Staff & Leadership

Dr. Matt Cassidy and his wife, Melinda, have been married for 38 years and have three children. Their son, Ryan, and his wife, Gayle, have two daughters and live in Austin. Daughters Carey and Amy live and work in California. The Cassidys began attending Grace in 1988, and Matt was hired as Interim Youth Pastor in November 1989. He has served as Senior Pastor and Elder for 22 years, after serving in Student Ministry for 9.5 years and Adult Ministry for 2 years at Grace.

Dr. Cassidy holds a BBA in Finance from the University of Texas in Austin, a Master of Divinity from the International School of Theology, and a Doctorate of Ministry from Talbot School of Theology.

Spiritual Gifts: Teaching and Leadership

“My vision for Grace is for Her to become all that God created Her to become. I believe local churches are like people: designed uniquely for special good works in Christ, arranged before time. My vision is that Grace would continue to grow in courage in her obedience to the desires of the Father, by the power of the Spirit, for the exaltation of the Son.

 

My passion is to see peoples’ lives change by helping them understand the depths of Bible truth and applying those truths; relying on the Spirit. I pray that Grace would introduce and guide each and every person we can touch to progressively experience the power, honor and freedom that comes with a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.”

Pastor Ray Anderson has been married to his wife, married to Diana for almost 44 years. They raised four children:

• Oldest son, Christopher, his wife Danielle and three daughters, Lillie, Hannah, and Ella live in Kentucky.
• Son, Kirk, his wife Rebecca, their son, Desmond, and daughter, soon to be born, live in Pennsylvania
• Our daughter, Mallory, and youngest son, Keaton, live in the Austin area

The Andersons moved to Austin in 1990 from College Station and became members during that first year. Ray joined the pastoral staff in 1995 in Adult Ministry, where he served for five years until becoming the Executive Pastor in 2000. He and Diana served in the Children’s Ministry, led and taught Adult Communities, and Ray and Dr. Cassidy launched the life-stage communities in 1998 including Young Couples, New Parents, Young Families and Parenting Teens.

Ray holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from Georgia Tech and a Master of Arts in Adult Education from the University of Texas. He has completed seminary courses through the Institute of Biblical Studies with Campus Crusade for Christ (now “Cru”), where he served on staff for 17 years. He is a trained Mediator and Conflict Coach through Peacemaker Ministry and has written and contributed to various Bible study materials and the book, “Search for Significance.”

Spiritual Gifts: Leadership, Shepherding, Administration

I pray the people of Grace would be overwhelmed by the grace God has shown them and this compels them to love God and show it through their lives.

Who is in your family?

My lovely wife Patricia (Pat) and I have been married for over 34 years and have three daughters:

• Carissa – linguist and writing program director at University of Chicago, with two children Valencia and Marina
• Elise – a health benefits financial analyst living here in Austin, with two twin boys Joel and Caleb
• Serena – a high school English teacher in Orange County CA, with a 2-year old girl named Lucia

How long have you attended Grace?

We have attended GCC since 2010 upon moving to Austin from southern California and have been members since 2011.

How long have you been an elder?

I’ve served as an elder for two years and prior to that as an elder-intern for one year.

What is your educational background and current job?

I have a BA in Business Administration with an emphasis in International Marketing from California State University in Long Beach. I have 27-year history in marketing, media and advertising, having worked for various advertising agencies and media companies such as CBS and Viacom. I currently work as the advertising director of a B2B publishing company.

What is your vision and passion for the people of Grace?

That we live out the “one anothers” by being intentional participants in relational discipleship through ministries and an organic body of life here on campus, in our neighborhoods and wherever God calls us to. To be transformed by God’s grace into the likeness of Jesus and find fulfillment in knowing God more intimately, as well as being known by others through authenticity, transparency and vulnerability.

What is your prayer for Grace Covenant Church?

For unity of spirit in lifting up Jesus’ name so that others are drawn to Him and invite Him into their life. That our church would be a conscientious steward of God’s Word by being a beacon of healing, generosity and compassion for one another, our communities and the world.

What ministries are you involved with at Grace and in what ways are you discipling and/or mentoring other individuals or small groups?

