retired from CHRISTUS Mother Frances Health System in 2021 after spending 44 years in hospital Supply Chain. I’ve been married to my beautiful wife, Vicki, for over 38 years, and we have two children, Kristen and Erik. I enjoy photography, high school and college sports, and open wheel racing.

I became an Elder in 2004, and my hope for Grace is that we will teach and share the Gospel with everyone from preschoolers to those in their golden years.  I also hope we to continue the growth of community groups within the church, as in a large church, it is vital to stay connected with others.

Old Jacksonville campus

Matt Edwards

I grew up around the Great Lakes Region of Ohio, Indiana, and ultimately in Michigan.

I came to know Jesus while living a very sinful life as a 19-year-old. I was very comfortable in the “Dog Pound” section of Cleveland Stadium…the section where drugs and alcohol were needed to combat the subzero temperature of Browns games. God put godly men directly into my life at that time who looked different from the people I was around. They had a look in their eyes that I honestly did not understand. In time, Wayne Dancie literally grabbed me by the hand and led me to a lifesaving relationship with Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. My life has never been the same!

I’m married to my beautiful bride of nearly 35 years, Karen. We have two beautiful daughters, Samantha and Leah. Sam and Leah have benefited greatly from the partnership of Grace Community Church, Grace Community School, and the efforts we attempted to make as their parents trying to point them to Jesus at every turn.

I serve at Mentoring Alliance where we get the privilege of mobilizing godly people into the lives of kids and families all around Texas and pointing them to tangible help and eternal hope.

I became an Elder in the early 2000s, and my hope is that we will be a church that loves God more than anything and demonstrates this in how we love others as a result.

Lindale Campus

Mike Farris

I grew up in Midland, Texas.  My family attended church, and at an early age, I had an amazing revelation of God and knew He was real. However, I lived for myself and lived a sinful life during my middle school and high school years. It was in my early twenties, a few years after the death of my father, that I started pursuing a relationship with God.

As I grew in my knowledge of Him and really started seeking God in prayer, I began seeing Him work in my life.  Since then, I have learned to depend on Him, and I have seen his hand throughout my life. All I can say is God loves us so much. He wants to have a relationship with us, and He has a plan for every one of us.

I have been married to my wife, Jody, for 26 years. We have a son, Justin, who is going to a Christian college in Indiana to high jump. Our daughter, Lauren, recently graduated from college and is working as a corporate trainer for a coffee franchise. My hobbies include hunting, fishing, wakeboarding, and almost anything outdoors.

I became an Elder in 2015, and my hope for Grace is to share the hope and love of Jesus Christ in all that we do, to go wherever God leads us, and to faithfully serve the people and communities within our reach.

Old Jacksonville Campus

Jay Ferguson

I grew up in Dallas, Texas, and was saved at Sky Ranch when I was a third grader.

I am married to Ashley, and we have three daughters: Emma, Annie, and Ellen. In my free time, I like to read, run, and play guitar.

I serve as Head of School for Grace Community School, and I became an Elder around 2002. My hope for Grace is that we would align all our ministries to work together cohesively to be and make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Old Jacksonville Campus

Jesse Garner

I grew up in New Braunfels, Texas, as part of a Christian home and became a believer at a young age. As a child and teenager, I was involved with an AWANA program at a local church which was a huge spiritual influence on my life.

I went to Louisiana State University for a music degree and while there was heavily involved with college ministry at Chapel on the Campus. They were reviving their college ministry so I was able to see what it looked like to build a ministry from the ground up! After college and some travel, I came to Pine Cove for the Forge, a leadership and discipleship training program.

I came on full time at Pine Cove after the Forge and have now worked at Pine Cove for 15 years in various roles. I’m currently the Senior Director of Engagement, which involves a lot of digital communications work and overseeing our CampLife app. My wife, Lacey, and I have been married for 9 years, and we have two children: Keldon (6) and Rose (2).

I’ve been a member of Grace for over 10 years, all of which I’ve been honored to serve on the worship team! My hope is to see God glorified and lives changed through the ministry of Grace Community Church. My heart is for deep personal relationship with Jesus for every church member, as demonstrated by their love and service to others.

