Staff & Leadership
Elders
Dr. Matt Cassidy
Who is in your family?
Melinda and I have been married for 36 years. What a ride! We have 3 children:
- Ryan works for Austin Fire Department. Station 26. He is married to Gayle Costas Cassidy.
- Carey works for a tech company in Los Angeles.
- Amy works for The Disney Co. in Anaheim, CA.
How long have you attended Grace?
We began attending Grace Covenant in 1988. Melinda and I loved being part of the Grace family as regular attenders. I was hired as an interim youth pastor in November 1989.
How long have you been an elder?
20 years
What is your educational background and current job?
I have a BBA from the University of Texas in Austin, Finance with minors in Real Estate & Math. I also hold a Masters of Divinity from the International School of Theology and a Doctorate of Ministry from Talbot School of Theology.
What is your vision and passion for Grace Covenant Church?
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.
What is your prayer for Grace Covenant Church?
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.
What ministries are you currently involved with at Grace and in what ways are you discipling and/or mentoring other individuals or small groups?
I am, and have been, serving Grace as the Senior Pastor for 20 years. Previously, I served in Adult Ministries for 2 years, and in the Student Ministry for 9.5 years.
Dr. Matt Cassidy
Senior Pastor & Elder
Who is in your family? Melinda and I have been married for 36 years. What a ride! We have 3...
Ray Anderson
Who is in your family? I have been married to Diana for almost 42 years. We have raised four children. Our oldest son, Christopher, his wife Danielle and three daughters, Lillie, Hannah, and Ella, are actively involved at Grace. Our daughter, Mallory, is involved at Grace. Both Christopher and Mallory work in the tech industry. Our son, Kirk, his wife, Rebecca, and son, Desmond live in Pennsylvania. Kirk is a professor on a college campus. Our youngest son, Keaton, is a high school teacher. We have a sweet spirited English Springer Spaniel named Keller.
How long have you attended Grace? We moved to Austin in 1990 from College Station and came to Grace our first Sunday in town. We became members during that first year and in 1995 joined the pastoral staff team.
What Grace ministries have you been involved with and how are you discipling/mentoring? Before joining staff, Diana and I served in the children’s ministry teaching the “Tigers” class. We have led and taught in Adult Communities, helped organize small groups and retreats for men, women, and married couples. Ray preaches when needed to fill in and Diana spoke at last year’s women’s retreat. Ray’s primary focus is discipling the Grace staff and mentoring the staff ministry leaders. Diana disciples a group of women in a weekly Bible study.
What is your educational background and current job? Ray graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Management from Georgia Tech. He has a Master of Education from the University of Texas. He did biblical studies through the Institute of Biblical Studies while on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ.
What is your prayer for Grace Covenant Church? I pray that the people of Grace would fully grasp the love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness we have in Christ Jesus and let that transform them from the inside out. I pray that each of us would understand that living the Christian life is impossible without learning to be daily dependent on the power of the Holy Spirit within us. I pray that we would be a community that encourages one another to become like Christ in all of life.
Ray Anderson
Executive Pastor & Elder
Who is in your family? I have been married to Diana for almost 42 years. We have raised four children....
Jorge Abrego
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.
Jorge Abrego
Elder
Who is in your family? My lovely wife Patricia (Pat) and I have been married for over 34 years and...
Ryan Assunto
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.
Ryan Assunto
Elder
Who is in your family? I have been married to Allison, my best friend, for 14 years. We have three children:...
Dan Berger
Who is in your family? I married my best friend, Claire, in 2004. We have three sons: Jackson (14), Evan (13) and Andrew (11).
How long have you attended Grace? We’ve called Grace home for 18 years.
What Grace ministries have you been involved with and how are you discipling/mentoring? In our time with Grace, I’ve participated in several wonderful ministries including Grace Kids, Men’s Quest, and served in various roles to help build adult communities. In more recent history, I’ve enjoyed finding ways to serve alongside my wife.
For the past 7 years, Claire and I have been part of the Pre-marriage Mentoring team that helps young couples build a solid foundation upon God’s truth. We also serve together a few times a year in Square One. Claire leads the group focused on first time moms discussing the various challenges they may be facing. I meet with the new dads to encourage them and equip them with ways to be intentional and supportive of their wives.