Pat and I have served as closed group leaders in the Re|Engage Marriage Ministry on and off since its inception at Grace in 2012. We also lead a Life Group. I participate in the Quest Men’s Ministry. I enjoy informal one-on-one discipleship of new believers and men seeking to find their footing as spiritual leaders at home and at work.

Who is in your family?  I have been married to Allison, my best friend, for 14 years.  We have three children: Blythe (11), Carter (8), and Grace (3).

How long have you attended Grace?  We have attended Grace Covenant since 2017.

What Grace ministries have you been involved with and how are you discipling/mentoring?  I originally began serving at Grace through the Hospitality Ministry, driving golf carts before and after Sunday services.  As I got to know more about the church, I gained tremendous respect for our history of missions, and I was able to participate in a research project to refocus and reenergize our mobilization efforts.  Currently, Allison and I are serving in Grace Kids, and I have the privilege of developing a new teaching curriculum to help cultivate generosity in our Body.

What is your educational background and current job?  I have a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication with a Minor in Management from Texas A&M University.  I also hold a Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary.  Occupationally, I have a background in vocational ministry and small business leadership.  I currently serve as President of National Christian Foundation’s Austin affiliate where we help charitably-minded individuals and families develop creative giving strategies.

What is your prayer for Grace Covenant Church?  My prayer for Grace Covenant is that we would love God and love one another in ever-increasing measure.  I pray that our view of God and our view of the world would be informed primarily by Scripture, so that, individually and collectively, with humility and joy, we would allow the Spirit of God to transform our lives.  In short, my prayer is that we would become like Christ in all of life.

Who is in your family? I have been married to Becky since 1984.   We have 2 children, Kyle and Laura.  Kyle is completing his postdoctoral studies at Washington State – Vancouver.  Laura is a pediatric nurse at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth.

How long have you attended Grace? We began attending Grace in 2014.

What Grace ministries have you been involved with and how are you discipling/mentoring? At Grace, we have served as small group leaders in Grace Kids and we are participating in a Life Group as a couple. I have also been involved in men’s small groups through Quest as well as the elder leadership training program.

What is your educational background and current job? I graduated with a BBA in Accounting from Texas A&M in 1984 and moved to Austin to attend law school, graduating from the University of Texas Law School in 1986.  I have practiced law in Austin since 1987 and am currently a partner in the Austin office of Naman Howell Smith & Lee, primarily practicing in the areas of public finance and real estate.

What is your prayer for Grace Covenant Church? In all of our ministries and activities to accomplish the reason for our existence – to guide people to become like Christ in all of life.

Mark McClain has been a member of Grace Covenant Church since 1995. He and his wife, Marjorie (Marj), have three grown children and seven grandchildren, who are a source of great joy to them. Mark has served as an elder at Grace for more than 15 years throughout the family’s time at Grace. He has also led the Empty Nesters Adult Community and acted as a teacher and leader in many ministries including various Adult Communities, the Men’s Ministry, and Life Groups.

Mark is the CEO and founder of software company SailPoint, which he preceded with a career in tech through companies such as IBM and HP and start-ups like Tivoli and Waveset. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Point Loma Nazarene University (San Diego) and a Master of Business Administration from UCLA. 

Spiritual Gifts: Giving, Discernment, Teaching

My hope and prayer is that we will all become more like Christ in all of life. It’s far too easy in our country to give lip service to the notion of Christianity. It can be more like belonging to the local community organization than experiencing a life-long passion to learn what it means to follow Christ. Living by faith, loving God passionately, truly loving others and sacrificing our desires to serve them – these are the things that will force people to ask us “why?” My prayer is that our lives will reflect Christ’s character, so people who are looking for the Truth will find themselves attracted to Him, because they see Him in us.

 

I pray that others will know we are followers of Christ by our love – real, authentic, grace-filled, tough-when-necessary, peacemaking, servant-hearted … love.

Jason has attended Grace since the summer of 2002. In addition to his role as Elder, Jason has taught in Adult Communities and courses, served with small group leadership, volunteered in the Connections team and helped facilitate church membership class. Jason holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas Tech University, and a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering. He works for Rimkus, where manages a team of consultants. He and his wife, Erin, have two sons.