Old Jacksonville campus

Chris Glenney

I grew up in Odessa, Texas, and regularly attended church as a kid.  My parents instilled in me from an early age the importance of family, faith, and church.  But it wasn’t until I attended Texas A&M University that my faith grew, and I decided to devote my life to following Jesus.  I had the great opportunity to join the Aggie Men’s Club and regularly attended Breakaway, both having a major impact to shape me as a dedicated disciple of Jesus Christ.

I have the great opportunity to serve our community as CEO of CHRISTUS Health Northeast Texas, including the Trinity Mother Frances Health System.  I am passionate about our faith-based healthcare ministry. Additionally, I serve on the Grace Community School Board and have for many years.

I have been blessed to be married to an amazing woman of faith, Shannon, for 25 years.  She spends most of her days helping raise our kids and volunteering to make a significant impact on Tyler. We have three wonderful kids, Caleb, Josh, and Kate, and an amazing future daughter-in-law, Lauren.  We love all things Texas A&M and enjoy spending our Saturdays at Kyle Field!  When we aren’t in Aggieland, we love traveling and spending time together with family and friends. We have lived in Tyler for over 25 years.

I became an Elder in 2010, and my hope for Grace is that our people would be equipped and inspired to live an active life of faith and demonstrate Christ’s love in our amazing community.

EXECUTIVE PASTOR OF OPERATIONS

Kirk Hudson

I grew up in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. My parents were so kind to send me to camp when I was young, and that is where I was introduced to Jesus. I began to grow in my understanding of who Jesus was and is in my life, and I am thankful to my parents who pointed me to Jesus at an early age.

I am married to Kelly, and we have four children of our own, Kalloway, who is married to Bobby, Konner, Kory, and Karoline. For a few years we also had two international students from China, Bevin and Henry, who we call our sons.

I joined the Grace staff in January of 2017, and it is my joy to oversee the resources of our organization. God is generous and kind, and He provides generously what is needed to be used to bring Him Glory!

Grace Community Church and Grace Community School have a tremendous influence in the local community, in East Texas, and internationally because of God’s generosity. I pray that we as His children and as a body of believers are generous with our lives to be disciples who make disciples.

SENIOR WORSHIP PASTOR

Jon Jenz

I grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and came to know Jesus as a freshman in college at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.

When I was in college, I made some pretty poor decisions. I guess I was your typical college freshman. Eventually, I was invited to attend a campus church with a friend. The pastor was young and very honest. He pulled out the Bible and started talking about Jesus as if He was his best friend. A few days later, the pastor asked me to lunch and told me how Jesus had transformed him. It didn’t take much longer for me to realize I wanted to know Jesus and experience this kind of transformation. And I have!

I am married to Laura, and we have five kids, Luke, Maggie, Sam, Josie, and Eli.

I joined the Grace staff in 2007, and my deep hope is that our awareness of the love of God for us would spur us to glorify Him with our lives.

Old Jacksonville Campus

Forrest Kaiser

I grew up in a suburb of Chicago. I did not come from a religious family but came to know Jesus as an adult after my wife and I moved to Tyler after college graduation. My wife was hired by Grace Community Church in 1998 (we consider it missionary hiring now!), and we became plugged in with many of the people here. A few great men such as Glenn Strauss, Chad Hollowell, and Clyde Powell invested in me early on and helped me come to a solid understanding of my need for Christ. This is one of the reasons we are so committed to GCC as a family.

I have been married to my wife, Maureen, for 27 years, and we have two children: Eli (20) and Lydia (18). I am currently a professor at the University of Texas at Tyler where I work in the graduate school of Education. Prior to my job at UTT, I served as principal of four area schools in Tyler and Whitehouse. When I’m not working, I enjoy playing music (I have served on the Grace worship team for over 20 years), working with my hands, being outside, and exercising.

I want Grace to continue as a place where we focus on worship, community, and mission.  Rather than just a building to gather in, I believe our church should actively equip believers for sharing the Gospel and doing the work of the kingdom beyond our walls. In preparation for His return, we need to be intentional about how we approach this work to best use the resources given.

