Elder Council

Who are the Elder Council at Grace?

The Elder Council 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 Elder Council , the Elders 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 Elder membership is below the required minimum. Once review is completed, potential Elder 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.

Current Elder Board

Paul Cords
Adam McCown
Bob Underwood
Paul Covert
Keith Shippy
Danny Vandenham
Fred Jentgen
 James Stone
Des Wadsworth
Max Litzinger
Eno Udoko 
Steve Winston

2026 Elder Nominations

Dr. David Butler

Dr. David Butler and his wife Vicki have been members of Grace since 2003. During his time at Grace David has served as Chairman of the Senior Pastor Search Committee, Elder, Chairman of the Elder Council, and Prayer Partner. David’s passion is discipling young men to become fully devoted followers of Jesus in all spheres of their life. Vocationally Dr. Butler is CEO of the Vector Group International which provides peak performance strategies to individuals and corporations. He and Vicki have 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren.

Mike Foley

Mike Foley and his wife Pat have been married for 48 years and have been members of Grace since 1977. Mike became a believer during college as a part of Campus Crusade and met his wife at Grace shortly after. During their time at Grace, Mike and Pat have been involved in many ministries and their children attended Grace Christian Academy. Currently Mike and Pat serve as premarital counselors and are a part of an adult Sunday School class. They also have two adult children and several grandchildren. Mike has worked as a realtor in the Valley for many years. 

Jerry Powers

Jerry Powers and his wife Jean Anne, have attended Grace Community since 1973. He served in the US Army from 1967-1973. He gave his life to Jesus after reading Hal Lindsey’s book, The Late Great Planet Earth. Jerry has been involved in leadership at Grace in adult Sunday School, church committees, and the Elder Council. The Powers currently lead a home Bible Study.  They also have two children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. His passion is for prayer ministry, discipleship, and encouraging new believers through the leading of the Holy Spirit. He has a deep love and commitment to Grace and the congregation. He strongly believes in what God is doing in Grace Community Church and in the pastors who shepherd it.