Spiritual Gifts: Discernment, Teaching, Leadership

I want to encourage every Grace attender to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

 

My prayer is that Grace will be a church transformed by God’s grace through close fellowship, a rich understanding of the Bible and service with one another.

Bill has attended Grace for more than 40 years, joining shortly after relocating to Austin from New York. He and his wife, Shelley, have a long history of service with ministries at Grace. In addition to his role as Elder, Bill has served as a teacher, deacon, Men’s Ministry leadership team member and retreat speaker, small group leader, discipler, mentor, Stephen minister, and member of our prayer team.

Professionally, he has worked as a Quality Engineer, MBQA Examiner, and Quality Excellence Consultant in COO and CQO Manufacturing. He has served with the Christian Service Brigade and as a Christian camp counselor, and has a long history with non-profit administration and boards, and as a lay pastor.

Spiritual Gifts: Shepherding, Leadership, Knowledge

My continuing prayer for Grace Covenant Church is for the uncompromised truth of the Holy Scripture preached, taught and lived through our lives until the Lord returns. It is my prayer the result of living this truth will be an irrepressible love for the Lord, one another, for those that need God’s salvation and an abundant flow of souls coming to faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dr. Matt Cassidy and his wife, Melinda, have been married for 38 years and have three children. Their son, Ryan, and his wife, Gayle, have two daughters and live in Austin. Daughters Carey and Amy live and work in California. The Cassidys began attending Grace in 1988, and Matt was hired as Interim Youth Pastor in November 1989. He has served as Senior Pastor and Elder for 22 years, after serving in Student Ministry for 9.5 years and Adult Ministry for 2 years at Grace.

Dr. Cassidy holds a BBA in Finance from the University of Texas in Austin, a Master of Divinity from the International School of Theology, and a Doctorate of Ministry from Talbot School of Theology.

Spiritual Gifts: Teaching and Leadership

“My vision for Grace is for Her to become all that God created Her to become. I believe local churches are like people: designed uniquely for special good works in Christ, arranged before time. My vision is that Grace would continue to grow in courage in her obedience to the desires of the Father, by the power of the Spirit, for the exaltation of the Son.

 

My passion is to see peoples’ lives change by helping them understand the depths of Bible truth and applying those truths; relying on the Spirit. I pray that Grace would introduce and guide each and every person we can touch to progressively experience the power, honor and freedom that comes with a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.”

Pastor Ray Anderson has been married to his wife, married to Diana for almost 44 years. They raised four children:

• Oldest son, Christopher, his wife Danielle and three daughters, Lillie, Hannah, and Ella live in Kentucky.
• Son, Kirk, his wife Rebecca, their son, Desmond, and daughter, soon to be born, live in Pennsylvania
• Our daughter, Mallory, and youngest son, Keaton, live in the Austin area

The Andersons moved to Austin in 1990 from College Station and became members during that first year. Ray joined the pastoral staff in 1995 in Adult Ministry, where he served for five years until becoming the Executive Pastor in 2000. He and Diana served in the Children’s Ministry, led and taught Adult Communities, and Ray and Dr. Cassidy launched the life-stage communities in 1998 including Young Couples, New Parents, Young Families and Parenting Teens.

Ray holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from Georgia Tech and a Master of Arts in Adult Education from the University of Texas. He has completed seminary courses through the Institute of Biblical Studies with Campus Crusade for Christ (now “Cru”), where he served on staff for 17 years. He is a trained Mediator and Conflict Coach through Peacemaker Ministry and has written and contributed to various Bible study materials and the book, “Search for Significance.”

Spiritual Gifts: Leadership, Shepherding, Administration

I pray the people of Grace would be overwhelmed by the grace God has shown them and this compels them to love God and show it through their lives.

Dr. Jeremiah Ebeling was born and raised at Grace Covenant Church, growing up in the children’s and youth ministries. He has served on staff for 17 years, starting as Associate Youth Pastor for three years, Youth Pastor for seven years, Adult Discipleship Pastor for two years (concurrent with his Family Life role) and exclusively as Pastor of Family Life for seven years and Team Lead for the Family Life Discipleship Team. Jeremiah holds and Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University, and a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Talbot School of Theology. He and his wife, Dayna, have four children and a dog, Bentley.