I am greatly honored to be considered for the opportunity to serve our church in this way.

Lindale Campus

Kermit Kinsley

Originally from South Dakota, I was the last child of three children to Agnes and Berdell Kinsley. I became a Christian through the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ in 1976 at the University of South Dakota after finally understanding that Jesus was not just the Savior of the world, but He was my Savior and wanted to forgive me of my sin and walk with me as my Lord.

After working with Campus Crusade for Christ, I went to graduate school at Iowa State University and got a PhD in Organic Chemistry in 1988. I then went to work for Vista Chemical Company working primarily in research and development and spent 32 years there. My last role was Manager of Research and Development with Sasol, a South African company which has assets in the US. After my retirement in 2020, we moved to Lindale and began attending the Lindale campus, where I currently serve teaching Sunday School and leading a small group.

I am married to Virginia, who was a teacher for 23 years in Orange, Texas. We have three children and four grandchildren: Melissa, married to Anwar and their children, Adrian and Ares; Justin who is married to Rachel and their children, Charlotte and Hallie; and Yohanas Taddesse, our son by choice.

In my free time, I love to travel and play golf, and I enjoy woodworking.

My hope for Grace is that as a community of believers we faithfully live out the life of Christ so that we are conformed to His image by growing in our faith and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to our neighbors, family, and ultimately the world.

University Blvd. Campus

Jake Kirby

Bio coming soon!

Old Jacksonville campus

Scott Lawrence

My dad was an Army Officer, so I moved frequently as a child. I went to high school in Northern Virginia where I met my wife. I came to know Jesus as a teenager on a Carlisle Barracks Protestant Youth of the Chapel (PYOC) retreat

I came to Texas for Medical School in 1995 when I retired from the Air Force and came to Tyler for my residency in 1999. I am a physician and enjoy traveling. I have been married to Starla for for 44 years, and we have four daughters, Alicia, Heather, Hannah, and Madi and eight grandchildren.

I became an Elder in 2006, and my hope is that Grace will be a place for people to build an intimate relationship with God, grow in their relationships with others, and help people come to know and grow in their relationship with God.

Old Jacksonville Campus

Blake Luce

I was blessed with Christian parents who raised me in a small, Gospel-centered, Bible-believing church here in Tyler. I was taught about Jesus dying on the cross for our sins since as early as I can remember, but that became a personal reality for me when I was 8 years old.  My parents were my biggest influencers in how to walk with the Lord, and they modeled what it was like to grow in the Word and in faith. Through our church, I got to see what it means to be a part of a Christian community that cares for one another, shares life’s joys and sorrows together, and has a heart for those who don’t know Christ. It was truly a family.

My parents sacrificed for me and my sister to attend Grace Community School, where I was a student from Kindergarten through 7th grade. When I was 16, God made a mark on my life by opening up doors for me to go on a summer mission trip. Those 2 months of serving far away from “my world” through construction projects and children’s ministry cemented in me that life in Christ is about giving. We are called to give away our life – both in dying to our self daily so that we are properly oriented to God and by serving others. I have not followed that calling  perfectly, but I am grateful that He has been working on me for decades. He is Worthy!

After attending Wheaton College, I moved back to Texas and met my wife, Amy, at our church in Dallas. We have three kids, Nathan, Maggie, and Brady. We have lived in Tyler since 2009. I am a Sales Executive with Johnson & Johnson, and I work in the hospitals in East Texas, and Amy teaches part time at Grace Community School. My hobbies have mainly centered around my kids’ many sporting events over the last 15 years, and that is a blast!

I became an Elder in 2012, and my hope for Grace is that we will be a light on a hill for the Gospel of Christ and a beacon of hope for a lost, dark, and dying world. That involves doing that on our street, city, nation, and the world.  We, as an instrument of God’s Church, get to be a part of His epic story. I hope for pure worship, strong community, and love for those who don’t yet know Christ.

Grace Español Campus

Juan Martinez

Bio coming soon!