What is your educational background and current job? After graduating college from Texas State University, I couldn’t stand the thought of spending my days working in an office and went to the fire academy. For the past twenty years, I’ve been blessed to make a career in the fire service. I currently lead a division in a local fire department as a fire marshal. For this position I primarily work in an office (God’s got a great sense of humor).
What is your prayer for Grace Covenant Church? My prayer for all of Grace is that, to the best of our abilities, we continue to love the folks around us like Jesus would. As the cities around us change and grow, I pray we continue to boldly proclaim the Word of God from our very visible spot here on the hill, welcoming all who are seeking.
Dan Berger
Elder
Who is in your family? I married my best friend, Claire, in 2004. We have three sons: Jackson (14), Evan...
Cliff Blount
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.
Cliff Blount
Elder
Who is in your family? I have been married to Becky since 1984. We have 2 children, Kyle and Laura. ...
Mark McClain
Who is in your family?
I have been extremely happily married to Marjorie (Marj) for over 35 years. We have three children:
- Andy is married to Erika. He is a coach/teacher at Hutto High School. They have 3 children (Melanie, Morgan and Emmy).
- Rachel is married to John Dow. They have 2 children (Malia and Levi), and live in south Austin.
- Grace is married to Pate Howard. They have 1 child (Lucy) and live in Birmingham, AL.
My family brings me the greatest possible joy I can imagine on this earth.
How long have you attended Grace?
I have attended Grace Covenant since 1995, when we moved here from California.
How long have you been an elder?
This time around, I have been on the board for a year. Prior to a 2-year hiatus, I served as an elder for about 15 years.
What is your educational background and current job?
I received a BA in Economics from Point Loma Nazarene University (San Diego) and an MBA from UCLA. For the past 36 years, I have worked in the high-tech industry for large companies, like IBM and HP, as well as start-ups, like Tivoli and Waveset. I’m currently CEO and founder of a software company called SailPoint (NYSE:SAIL).
What is your vision or passion for the people of Grace?
It’s very simple, really. 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.
What is your prayer for Grace Covenant Church?
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.
What ministries are you currently involved with at Grace and in what ways are you discipling and/or mentoring other individuals or small groups?
For the past few years, I have had the privilege to serve as a leader in the Empty Nesters Adult Community. Over my 25 years at Grace, I have been involved as a leader or teacher in many different ministries, including various Adult Communities, Men’s Ministry, Life Groups, and a number of others.
Mark McClain
Elder
Who is in your family? I have been extremely happily married to Marjorie (Marj) for over 35 years. We have...
Jason Jupe
Who is in your family? I have been happily married to Erin since 2004. We have been blessed with two sons named Seth and Cavin.
How long have you attended Grace? I have attended Grace since the summer of 2002 when I moved here from Michigan.
How long have you been an elder? This will be my second term serving on the elder board.
What is your educational background and current job? I graduated from Kettering University with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering and from Texas Tech with a Master of Science degree in industrial engineering. I work for Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc., where I provide consulting services for clients in the areas of accident reconstruction, human factors and transportation safety.
What is your vision or passion for the people of Grace? 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.”
What is your prayer for Grace Covenant Church? 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.
What ministries are you currently involved with at Grace and in what ways are you discipling and or mentoring other individuals or small groups? I have the privilege to serve as a leader and teacher in the adult communities and central teaching courses. I am also helping with the new member classes.
Jason Jupe
Elder
Who is in your family? I have been happily married to Erin since 2004. We have been blessed with two...
Matt Pennies
Who is in your family?
Amy and I have been married for 18 years and, after my salvation, she is God’s greatest blessing to me. We have 4 children:
- Brooklyn (Junior)
- Annabella (Sophomore)
- Alyssa (6th grade)
- Joe Joe (4th grade)
How long have you attended Grace?
We began attending Grace Covenant in 2008.
How long have you been an elder?
I’ve served as an elder for the past 3 years.
What is your educational background and current job?
I have a BA in Political Science from Southwest Texas State and began my professional career teaching high school government and economics and coaching basketball at Prairie Lea High School. I transitioned into corporate training and organizational development and eventually gravitated into sales. I’ve led large sales teams for the last decade.