Spiritual Gifts: Leadership, Shepherding, Exhortation

My prayer for Grace is Ephesians 3:17b-19
“I pray that GCC, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that GCC may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

Melissa loves helping women grow in their relationship with Jesus and in freedom to be who He made them to be. She has been attending Grace since 2002 when she joined the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPs) ministry and re-dedicated her life to Christ, going on to serve in Grace Kids, Adult Communities and the Women’s Ministry before coming on staff in 2011. In her role as Women’s Ministry Pastor, Melissa oversees all women’s ministries including Women’s Bible Studies, Mothers of Preschoolers, MOMSnext, Square One, women’s retreats, Girlfriends at Grace events, and the Cultivate Discipleship Ministry. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Houston and is currently pursuing a seminary degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. Melissa and her husband, Preston, have four children.

Spiritual Gifts: Leadership, Shepherding, Administration

My prayer for Grace is that we would be people who show the love of Christ to all, regardless of who they are, where they’ve been or past experiences. That we would accept people right where they are and disciple them to become more like Christ in all of life.

Robert has served at Grace since 2012, where he started as Children’s Pastor for seven years before moving into his role as Pastor of Men’s Ministry and Team Lead for the Targeted Discipleship Team. Robert holds a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies from Louisiana College and a Master’s in Biblical Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Lauren, have two children.

Spiritual Gifts: Administration, Leadership, Serving

My prayer is that Grace would live up to her high calling of being a faith family where men and women of all ages are in the process of becoming like Christ in all of their lives. As we do that, that we would demonstrate to our local community and the world around us that Jesus Christ is King.

Kris’ ministry is to create discipleship opportunities by helping others connect within the church body, particularly through assimilation, life groups and hospitality. He and his wife, Lisa, have been attending Grace for more than 27 years. Kris holds a Master of Science in Social Work from Texas State University and served in various Grace ministries as a volunteer before joining the staff in 2017. Kris and Lisa have two daughters and two lovably noisy Goldens. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Christian Leadership at Dallas Theological Seminary.

Spiritual Gifts: Hospitality, Mercy, Discernment

I am constantly encouraged with all the testimonies I hear from Grace congregants. My prayer is Matthew 5:14, that we continue to be the “light to the world” here in Austin. That the Spirit will continue to work on the hearts of those who drive by our campus every day and we will be ready to receive them when they walk on campus.

Robin’s ministry calling is to equip and facilitate care leaders to effectively minister to those in our church and community dealing with difficult challenges. He has been on staff since 2000, serving his first five years as Worship Pastor before beginning his role as Pastor of Congregational Care. Robin is the Ministry Leader of Celebrate Recovery and oversees GriefShare, DivorceCare, Care Ministers, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Hospital visitation, Pastoral Counseling, funerals and memorial services. He and his wife, Debbie, have four adult children, three wonderful grandsons, and two Standard Poodles and a cat.

Spiritual Gifts: Shepherding, Mercy, Encouragement/Exhortation

Heavenly Father, I pray for your church to love you with all their heart, soul and mind and to love and serve one another like Christ with the spirit of humility, care, and love.

Dr. Kevin Maurice has served at Grace since 2011, first as the Middle School Pastor for five years and then Youth Pastor for seven, before moving into his role as Pastor of Adult Ministry and Team Lead for the Community Discipleship Team. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of Texas, a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Kate, have three daughters and another due this summer.

Spiritual Gifts: Teaching, Leadership, Administration

I pray that we would continue to invest in the spiritual lives of young people and to do that having families be a part of that – not just your immediate family but the family of Christ as a whole.

