Elder Council

Who are the Elder Council at Grace?

The Elder Council (EC) at Grace are a group of men who are elected by the church membership to provide shepherding oversight to the church body. While the senior pastor is a member of the EC, the EC are not charged with the day-to-day operations of the church, but rather supports the senior pastor and church staff through prayer, encouragement, and being present.

What are the requirements for being an Elder at Grace?

The biblical requirements are based on Titus 1 and 1 Tim 3:1-7. Additionally, prospective Elder
candidates should also:
  • Have a passion for prayer and a deep desire to constantly improve in this area, individually/corporately
  • Have a deep sacrificial love for all the people of Grace
  • Have a demonstrated commitment to intentional discipleship
  • Have a passion for the next generation
  • Be flexible and open to change
  • Be able and willing to bring energy and passion to role as elder
  • Model biblical financial giving to the church
  • Model biblical unity
  • Be available to serve 3-year term

How does someone become an Elder at Grace?

Recommendations for Elders can be submitted HERE.   Once a recommendation is submitted, it is reviewed by the Elder Nominating Committee. Typically, this review is done annually, but can also be done whenever the number of EC membership is below the required minimum. Once review is completed, potential EC candidates are interviewed, and final candidates are put before the church membership for approval.
Elders should be prayer warriors who lead by example, who watch out for the spiritual life of the church, and shepherd the church in humility.

2024 Elder Nominees

The 2024 Elder Nominating Committee submits the names of the following individuals to serve as Elders for Grace Community Church beginning March 1, 2024.  Members may vote to affirm the following individuals using the link for the online ballot found in the digital bulletin and weekly newsletter.  Ballots also include voting for the 2024 Elder Nominating Committee. All ballots must be submitted by 12:00noon on Wednesday, February 28th.
Max Litzinger grew up in the Midwest where he met his wife Katie.  Max & Katie have 2 children, Elijah(20) and Sophie(18).  In 2004, Max attended  Alpha and a follow up course called The Water of Life with Katie that jump started his faith.  He was baptized a few years later and started serving in children's and family ministries at their church in Minnesota.  In 2020, Max and his family moved to Arizona and started attending Grace. They looked for ways to get connected by serving on the usher team and joining a home group. They also joined the prayer partner team to pray with their church family.  Max went on a mission trip in 2022 to Turkey and joined the Outreach Leadership learning to support Grace's outreach workers and to plan future short-term missions trips.  In their free time they enjoy being outdoors, being with family and friends, and going for walks/runs/bike rides.
Danny VandenHam and his wife, DeAnna, have been members of Grace since 1997.  Danny has served in multiple Grace Ministries including: past elder chair, elder nominating committee, AWANA, Sunday school teacher for kids, Home Group leader, School Board treasurer and president.  Danny & DeAnna enjoy doing ministry together and have a love for young people, and are currently serving as pre-marriage mentors, and lead a 20's & 30's small group.  


The 2024 Elder Nominating Committee submits the names of the following individuals to serve as Elders for Grace Community Church beginning March 1, 2024.  Members may vote via the online ballot found in the digital bulletin and weekly newsletter. All ballots must be submitted by 12:00noon on Wednesday, February 28th.

Current Elder Board

Adam McCown
David Butler
Paul Cords
Fred Jentgen
Eno Udoko 
Des Wadsworth
Keith Shippy
Bob Underwood
Mark Luttenberger
Jerry Powers
Bill Heaton