What is your vision and passion for Grace Covenant Church?
This bio won’t do justice to the many ways God has used Grace and the many ministries here to bless my family and I. Early in 2010, I was working in Chicago four days a week and the women in MOPS loved and embraced Amy during a hectic season of travel. Those relationships helped forge the Life Group that still meets every other Friday and has given us some of the best friendships of our lives. The gifted teachers at Grace I get to serve alongside, and the Elders who have seen fit to pray for me and mentor me have been an incredible blessing. It would be too easy to call Grace our “home” – but that’s what it is. The Lord has seen fit to bless us with a church family that we get to live life with. We have embraced the term Relational Discipleship at Grace – and we mean it. I’ve experienced it and want others to as well.
What is your prayer for Grace Covenant Church?
I pray that in everything we do the Holy Spirit would empower and enable us to love people like Jesus does. I pray that He would use us to this end, that He would bless the efforts of our bodies and minds. I pray we would trust Him and honor Him with all we do and that, above all, the name of Jesus would be glorified.
What ministries are you currently involved with at Grace and in what ways are you discipling and/or mentoring other individuals or small groups?
Amy and I began serving Grace in the Children’s Ministry. She has since begun to serve in Women’s Bible Study and I went on to help Grace develop our Life Group strategy. In addition to serving as an Elder, I’m currently part of the teaching team we call Central Teachings and I have the privilege of teaching in most of our Adult Communities as well as some of the larger group classes Grace offers each semester.
Matt Pennies
Elder
Who is in your family? Amy and I have been married for 18 years and, after my salvation, she is...
Bill Schreyer
Who is in your family?
Shelley, my dear sweetheart, and I were married in 1976. Shelley is the Restoration Art Center Director in Pflugerville with Mission: Possible! Austin, leading a neighborhood outreach. The Lord has blessed us with three children:
- Cheryl is married to Ben Lowe and is in Washington with our grandchildren (Hannah, Hayley, Isaiah & Isabella)
- Jacob and Channing Schreyer, currently in San Antonio, with our three grandchildren (Caleb, James and David).
- Bob, in Round Rock, is a massage therapist.
How long have you attended Grace?
We have attended Grace for 39 years, shortly after our arrival from Long Island, New York.
How long have you been an elder?
I have served for about 17 years.
What is your educational background and current job?
In 1976, I graduated from S.U.N.Y. at Farmingdale, New York and currently the COO/CQA of a local manufacturing operation.
What is your vision and passion for Grace Covenant Church?
My passion for all Christians and Grace Covenant Church is to know the reality of a joy-filled and abundant life, realized only through the on-going redeeming grace of God. This of course includes the transformation of our minds and character as we apply the truth of the Holy Scriptures. As we live Spirit-directed lives, our Lord is glorified and His presence and work within us is a drawing testimony to those that do not know Christ as Savior and King.
What is your prayer for Grace Covenant Church?
My fervent and continuing prayer for GCC is for the uncompromised truth of the Holy Scripture preached, taught, and lived through our lives until the Lord returns. I pray the result of this Living Truth will be an irrepressible love for one another, for those that need God’s salvation and a constant flow of souls coming to know His salvation.
What ministries are you currently involved with at Grace and in what ways are you discipling and/or mentoring other individuals or small groups?
My current involvements at Grace are:
- Adult Community teacher (since 1992)
- Men’s Ministry leadership team
- Quest Group Lead
- On-going restorative discipling
- Accountability/growth group
- Mentoring
- Prayer team lead
Bill Schreyer
Elder
Who is in your family? Shelley, my dear sweetheart, and I were married in 1976. Shelley is the Restoration Art...
Pastors and Directors
Dr. Matt Cassidy
Who is in your family?
Melinda and I have been married for 36 years. What a ride! We have 3 children:
- Ryan works for Austin Fire Department. Station 26. He is married to Gayle Costas Cassidy.
- Carey works for a tech company in Los Angeles.
- Amy works for The Disney Co. in Anaheim, CA.
How long have you attended Grace?
We began attending Grace Covenant in 1988. Melinda and I loved being part of the Grace family as regular attenders. I was hired as an interim youth pastor in November 1989.
How long have you been an elder?
