Joel was born in Michigan, accepted Christ as his Savior in 1971, and attended Hope College in Holland, MI receiving his B.A. in religion. Joel, his wife Laurie and four children were called to Grace in 1992.
Joel's passion is to reach people for Christ and to help those who already know Christ become more like Him every day.
Joel's favorite verse is Acts 20:24 - However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the race the Lord Jesus has given me - the race of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
Craig serves as Elder and Church Chairman. Craig and his wife Laura lead the Discover Grace ministry.
Craig's favorite verse is Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edge sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Dave serves as Elder of Grace Church. Dave and his wife, Tricia came to Grace in 2004. Dave is passionate about people seeing God for who He really is and having their lives changed.
Dave's favorite verse is also Philippians 3:14 - But I do concentrate on this: I leave the past behind and with ahnds outstretched to whatever lies ahead I go straight for the goal - my reward the honor being called by God in Christ.
Dick serves the people of Grace as Elder, C.A.R.E. Team member and Life Group Director. Dick is married to Cathy and they have been attending Grace since its beginning as one of the founding families.
Dick's favorite verse is Philippians 1:6 - Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Steve serves as Elder at Grace. Steve has 30 years Pastoral experience and currently serves with G.A.I.N. USA as well as on Grace Church Life Group Think Tank and Missions ministry.
Steve's favorite verse is Ephesians 3:20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Mark serves as Elder and Men's Ministry leader. Mark's passion is to lead men in genuine relationship with Christ which releases them to live victoriously in authentic manhood. Mark also serves in full-time ministry with FourStreams Ministries.
Mark's favorite verse is Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. And, Galatians 5:1 - It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Bob serves as Elder at Grace.
Bob's favorite verse is Matthew 11:28-30 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Kent serves as Elder and Life Group leader. Kent was born in Texas and came to the Allen area in 1990. Kent's vision for Grace is "that individuals and families would continue to be transformed as a result of being a part of our fellowship."
Kent's favorite chapter in the Bible is Hebrews 11.
Mike serves as Elder and chairman of Grace Deacon board. Mike and his wife, Rebecca have three children.
Diana Abbott, Director of GEM Express
Diana serves as Director of GEM Express Preschool & Kindergarten. Diana came to Grace in 1988 and joined Grace staff in 2001 at the inception of GEM Express. Diana and Blair have three children.
Diana's favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Theresa serves as staff member directing the Creative Arts Team. She also serves in ministry with Women's Ministries. Theresa and her family began attending Grace in 1997 and became staff member in 2006.
Theresa's favorite verse is John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
Sheila Hoekstra, Communications & Special Events
Sheila serves as staff member as Communications and Special Events Coordinator. She also serves in ministry with Creative Arts Team. Sheila and her family came to Grace in 2000.
Sheila's favorite verse in Philippians 1:20 - For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.
LaWanna serves as staff member as Office Administrator. She also serves in ministry with the Creative Worship Team and various other ministries.
LaWanna's favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
Eric serves as Worship Leader at Grace and is the newest member of the Grace staff. Eric unifies contemporary and traditional music and has a rich musical history. Eric is passionate about worship and leading people into God's presence.
Eric's favorite verse is Psalm 27:4 which says, The one thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.
Wes serves as Youth Ministries Director. Wes was born and raised right here in the Dallas Metroplex. Wes passionately sets the standard to "live out our faith by growing disciples in the Lord who gather together in worship and to fellowship, and then scatter to meet the needs of the lost."
Wes' favorite verse is Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
