About Us

OUR LEADERSHIP

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How did you come to faith in Christ?

I came to faith in Christ while in college at the age of nineteen. I wasn't raised in a Christian home and really had an aversion to anything related to God or church growing up. As I entered young adulthood, though, God began drawing me to himself. I visited a friend's evening church service and God convicted me of my sin and need for the forgiveness, life and love Christ offers. That night I prayed to trust Christ as Savior and asked God to reveal himself to me. He did and over the years Christ has changed my life, my world, everything.

Your family:

On September 1st of this year, I am going to marry Chelsy Davis, my best friend and the love of my life. We met a year ago and I quickly fell for her gentle heart, intelligence, humor, beauty and love for Jesus Christ. We're looking forward to the married life and experiencing all that God has for us!

Education and ministry experience:

Shortly after coming to faith in Christ, I felt led to serve God with my life. I didn't know how I would serve God, but I switched majors from Radio/Television and Film and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelors in Speech Communication. Those studies helped me understand communication and develop skills to communicate more effectively.

After college I served on the staff of an urban poor ministry in Waco, Texas where I identified my spiritual gifts of pastoring, teaching and serving. After serving in urban poor ministry for two years I wanted more formal Biblical and theological training and God graciously allowed me to complete studies for a Masters in Christian Education at Dallas Theological Seminary.

After DTS, I served as an intern with the singles ministry of my previous college church in Austin, then made a major change to work with the youth of Grace Community Church in 2004. Shortly after, as the senior pastor took a call to another church, I began preaching in the services and God opened the door for me to serve Grace as Lead Pastor.

In 2010 I entered the Doctor of Ministry program at Talbot School of Theology where I am sharpening my understanding about discipleship in the 21st century. My goal through these studies is to enhance all that we do in our discipleship at Grace.

What is your role at GCC?

My role as Lead Pastor of Grace Community Church is to lead our church into spiritual health and effectiveness under the guidance of God's word and the partnership of the Holy Spirit. This involves aligning the ministries of the church, caring for the flock, and equipping others to fulfill the role God has prepared for them in his master plan to glorify himself.

What you are most passionate about in ministry at GCC?

I am most passionate about people understanding God more clearly through the teaching of God's word in the Bible, then seeing them develop a God-centered life where God becomes the focus and drive of their life.

Favorite scripture:

Paul's doxology in Romans 11:36 has really stayed with me over the years. "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen." (ESV)

Favorite books:

Henry Blackaby & Claude King's "Experiencing God" revolutionized my walk with Christ. I like John Piper and would recommend anything he has written, especially "Desiring God." I also really enjoy A. W. Tozer, "The Pursuit of God," "The Knowledge of the Holy." J.I. Packer's "Knowing God" is incredible.

Favorite music:

Hillsong United, the Passion Band, Chris Tomlin, the Plain White T's, Passion Pit, Miike Snow, Josh Turner, 80's music and movie soundtracks.

Favorite food:

Leftovers. Healthy foods. Italian. Thai Curries.

Favorite hobbies:

I enjoy playing the guitar and singing, working out, jogging, photography, watching movies and listening to the director's commentaries. I love spending time with Chelsy and playing sand volleyball and rock climbing with her. We also like spending time with friends and family and seeing new and old places in southern California.

To email Michael, click here.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

I came to faith early in life. I was 8 years old at camp at Forest Home. I had gone to church all my life and then one night it all seemed to make sense. That night I put my life in the hands of Christ and have been on an exciting journey ever since.

Your family:

I have been married to my wonderful wife Carolyn for 11 years ! We have a son Ethan (6) and a daughter Brynn (3).

Education and ministry experience:

I have been in vocational ministry since 1995 when I started out as an Intern in Children's ministry at my home church in Laguna Hills, CA. Then I went on staff at Cypress Church in the spring of 2001, where I served as the Pastor of Children's Ministry. In the summer of 2004 I joined the staff of GCC.

What is your role at GCC?

My role is serving as Pastor of High School and College. This gives me the privilege of leading the High School Ministry and also overseeing the direction of the Junior High Ministry. Serving college students, at our Sunday Night Service, allows me to see our youth successfully grow in their faith during their college years.

What you are most passionate about in ministry at GCC?

I am passionate about seeing teenagers become adults and living out their faith. It's exciting to see their lives so transformed that they strive to tell others about the greatness of God, serve with passion and affect their world with the love of Christ.

Favorite scripture:

Currently it's Romans 12:11-12.

Favorite books:

"The Explicit Gospel" by Matt Chandler and "Prodigal God" by Timothy Keller

Favorite music:

Phil Wickham, David Toney and Weezer.

Favorite food:

Anything off my smoker.

Favorite hobbies:

Loving my wife, my Angels, my Lakers, and playing old man softball.