20 years
What is your educational background and current job?
I have a BBA from the University of Texas in Austin, Finance with minors in Real Estate & Math. I also hold a Masters of Divinity from the International School of Theology and a Doctorate of Ministry from Talbot School of Theology.
What is your vision and passion for Grace Covenant Church?
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.
What is your prayer for Grace Covenant Church?
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.
What ministries are you currently involved with at Grace and in what ways are you discipling and/or mentoring other individuals or small groups?
I am, and have been, serving Grace as the Senior Pastor for 20 years. Previously, I served in Adult Ministries for 2 years, and in the Student Ministry for 9.5 years.
Dr. Matt Cassidy
Senior Pastor & Elder
Who is in your family? Melinda and I have been married for 36 years. What a ride! We have 3...
Ray Anderson
Who is in your family? I have been married to Diana for almost 42 years. We have raised four children. Our oldest son, Christopher, his wife Danielle and three daughters, Lillie, Hannah, and Ella, are actively involved at Grace. Our daughter, Mallory, is involved at Grace. Both Christopher and Mallory work in the tech industry. Our son, Kirk, his wife, Rebecca, and son, Desmond live in Pennsylvania. Kirk is a professor on a college campus. Our youngest son, Keaton, is a high school teacher. We have a sweet spirited English Springer Spaniel named Keller.
How long have you attended Grace? We moved to Austin in 1990 from College Station and came to Grace our first Sunday in town. We became members during that first year and in 1995 joined the pastoral staff team.
What Grace ministries have you been involved with and how are you discipling/mentoring? Before joining staff, Diana and I served in the children’s ministry teaching the “Tigers” class. We have led and taught in Adult Communities, helped organize small groups and retreats for men, women, and married couples. Ray preaches when needed to fill in and Diana spoke at last year’s women’s retreat. Ray’s primary focus is discipling the Grace staff and mentoring the staff ministry leaders. Diana disciples a group of women in a weekly Bible study.
What is your educational background and current job? Ray graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Management from Georgia Tech. He has a Master of Education from the University of Texas. He did biblical studies through the Institute of Biblical Studies while on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ.
What is your prayer for Grace Covenant Church? I pray that the people of Grace would fully grasp the love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness we have in Christ Jesus and let that transform them from the inside out. I pray that each of us would understand that living the Christian life is impossible without learning to be daily dependent on the power of the Holy Spirit within us. I pray that we would be a community that encourages one another to become like Christ in all of life.
Ray Anderson
Executive Pastor & Elder
Who is in your family? I have been married to Diana for almost 42 years. We have raised four children....
Dr. Jeremiah Ebeling
Jeremiah seeks to encourage all adults, from college students to parents, to walk with Jesus and minister to others as they become more like Christ in all of life. He is a native of Austin, Texas, and was home-grown right here at Grace Covenant Church. A graduate of California’s Talbot School of Theology with a Master of Divinity degree, Jeremiah did his undergraduate work at Texas A&M University, earning a BA in Business Management. Jeremiah married his post-college sweetheart, Dayna, in 2006, and they have four children. He recently completed his Doctorate of Ministry at Talbot School of Theology.
Dr. Jeremiah Ebeling
Family Life Pastor
Jeremiah seeks to encourage all adults, from college students to parents, to walk with Jesus and minister to others as...
Melissa Eckel
Melissa loves helping women grow in their relationship with Jesus and in freedom to be who He made them to be. She received her master’s degree in social work at the University of Houston and has been attending Grace since 2002 when she joined the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPs) ministry and re-dedicated her life to Christ. Melissa is married to Preston, and they have four children. She is currently pursuing an MA in Christian Leadership at Dallas Theological Seminary.
Melissa Eckel
Women's Ministry Pastor
Melissa loves helping women grow in their relationship with Jesus and in freedom to be who He made them to...
Robert Morris
Robert is passionate about seeing the men of Grace become like Christ in all of their lives. He grew up in Louisiana and obtained his bachelors degree in Religious Studies and History at Louisiana College. He then attended Dallas Theological Seminary where he received his masters in Biblical Counseling. He has served at Grace since 2012. He and his wife, Lauren, have two children.