University Blvd. Campus

Robby Mayne

I grew up in South Louisiana but ended up moving to Texas at the age of 10. I was raised in the Lutheran Church, in a loving, stable home, but I didn’t come to know Jesus as my Savior until my junior year of high school. It was during that time I was introduced to Jesus as a personal God who wanted to have a relationship with me, not just try to dictate my behavior.

I have been married to my amazing wife, Mallory, since March of 2015. We met through Pine Cove here in Tyler. We have three beautiful kids: our daughter, Layton (6), and our boys, Miller (4) and Maddox (2).

I work as a realtor with RealEdge Real Estate, and I am also the East Texas Sales Rep for ForeverLawn Texas. We install premium artificial turf for homes, businesses, playgrounds, and sports fields.

In my spare time, I love playing golf, all things LSU, the New Orleans Saints, and working out, but mostly, I love spending time with my family.

I hope to continue to see Grace serve the Tyler area by making and equipping disciples. I hope to see our church provide parents with the tools they need to be the primary disciplers of their kids. I also long to see our campuses have thriving children’s and student ministries that serve our families as we come alongside the discipleship of their kids.

University Blvd. Campus

Jeff Miller

I grew up in East Texas and was homeschooled all the way through childhood. Our family traveled a lot for Advanced Training Institute conferences and soccer. After graduating, I spent several years with YWAM doing training and missions before entering the workforce at the age of 21. I traveled to North Africa, Albania, and Mexico.

I grew up in a Christian home and understood I needed Jesus at the age of 5. I have been growing as a disciple in His word ever since!

I met my wife, Adrianne, at the UB campus, and we’ve been married for almost 15 years. We have 3 boys: Jachin (10), Joshua (8), and Jet (7), and a dog named Fischer. I’ve been a member at Grace for 25 years, 20 of those at UB.

I’ve worked at East Texas Alarm for 21 years. The first 14 years, I was an installer, and for the last 7 years, I have managed the Service Department. My hobbies are running and tennis, training others in group fitness, and spending time with our 3 boys.

My hope for Grace is to see people getting connected and trained up to be His hands and feet, both inside and outside of the church. I love serving behind the scenes and meeting the needs of others. Over the last two decades, I’ve enjoyed plugging in as a Projectionist, a Hall Dad, on the Set Up/Tear Down team, as a Greeter, and presently, serving on the Security Team at the UB campus.

Adrianne and I try to serve together as well. We both serve at Pine Cove investing in Forge students. We led the 20somethings for the first three years of our marriage, and we’ve led a community group for the last seven years. We feel it’s important in our marriage to be united in how, when, and where we serve so we can be a team together. Adrianne and I also love finishing each other’s movie quotes and laugh a lot together.

Lindale Campus

Nathan Mouser

I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior as a young boy while attending a small Baptist church in Joaquin, Texas. Soon after graduating from Texas A&M, I married Kathy and began my career with Chevron working in the oil and gas industry in west Texas and New Mexico. After many years I was able to transfer back to East Texas to finish my career and retire.

Kathy and I have two married daughters, Natalie and Allison, two wonderful sons-in-law, and we are blessed with four grandchildren. We enjoy traveling, spending time with our family and friends, and serving God through the many opportunities at Grace Community Church.

I became an Elder in 2018, and I pray that Grace Community Church will fulfill God’s mission by lovingly helping each other increasingly manifest our true identity in Jesus Christ, to be known by our love and unexpected works of service so that we attract and embrace people who would ordinarily never step inside a church building or fellowship with Christians.

University Blvd. Campus

Fred Pate

I am a fifth generation Tylerite and have always loved our city. I grew up attending the First Church of God here in Tyler and was related to most of the congregants. Our family was close and they, particularly my parents, had a strong influence on my spiritual development. I honestly can’t remember a time when I wasn’t aware that Jesus was the son of God, and I attribute that to the guidance of my parents. But at the age of thirteen, I made the formal nervous walk down the aisle to the altar bench. I believe it was a way of proclaiming my faith in Jesus Christ.