Dr. Donna Brady is a lifelong educator, who joined Grace Covenant Church in 2006 and began working with the Grace Kids team in 2019 after retiring as an Elementary School Principal in Leander ISD – a transition she has affectionately referred to as her “second half”. Prior to joining the staff at Grace, Donna served with Women’s Bible Study and as a small group leader, and volunteered in Grace Cares ministries including many years as a Divorce Care leader. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Baylor University, a Master of Science in Education Administration from Sam Houston State University, and a Doctorate of Education in Leadership From Mary Hardin Baylor University. She lives in Leander, where she often spends time with her now-grown twin children and daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren.

Spiritual Gifts: Leadership, Encouragement/Exhortation, Shepherding

Holy Father, I pray that Grace kids will come to know you and become more like Christ in all of life. Thank you for the privilege to serve You and Grace Covenant Church. You are Lord of all!

David serves as the Adult Discipleship Pastor, overseeing the teachers and leaders of the Communities and Courses offered at Grace Covenant Church. David has a heart for discipleship and equipping people for the work of the ministry and desires to cultivate a ministry culture where people get connected, and disciples make disciples. He completed his undergraduate degree from Liberty University and earned a Master of Divinity from Southern California Seminary. David and his wife, Jaclynn, have three young children and have served at Grace since he joined the staff in 2020.

Spiritual Gifts: Encouragement/Exhortation

Kathryn is a passionate communicator who loves serving the body of Christ through storytelling. She and her husband, Steven, joined Grace in 2022 when she began her role as Director of Communication. Kathryn oversees the Communications Team to create all printed, digital and multimedia pieces for Grace and its ministries, and maintain the website, email and social media accounts for the church. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication – Electronic Media and a Master of Arts in Mass Communication from Texas State University. Kathryn and Steven have two children, a son and a daughter, and a lovably ornery cat.

Spiritual Gifts: Administration, Service, Hospitality

Keaton began serving at Grace in 2022, after spending 10 years in cross-cultural mission experience, both internationally and domestically, before starting as the Pastor of Mobilization. Keaton holds a Master of Arts in Church Planting from Southeastern Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Liesha, have a son and a daughter. The Kochs lived abroad for several years as overseas missionaries and together participate locally with the best city partners in the world. In addition to leading mission trips and mobilization efforts, Keaton serves in Grace Kids, and is a member of the Young Families community and The Quest Men’s Ministry.

Spiritual Gifts: Apostleship, Leadership, Evangelism

I pray that God grant the people of Grace to be strengthened with power through His Spirit (Ephesians 3:16) and so be filled with the fullness of God, such that we are unified in faith and conviction, such that the Word we received would “sound forth” (1 Thes. 1:8) throughout the City, the Americas, and the Nations.

Austen started as Associate Youth Pastor at Grace in 2022, partly due to Grace’s high value for Youth Ministry and the many amazing people who pour into the students as adult volunteers, student leaders, and college-age Summer Staff. He took on the role of Interim Youth Pastor in July 2023, where he also assists in teaching the Parenting Teens Community. Austen holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Texas A&M University, after which he completed three years of full-time ministry to college students in College Station. He recently completed a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Ashley, have two young daughters, an Australian shepherd and a cat, and enjoy participating in Grace Kids and the Young Families Community.

Spiritual Gifts: Knowledge, Teaching, Shepherding

Lord God, I pray that the people of Grace would love you and other people in a way that inspires others to do the same. I ask that older believers would disciple younger believers, modeling what it looks like to follow Jesus in all of life. Lord, let us be a people who are ready to share the Gospel and quick to invite neighbors, friends, coworkers, and classmates to be a part of what you are doing in and through us. Amen.

Fred came to Grace as Director of Operations in 2023, just in time to help us through an ice storm! Prior to joining us, he spent many years as a Personnel and Operations Manager in the computer industry. Fred holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Texas, and recently completed a Master’s of Christian Leadership from Dallas Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Gloria, have one adult son and daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.

Spiritual Gifts: Wisdom, Discernment, Administration

David serves as the Adult Discipleship Pastor, overseeing the teachers and leaders of the Communities and Courses offered at Grace Covenant Church. David has a heart for discipleship and equipping people for the work of the ministry and desires to cultivate a ministry culture where people get connected, and disciples make disciples. He completed his undergraduate degree from Liberty University and earned a Master of Divinity from Southern California Seminary. David and his wife, Jaclynn, have three young children and have served at Grace since he joined the staff in 2020.

