Honoring Our Pastoral Team 

Scripture reminds us to “give honor to whom honor is due” (Romans 13:7). Our church is blessed with an incredible pastoral team. More than that, it’s an extreme honor to labor alongside them. They truly are the best I’ve ever had the privilege of working with.

Each of them have personally impacted my life and our church family:

Pastor Jacob and Jeverna King: These two are true champions in Grace Kids who take a whole-family approach to ministry. They have been the children’s pastors for all three of our kids. Together, you’ve helped us raise three amazing children. Our kids began stretching their leadership legs and learning what it means to truly be a disciple and follower of Christ within the ministry of Grace Kids. You understand that effective ministry doesn’t entertain. My family is stronger and healthier because of what you’ve sown. Week in and week out, you partner with parents to disciple the next generation and remind us all there is no junior Holy Spirit.

Pastor Chris and Analysa Fullam: They pastor both Ascend Student Ministry and oversee Grace Young Adults. Reijah, Caden, and Chase have all grown up in a student ministry that puts the presence of God first and encourages students to run after Jesus and everything He has for them. Under your leadership, our kids have continued to develop into strong leaders and have had the opportunity to minister to their generation. You’ve truly made them stronger and have been a tremendous blessing to Jenna and me. You are visionary leaders who have made presence the pursuit and helped hundreds of students encounter Jesus and step into authentic discipleship. The fruit of your leadership is generations deep. 

Sam and Amber Lopez: You’ve helped us build Grace Leadership Academy, which is now entering its third year. This school is built different. Both of our sons have been a part of it from the beginning. It wasn’t just a good fit; it has helped them excel academically, grow in their knowledge of Scripture, and develop as Christian leaders. This school is taking back ground the enemy tried to steal and is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in our community. Thank you for being next-level leaders. You are pioneering a K–12 school where academics, a biblical worldview, and leadership converge to raising up Kingdom influencers.

Debbie and Vance Milton: It’s rare to find a discipleship pastor who is genuinely gifted in the fivefold ministry as a teacher. Your passion to help people discover their divine purpose and be equipped to excel in their God-given calling through equip classes, Grace Groups, or higher education, has helped our church family grow in depth and knowledge of the Word. I don’t know how you do it, but you always go the extra mile, and you do it with excellence. You are faithful equippers, and your heart to develop others has laid a foundation of spiritual depth in this house.

Donnie and Cindy Lewis: You heart to oversee connection and care across our church, is deeply felt and appreciated. We’ve known each other for over 20 years and it is such a joy to be working closely together again. You both go out of your way to make sure people are seen, acknowledged, and loved. Whether through Next Steps, Adult ministries, Grace Groups, or Breaking Free. You carry a passion for people, and it’s absolutely contagious. You are genuine shepherds who are helping us build a spiritually and relationally healthy church family.

Mike and Teresa Justice: Mike serves as our church’s Executive Director and on our Executive Leadership Team. Over the past several months, he’s also helped us navigate the transition in our Worship and Creative Arts Department. Mike, you’ve elevated the sound in this house and helped take worship to a whole new level. Thank you for being all in and for encouraging me and our church family. You have stewarded this season with wisdom, oversight, and faith. Truly, you are a testimony of His grace. 

This weekend, during our service, we will take time to honor our team and give you, our church family, an opportunity to express your appreciation through a love offering. But let me encourage you to go further; write a note or send a message to someone on our team and let them know how they’ve personally impacted you. It means more than you know.

This Sunday, we continue with part 3 of our spiritual warfare series This Means War.  We’ve all wrestled with a truly legitimate question, “is standing firm really worth it?” Especially when you recognize that the cost can be so high. We will tackle this question and more this Sunday. I believe it’s going to be incredibly impactful. I can’t wait for us all to be together.

Believing for Revival,

Pastor Daniel

PS – Each week, we are seeing new families join us for the first time. Thank you to those of you who parked in the field opening spaces near the front door for our guests. It’s a great help to honor someone stepping into our church for the very first time. Exciting things are ahead…and we’re just getting started!