To email Sean, click here.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

I had a Sunday school teacher who would cry at the end of each Sunday as she prayed for us. It didn't make any sense to me why she cared so much for a bunch of kids she didn't really know. I asked my mother and she explained how my teacher had a deep care for us because of what Jesus has done for her, and that she is committed to sharing that care and joy. I asked my mom if she would pray that Jesus would save me, and she replied, "No, you can pray for yourself right now," and I did!

Family:

I come from a family of five; my parents Rob and Roxanne, my older sister Michelle, and a younger brother Sean. My wife, Nancy, and I have two children, Eva and Liam.

Education and ministry experience:

I have a PhD. from the School of Hard Knocks.

What is your role at GCC?

I am the Worship Pastor.

What you are most passionate about in ministry at GCC?

I am most passionate about ushering God's family to a place where worship is not a means to something greater or an avenue to prepare for God's message, but the end result of the salvation we have been given.

Favorite scripture:

Ezekiel 16, the whole thing... it's a really poetic and heavy passage.

Favorite books:

"The God Who Is There" by Francis A. Schaeffer; "Knowing God" by Packer; "Superfudge" by Judy Blume.

Favorite music:

I love classic rock and the blues. I'm also a big fan of some of the more eclectic worship artists that challenge our conceptions of what constitutes "worship."

Favorite food:

Armenian food.

Favorite hobbies:

I like to write, play and record music. I also have a history of some of the more extreme sports that I still really like to pursue, namely wakeboarding, snowboarding and skateboarding. I've also been known to challenge the most graceful of badminton players to give them the thrashing only surpassed by my love of the game!

To email Ryan, click here.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

I accepted Christ as my Savior when I was five years old. My Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Fish, told the class if anyone wanted Jesus to come into their lives we could stay in at snack and pray with her, so I did just that. Growing up I was living out my parent's faith. The summer going into my freshman year of high school I decided to rededicate my life to Christ and I chose at that point to have my own relationship with him. Looking back on that day, I can see how His hand was at work guiding me through life and leading me to the point I am today.

Family:

I am the youngest of the three children in my family. My Brother, Dan, and my sister, Deanna, are both happily married, and then there is me! My parents, Don and Debbie, still faithfully serve here at Grace as well. One thing, if you did not notice, the whole family starts with a "D". It can get confusing.

Education and ministry experience:

I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Interpersonal Communication from Azusa Pacific University in 2007. I have served on junior high and high school staff at Grace for the past 8 years. I have volunteered with VBS since I was in Jr. High. The Lord has also given me opportunities to serve Him overseas and in Mexico on various mission trips. The Lord opened the door for me to be involved with the Children's Ministry here at GCC at end of 2008.

What is your role at GCC?

My official title is the Director of Children's Ministry. I oversee our children's program for Sunday mornings. My job is to equip our next generation of kids with a Biblical foundation and get them excited and passionate about our Savior, Jesus Christ!

What are you most passionate about in ministry at GCC?

My passion is for the kids that they may grow in the knowledge of Christ and be transformed by the Word of God. My passion is also for our kids to experience Christ in such a way that will light a spark inside of them to continually seek after Him that they may become the godly leaders of tomorrow.

Favorite scripture:

Jeremiah 29:11- 13 and Psalm 46

Favorite books:

"Crazy Love" by Francis Chan and "Don't Waste Your Life" by John Piper

Favorite music:

I pretty much like it all except for those bands that just scream, but Country music and the Teen Pop boy bands are on the top of my list!

Favorite food:

Mexican, Italian, Mint Chip ice cream, Yogurtland and of course Diet Coke!

Favorite hobbies:

Shopping, Traveling, and Event Planning.

To email Darcie, click here.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

God has captivated me by the power and extent of his love; first through the body of Christ then through his involvement in my life.

Your family:

I belong to a family of four including my father Timmy, my mother Carol, and my older brother David.

Education and ministry experience:

I am currently studying as a sophomore at Biola University.

What is your role at GCC?

I oversee the Junior High Youth Ministry!

What are you most passionate about in ministry at GCC?

I love having the opportunity to help others love God more. Being a part of pointing others back to the glory of God has been very exciting for me.

Favorite scripture:

John 10:1-11

Favorite books:

The works of CS Lewis and Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller

Favorite music:

David Crowder Band, Ludovico Einaudi, and Country music

Favorite food:

I have been a fan of food ever since I was born, but the best food that I have been able to indulge myself in is from a sandwich place called Mr. Pickles.

Favorite hobbies:

I enjoy photography, a riveting game of Frisbee Golf, Reading, Writing, and creating the atmosphere and simple perfection involved in a good cup of tea.

To email Scott, click here.

Tim Bruton (Chairman) email

Bob Dixon email

Russ Eastman email

Jerry Hammond email

Martin Jackson (Vice Chairman) email

Michael Goacher email

Betty Cramer Administrative Assistant email

Rowland Keenan Church Administrator email

Rich Ward Facilities email