I am happy to say that in 1977, I met the young woman who would become my wife at a Bible Study that extended from Grace Community. Cynthia and I were married a year later at our Old Jacksonville campus, our only campus at that time. Twelve years later, we adopted our first daughter, Leslie, and then eighteen months later, we added Kelsey to our family. Cynthia and I are so very blessed to have five grandchildren.

In 2021, I retired from my twenty-five year role as President of Summit Industrial Products, later to be renamed Kluber Lubrication NA LP. During those years, I was honored to have the opportunity to work with our leadership team to create a culture where not only the customer was valued, but where the employees were honored and appreciated. In retirement, I enjoy playing golf, beekeeping, making music with some of my compadres, and grandparenting.

I became an elder around 1996, and my hope is that folks will always see Grace Community as a refuge, whether from religious legalism, from churches that have abandoned teaching from the Word, or for people who are just pressed down by the pain and troubles of a fallen world. Grace Community should bring hope and relief just as God’s Grace does. We must be light in darkness.

Cynthia and I were some of Scott Pierce’s first recruits when he assumed the position as the first Youth Pastor of Grace Community. It was a pivotal moment in our lives and set us on a forty-year track where we were continuously involved in ministry to youth, college students, and young marrieds. It has resulted in spiritual growth for us and has taught us the importance of being connected and connecting others. We encourage you to stretch yourself and to explore how the Lord might have a plan for you.

Lindale Campus Pastor

Lewis Pollard

I was born in Augusta, Georgia, and grew up in Clearwater, South Carolina. I benefitted greatly from the local church’s volunteers in children’s and student ministries, and I had two Godly grandmothers who modeled their faith well. At the age of fifteen, I placed my faith in Jesus.

I have had the honor of being married to Erin since January 1, 2000. We are the parents of Isaac, Karis, Elijah, Ellee, Samuel, and Korbyn.

I joined the Grace staff in August of 2015, and I desire to continue to steward well the opportunity that I get to serve alongside the body of believers and our staff team at Grace Community Church in Lindale.

Lindale Campus

Steve Pontius

Bio coming soon!

Old Jacksonville Campus

Clyde Powell

Bio coming soon!

University Blvd. campus

Danny Price

I grew up in Athens, Texas, in a Baptist church. In high school, I came to understand my true separation from God and need for Him. I grew in maturity in college as part of InterVarsity, and in medical school, through the Christian Medical and Dental Association.

I work at St. Paul Children’s Clinic taking care of low-income families. My wife, Lori, was a local missionary supported by Grace when we met and married. We were Grace missionaries from 2003-2007 in India where our son was born. My hobby was tennis, then Abigail and Benjamin came along! Now they are at Baylor and Grace. I enjoy fishing and working on the ten acres where we live.

I became an Elder in 2011, and my hope is that Grace will remain true to God and true to the Word so we can stand strong in a corrupt world while shining effectively into it.

Grace Español Campus Pastor

David J. Ramos

I am originally from Bayamón, Puerto Rico. I was raised in a Christian home where church planting was our calling. However, in 1995, the Lord called us to leave Puerto Rico and move to South Florida.

After a few years away from my faith, I found myself in a dark place needing Jesus. In 2001, I reconciled with Jesus, accepting His Lordship in my life and have served Him ever since.

I have been married for 18 years to my beautiful bride, Emily Ramos. We have two beautiful daughters, Janelle, born in January of 2006, and Jaylene, born in July of 2012. Both my wife and my daughters are precious gifts from God to my life.

I joined the Grace team in January of 2023, and my hope is to reach the Hispanic community in Tyler with the transforming message of Jesus Christ. I will do so by loving families and helping them to discover and follow Jesus.

Old Jacksonville Campus

Whit Riter

Bio coming soon!

University Blvd. Campus

Jeff Schapansky

I grew up in Manitoba, Canada. My parents modeled for me what it looks like to live and follow Jesus. I came to know Jesus naturally from the influence of my parents, Godly friends, and my church.

It has been such a joy for Heather and me to serve as missionary educators at Christian Heritage School (CHS), a ministry of YWAM Tyler. Heather serves as our elementary school vice principal, and I serve as principal. Our sons, Caleb and Nathan, are students in the junior high at CHS. Cheering on our sons as they play basketball and soccer is a delight in this season. I also enjoy playing guitar and singing.