Robert Morris
Men’s Ministry Pastor
Robert is passionate about seeing the men of Grace become like Christ in all of their lives. He grew up...
Kris Linenberger
Kris’ ministry is to create discipleship opportunities by helping others connect within the church body. He and his wife, Lisa, have been attending Grace since the mid-‘90s and have been members since 2005. He graduated with a master’s degree in social work from Texas State University in 2007 and has been serving in various Grace ministries since 2008 as a volunteer before joining the staff in 2017. Kris and Lisa have been married since 1997 and have two wonderful daughters. He is currently pursuing an MA in Christian Leadership at Dallas Theological Seminary.
Kris Linenberger
Connections Ministry Associate
Kris’ ministry is to create discipleship opportunities by helping others connect within the church body. He and his wife, Lisa,...
Robin Wieber
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 July 2000, formerly as Pastor of Worship Ministries. He has an undergraduate degree (Bible) from Inland Empire School of the Bible (presently Moody Northwest) and a BA (music) from Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington. He earned a Masters of Music degree in Church Music from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, and a Masters of Arts in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. Robin enjoys golfing, oil painting, listening to praise, jazz and classical music, and playing the piano and organ. He and his wife, Debbie, have four adult children.
Robin Wieber
Congregational Care Pastor
Robin’s ministry calling is to equip and facilitate care leaders to effectively minister to those in our church and community...
Dr. Kevin Maurice
Kevin is responsible for Grace Youth—helping students grow in their faith in Jesus and their relationships with one another. Kevin is a graduate of the University of Texas where he received his degree in Religious Studies and Sociology and where he met his beautiful wife, Kate. He then attended Fuller Theological Seminary where he graduated with his Masters of Divinity. Kevin has served at Grace since 2011 and he, Kate and their three little girls love calling this church and Austin home. He recently completed his Doctorate of Ministry at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Dr. Kevin Maurice
Youth Pastor
Kevin is responsible for Grace Youth—helping students grow in their faith in Jesus and their relationships with one another. Kevin...
Jonathan Britnell
Jonathan loves to combine creative and technical elements to produce services that honor and glorify God. He provides leadership and direction to everything that happens in the Worship Center from media to worship to production. Jonathan was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida. He graduated with a degree in digital media from the University of West Florida in 2005 and married his best friend, Jessica, that same year. Jonathan and Jessica moved to Austin and began attending Grace in 2009. He joined the Grace staff soon after that. They have two daughters, Laina and Lois.
Jonathan Britnell
Director of Worship & Production
Jonathan loves to combine creative and technical elements to produce services that honor and glorify God. He provides leadership and...
David Thompson
As the Adult Discipleship Pastor, David will oversee 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. He desires to cultivate a ministry culture where people get connected, and disciples make disciples. He completed his undergraduate degree from Liberty University and earned his Master of Divinity degree from Southern California Seminary. David and his wife, Jaclynn, have three young children.
David Thompson
Adult Discipleship Pastor
As the Adult Discipleship Pastor, David will oversee the teachers and leaders of the Communities and Courses offered at Grace...
Keaton Koch
Mobilization Pastor
Worship Ministry
Christi Blackley
Administrative Assistant to the Senior Pastor
James Baugus
Videographer
Jonathan Britnell
Jonathan loves to combine creative and technical elements to produce services that honor and glorify God. He provides leadership and direction to everything that happens in the Worship Center from media to worship to production. Jonathan was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida. He graduated with a degree in digital media from the University of West Florida in 2005 and married his best friend, Jessica, that same year. Jonathan and Jessica moved to Austin and began attending Grace in 2009. He joined the Grace staff soon after that. They have two daughters, Laina and Lois.
Jonathan Britnell
Director of Worship & Production
Josh Leisure
Production Specialist
Adult Ministries
David Thompson
As the Adult Discipleship Pastor, David will oversee 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. He desires to cultivate a ministry culture where people get connected, and disciples make disciples. He completed his undergraduate degree from Liberty University and earned his Master of Divinity degree from Southern California Seminary. David and his wife, Jaclynn, have three young children.