Spiritual Gifts: Encouragement/Exhortation

Dr. Jeremiah Ebeling was born and raised at Grace Covenant Church, growing up in the children’s and youth ministries. He has served on staff for 17 years, starting as Associate Youth Pastor for three years, Youth Pastor for seven years, Adult Discipleship Pastor for two years (concurrent with his Family Life role) and exclusively as Pastor of Family Life for seven years and Team Lead for the Family Life Discipleship Team. Jeremiah holds and Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University, and a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Talbot School of Theology. He and his wife, Dayna, have four children and a dog, Bentley.

Spiritual Gifts: Leadership, Shepherding, Exhortation

My prayer for Grace is Ephesians 3:17b-19
“I pray that GCC, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that GCC may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

Keaton began serving at Grace in 2022, after spending 10 years in cross-cultural mission experience, both internationally and domestically, before starting as the Pastor of Mobilization. Keaton holds a Master of Arts in Church Planting from Southeastern Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Liesha, have a son and a daughter. The Kochs lived abroad for several years as overseas missionaries and together participate locally with the best city partners in the world. In addition to leading mission trips and mobilization efforts, Keaton serves in Grace Kids, and is a member of the Young Families community and The Quest Men’s Ministry.

Spiritual Gifts: Apostleship, Leadership, Evangelism

I pray that God grant the people of Grace to be strengthened with power through His Spirit (Ephesians 3:16) and so be filled with the fullness of God, such that we are unified in faith and conviction, such that the Word we received would “sound forth” (1 Thes. 1:8) throughout the City, the Americas, and the Nations.

Kris’ ministry is to create discipleship opportunities by helping others connect within the church body, particularly through assimilation, life groups and hospitality. He and his wife, Lisa, have been attending Grace for more than 27 years. Kris holds a Master of Science in Social Work from Texas State University and served in various Grace ministries as a volunteer before joining the staff in 2017. Kris and Lisa have two daughters and two lovably noisy Goldens. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Christian Leadership at Dallas Theological Seminary.

Spiritual Gifts: Hospitality, Mercy, Discernment

I am constantly encouraged with all the testimonies I hear from Grace congregants. My prayer is Matthew 5:14, that we continue to be the “light to the world” here in Austin. That the Spirit will continue to work on the hearts of those who drive by our campus every day and we will be ready to receive them when they walk on campus.

Dr. Kevin Maurice has served at Grace since 2011, first as the Middle School Pastor for five years and then Youth Pastor for seven, before moving into his role as Pastor of Adult Ministry and Team Lead for the Community Discipleship Team. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of Texas, a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Kate, have three daughters and another due this summer.

Spiritual Gifts: Teaching, Leadership, Administration

I pray that we would continue to invest in the spiritual lives of young people and to do that having families be a part of that – not just your immediate family but the family of Christ as a whole.

Melissa loves helping women grow in their relationship with Jesus and in freedom to be who He made them to be. She has been attending Grace since 2002 when she joined the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPs) ministry and re-dedicated her life to Christ, going on to serve in Grace Kids, Adult Communities and the Women’s Ministry before coming on staff in 2011. In her role as Women’s Ministry Pastor, Melissa oversees all women’s ministries including Women’s Bible Studies, Mothers of Preschoolers, MOMSnext, Square One, women’s retreats, Girlfriends at Grace events, and the Cultivate Discipleship Ministry. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Houston and is currently pursuing a seminary degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. Melissa and her husband, Preston, have four children.

Spiritual Gifts: Leadership, Shepherding, Administration

My prayer for Grace is that we would be people who show the love of Christ to all, regardless of who they are, where they’ve been or past experiences. That we would accept people right where they are and disciple them to become more like Christ in all of life.

Robert has served at Grace since 2012, where he started as Children’s Pastor for seven years before moving into his role as Pastor of Men’s Ministry and Team Lead for the Targeted Discipleship Team. Robert holds a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies from Louisiana College and a Master’s in Biblical Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Lauren, have two children.