I have served as an Elder since 2020, and my hope for Grace is that we would embrace the invitation as disciples of Jesus to follow Him. May God’s kingdom come and His will be done in our church and school and within each business and family represented at Grace. As each one receives God’s invitation to be formed in the image of His Son, may God be glorified in us.

Dover Campus Pastor

Kyle Smith

God’s grace and mercy has been a regular refrain in my life. My childhood was lived in a loving home where I was encouraged and shown how faith is lived out in daily life. I began to understand the gospel and accepted Jesus as my Savior in middle school.

I left Mineola, Texas, after high school and headed to Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduation, I worked as a musician in New York City. I lived “the dream” and found that it left me empty. God used circumstances and people in my life to draw me back to Him and call me into ministry.

Kristy and I moved to San Antonio where we got married and had our son, Wyatt. We came “home” to Grace in 2013 and welcomed our daughter, Mae, shortly after.

I love being active and spending time with my family, trying to make people laugh, and running with our dog through school traffic.

My desire is to follow Jesus and help others do the same. I’m excited to see what the Lord will do through the Dover Campus as we trust and obey Him.

Old Jacksonville campus

Steve Spitzer

I grew up in the First Baptist Church of Athens, Texas. I committed to follow Christ at a church revival when I was in elementary school. My faith grew in high school through Young Life.

I am an attorney who specializes in resolving probate disputes.  I have been married to Trish for over 30 years, and we have four adult sons.  The older three, Jacob, Jonny, and Josh, are married, and the youngest, Joseph, is still in college. Trish and I enjoy working out and spending time with family.

I became an Elder around 2002, and my hope for Grace is that we stay true to the Gospel of Christ Jesus and to God’s Word and that we continue to equip and encourage our members to impact others for Christ where they live, work, and play.

University Blvd. Campus

Kelly Starr

Growing up, my dad worked for Halliburton, so we moved around several places in North Texas and Northwest Louisiana. While I came to Christ earlier in my life, my walk with Christ was established through the college ministry of Grace Bible Church in College Station during my college years at Texas A&M.

Amy & I have been married over 36 years and have four kids plus an awesome daughter-in-law: Dakota (wife Morgan), Tanner, Garrison and Victoria.  We’ll be first-time grandparents very soon, as Dakota and Morgan are expecting twin girls in January of 2023!

I work as the Global CFO for VME Process, Inc. in Tyler. I enjoy golfing, fitness, Aggie sports, and doing outdoor projects around our home.

I became an Elder in 2006, and my hope for Grace is that we would make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Old Jacksonville Campus

Blair Swaim

I grew up at Grace Community Church and came to know Jesus at an early age. My wife, Ginger, and I have two sons, Caden and Coleman.

I became an Elder in 2012, and my hope for Grace is that we will be a place where people can come and see God-inspired authenticity and integrity in what we say and do.

Lindale Campus

Jason Toon

I was born in Greenville, Texas. I became a believer at the age of 9 when I responded to the Holy Spirit’s call and was baptized at Highland Terrace Baptist Church.

I am an environmental health and safety professional, and I currently support the Target Distribution Center as a Safety Manager. In my spare time, I love to read and work outside.

I am married to Michele who works at Grace’s Lindale campus. Our son, Logan, is 22 and will graduate from UT Austin next spring and is engaged to be married. Our daughter, Sydney, is 17 and is a senior at Lindale High School.

Michele and I have been members of Grace since about 1998, and we were on the team that planted Grace Lindale.

I desire for Grace to be a place where truth (God’s word) is proclaimed and people can experience God’s love and grace and be transformed by His Holy Spirit.

University Blvd Campus Pastor

Michael Tropea

I grew up in upstate NY right outside the city of Syracuse. After an ongoing pursuit of truth and life through various means outside of Jesus, I realized He had been pursuing me throughout my life. I finally realized the beauty of the Gospel through Jesus at the age of 17, and He has taken me on a wild ride ever since.