David Thompson
Adult Discipleship Pastor
Hannah Neathery
Women's Ministry Resident
Dr. Jeremiah Ebeling
Jeremiah seeks to encourage all adults, from college students to parents, to walk with Jesus and minister to others as they become more like Christ in all of life. He is a native of Austin, Texas, and was home-grown right here at Grace Covenant Church. A graduate of California’s Talbot School of Theology with a Master of Divinity degree, Jeremiah did his undergraduate work at Texas A&M University, earning a BA in Business Management. Jeremiah married his post-college sweetheart, Dayna, in 2006, and they have four children. He recently completed his Doctorate of Ministry at Talbot School of Theology.
Dr. Jeremiah Ebeling
Family Life Pastor
Keaton Koch
Mobilization Pastor
Kris Linenberger
Kris’ ministry is to create discipleship opportunities by helping others connect within the church body. He and his wife, Lisa, have been attending Grace since the mid-‘90s and have been members since 2005. He graduated with a master’s degree in social work from Texas State University in 2007 and has been serving in various Grace ministries since 2008 as a volunteer before joining the staff in 2017. Kris and Lisa have been married since 1997 and have two wonderful daughters. He is currently pursuing an MA in Christian Leadership at Dallas Theological Seminary.
Kris Linenberger
Connections Ministry Associate
Laurinda Rohrer
Family Life & Adult Discipleship Admin
Leslie Evetts
Women's Ministry Associate
Melissa Eckel
Melissa loves helping women grow in their relationship with Jesus and in freedom to be who He made them to be. She received her master’s degree in social work at the University of Houston and has been attending Grace since 2002 when she joined the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPs) ministry and re-dedicated her life to Christ. Melissa is married to Preston, and they have four children. She is currently pursuing an MA in Christian Leadership at Dallas Theological Seminary.
Melissa Eckel
Women's Ministry Pastor
Robert Morris
Robert is passionate about seeing the men of Grace become like Christ in all of their lives. He grew up in Louisiana and obtained his bachelors degree in Religious Studies and History at Louisiana College. He then attended Dallas Theological Seminary where he received his masters in Biblical Counseling. He has served at Grace since 2012. He and his wife, Lauren, have two children.
Robert Morris
Men’s Ministry Pastor
Ruth Yates
Administrative Assistant for Men at Grace and Women at Grace
Robin Wieber
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 July 2000, formerly as Pastor of Worship Ministries. He has an undergraduate degree (Bible) from Inland Empire School of the Bible (presently Moody Northwest) and a BA (music) from Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington. He earned a Masters of Music degree in Church Music from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, and a Masters of Arts in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. Robin enjoys golfing, oil painting, listening to praise, jazz and classical music, and playing the piano and organ. He and his wife, Debbie, have four adult children.
Robin Wieber
Congregational Care Pastor
Savannah Crisp
GraceCares and Connections Ministry Administrative Assistant
Teresa DeVries
Mobilization Admin
Veronica Crowley
Hospitality Coordinator
Grace Kids and Grace Youth
Austen Hornung
Associate Youth Pastor
Bri Eichhorn
Elementary Ministry Director
Donna Brady
Children's Ministry Director
Dr. Kevin Maurice
Kevin is responsible for Grace Youth—helping students grow in their faith in Jesus and their relationships with one another. Kevin is a graduate of the University of Texas where he received his degree in Religious Studies and Sociology and where he met his beautiful wife, Kate. He then attended Fuller Theological Seminary where he graduated with his Masters of Divinity. Kevin has served at Grace since 2011 and he, Kate and their three little girls love calling this church and Austin home. He recently completed his Doctorate of Ministry at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Dr. Kevin Maurice
Youth Pastor
Lauren Allen
Early Childhood Director
Rebecca Eckert
Grace Kids Administrative Assistant
Sarah Rinn
Middle School Youth Director
Tammy Davenport
Grace Youth Administrative Assistant
Operations and Services
Alex Sanabria
Facilities
Ben Wenzel
Visual Communications Specialist
Corey Jones
Receptionist
Darion Gola
Facilities
Jamesetta Stewart
Facilities
Jennifer Maham
Database Administrator
John Banks
Director of Facilities
Kathryn Arnold
Director of Communications
Lisa McGary
Front Office Coordinator
Tyrone Hopkins
IT Systems Coordinator
Wakiumu Nyoike
Facilities