Spiritual Gifts: Administration, Leadership, Serving

My prayer is that Grace would live up to her high calling of being a faith family where men and women of all ages are in the process of becoming like Christ in all of their lives. As we do that, that we would demonstrate to our local community and the world around us that Jesus Christ is King.

Robin’s ministry calling is to equip and facilitate care leaders to effectively minister to those in our church and community dealing with difficult challenges. He has been on staff since 2000, serving his first five years as Worship Pastor before beginning his role as Pastor of Congregational Care. Robin is the Ministry Leader of Celebrate Recovery and oversees GriefShare, DivorceCare, Care Ministers, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Hospital visitation, Pastoral Counseling, funerals and memorial services. He and his wife, Debbie, have four adult children, three wonderful grandsons, and two Standard Poodles and a cat.

Spiritual Gifts: Shepherding, Mercy, Encouragement/Exhortation

Heavenly Father, I pray for your church to love you with all their heart, soul and mind and to love and serve one another like Christ with the spirit of humility, care, and love.

Austen started as Associate Youth Pastor at Grace in 2022, partly due to Grace’s high value for Youth Ministry and the many amazing people who pour into the students as adult volunteers, student leaders, and college-age Summer Staff. He took on the role of Interim Youth Pastor in July 2023, where he also assists in teaching the Parenting Teens Community. Austen holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Texas A&M University, after which he completed three years of full-time ministry to college students in College Station. He recently completed a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Ashley, have two young daughters, an Australian shepherd and a cat, and enjoy participating in Grace Kids and the Young Families Community.

Spiritual Gifts: Knowledge, Teaching, Shepherding

Lord God, I pray that the people of Grace would love you and other people in a way that inspires others to do the same. I ask that older believers would disciple younger believers, modeling what it looks like to follow Jesus in all of life. Lord, let us be a people who are ready to share the Gospel and quick to invite neighbors, friends, coworkers, and classmates to be a part of what you are doing in and through us. Amen.

Dr. Donna Brady is a lifelong educator, who joined Grace Covenant Church in 2006 and began working with the Grace Kids team in 2019 after retiring as an Elementary School Principal in Leander ISD – a transition she has affectionately referred to as her “second half”. Prior to joining the staff at Grace, Donna served with Women’s Bible Study and as a small group leader, and volunteered in Grace Cares ministries including many years as a Divorce Care leader. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Baylor University, a Master of Science in Education Administration from Sam Houston State University, and a Doctorate of Education in Leadership From Mary Hardin Baylor University. She lives in Leander, where she often spends time with her now-grown twin children and daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren.

Spiritual Gifts: Leadership, Encouragement/Exhortation, Shepherding

Holy Father, I pray that Grace kids will come to know you and become more like Christ in all of life. Thank you for the privilege to serve You and Grace Covenant Church. You are Lord of all!

Dr. Kevin Maurice has served at Grace since 2011, first as the Middle School Pastor for five years and then Youth Pastor for seven, before moving into his role as Pastor of Adult Ministry and Team Lead for the Community Discipleship Team. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of Texas, a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Kate, have three daughters and another due this summer.

Spiritual Gifts: Teaching, Leadership, Administration

I pray that we would continue to invest in the spiritual lives of young people and to do that having families be a part of that – not just your immediate family but the family of Christ as a whole.

Fred came to Grace as Director of Operations in 2023, just in time to help us through an ice storm! Prior to joining us, he spent many years as a Personnel and Operations Manager in the computer industry. Fred holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Texas, and recently completed a Master’s of Christian Leadership from Dallas Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Gloria, have one adult son and daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.

Spiritual Gifts: Wisdom, Discernment, Administration

Kathryn is a passionate communicator who loves serving the body of Christ through storytelling. She and her husband, Steven, joined Grace in 2022 when she began her role as Director of Communication. Kathryn oversees the Communications Team to create all printed, digital and multimedia pieces for Grace and its ministries, and maintain the website, email and social media accounts for the church. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication – Electronic Media and a Master of Arts in Mass Communication from Texas State University. Kathryn and Steven have two children, a son and a daughter, and a lovably ornery cat.

Spiritual Gifts: Administration, Service, Hospitality