My wife, Alexa, and I have one daughter, Aurora, born in November of 2014. We like to call ourselves “Team Tropea” (pronounced: tro-pay-a). You can find us outside in nature, playing crazy family games, and opening our table for others.

I’m a nerd for history, being outdoors, staying active, and spending time with my family.  I have a heart for “community” and people’s stories that God gives each of us.

I joined the Grace team in July of 2023, and my hope is to seek out life together with those who know Christ and to invite others to our table who don’t know Him to get to know WHOSE they are.

University Blvd. Campus

Brent Wadle

Gigi and I grew up in DeSoto, Texas. I was saved in college at a revival service at Trinity Church in Lubbock. I work at Christus as a physician and administrator.

I have been married to Gigi for 31 years, and we have two sons, Jacob and Caleb. Jacob is married to Carly, and they are expecting their first child.

I became an Elder around 2018, and my hope for Grace is that we continue to reach our local community and our world for Christ and that we would continue to help the poor and the underserved as we continue to be disciples making disciples.

Lindale Campus

Duane Walton

I grew up in Minnesota and moved to Texas via North Dakota and Kansas. We have lived in the Lindale area for over 30 years. I was saved at the age of nine during VBS.

I work at Lindale High School teaching AP Physics, Engineering, and Robotics. My hobbies include whatever my grandchildren want to do. I am married to Cyndi, and we are blessed with four children and four grandchildren.

I have served as an Elder since 2020, and I desire that Grace Community Church continues to teach truth and love well as we work together in making disciples.

Lindale Campus

Brad Weesner

I grew up in Hideaway Lake. It was a great community to grow up in, and I got to experience life with some really great friends. As a child, I went to church with my parents at First Baptist Lindale and got baptized at the age of 10. As a teenager, I always knew I believed in Jesus, even though I probably did not live like it at times. I would say I started coming back around to Him in my mid-20s.

I am a very dedicated family man. My wonderful wife, Emily, and I have two incredible daughters: Kennedy and Jordyn. I love spending most of my time with them when I am not working. I currently work for Trane Commercial out of Dallas. I am also an avid sports fan and try to play some golf when time permits.

My hope for Grace Community Church is that it would continue to develop into a safe place for sinners to come together to grow and not be judged, but at the same time, to be held accountable to their growth and walk with the Lord. I hope it continues to become a place where people can be real with each other and wherever they’re at in their journey.

I want to continue growing in my walk with the Lord and being pushed by a group that will hold me accountable. I believe Grace Community Church gives me the opportunity to do so.

Lindale Campus

Keith Westberry

Bio coming soon!

EXECUTIVE PASTOR OF MINISTRIES

Stephen Wickliffe

I’m a native Texan who was born, raised, and spent most of my days growing up in Red Oak, Texas. The first decade and a half of my life was filled with church attendance, cultural Christianity, and knowing about Jesus, but not following Him. Jesus transformed me my senior year of high school as He saved me, and I began to follow Him.

I met my incredible wife, Stephanie, in college. Stephanie and I were married in May of 2003. We have one daughter, Mayleigh (the oldest), and three sons, Asher, Beckett, and Callen.

I joined the Grace staff in March of 2005, and I desire to see neighbors, natives, and nations transformed by the saving grace of Jesus! Who will go? Acts 1:8 tells us we are sent by God. It is a directive for all of us to go. Mission exists (temporarily this side of heaven) because people are not worshiping the one true God.

PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP

Scott Wilson

I grew up in Chandler, Arizona. I am married to Shari, and we have raised six children.

I have been a part of the ministry team at Grace Community for many years. I started in 1991 as the Student Ministries Pastor. In 2004, we moved to the St. Louis area to launch and pastor a church that was starting a multi-site ministry. In 2016, we moved back to Tyler, and I began working on the Grace Community School side of the ministry team as the Director of Spiritual Formation. In my current role, I’m serving as the Pastor of Discipleship with a focus on small groups and men’s ministry across all of our campuses.

My deep hope is for everyone at Grace to be intentional about participating in the discipleship journey.