The Children & Youth Ministry Committee exists to strengthen the lives and and faith of young people, and those who lead young people, through opportunities for learning, service, and prayer.

Committee Members

Lara Anderson | St. Philip Presbyterian, Hurst
Ruth Bailey | First Presbyterian, Garland
Emily Cox | Northridge Presbyterian, Dallas
Avni Deivanayagam | Central Presbyterian, Waco
Emry Deivanayagam | Central Presbyterian, Waco
Kayla Dixon | Eastminster Presbyterian, Dallas
Kameron Dollgener (Co-Moderator) | First Presbyterian, Bonham
Lexi Duhon | Trinity Presbyterian, Dallas
Lydia Herriage | First Presbyterian, Dallas
Taylor Jenkins | Trinity Presbyterian, McKinney
Rev. David Judd | St. Andrew Presbyterian, Longview
Rev. Elizabeth Landes | St. Paul Presbyterian, North Richland Hills
Hannah Morris | First Presbyterian, Bonham
Esinam Osae | Woodhaven Ghanian Fellowship, Irving
Rev. Eric Peterson | Grace Presbyterian, Temple
Brayden Rigoulot | Camp Gilmont, Gilmer
Miriam Ross (Co-Moderator) | Trinity Presbyterian, McKinney
Jena Shankle | Trinity Presbyterian, Southlake
Lauren Stark | First Presbyterian, Fort Worth
Sue Suneson | First Presbyterian, Garland
Alex Vestal | Trinity Presbyterian, McKinney
Audrey Webb | Eastminster Presbyterian, Dallas
William Woulfe | St. Barnabas Presbyterian, Richardson
Joana Ovalle Yraheta | Iglesia Presbiteriana Emmanuel | Farmers Branch

Staff Liaisons

Gary Holloman, Youth & Young Adults Program Director, Grace Presbytery
Tammy Stepka, Office & Ministry Coordinator, Grace Presbytery

For more information visit our Youth Ministry and Children’s Ministry pages.

The Church Development Committee oversees and supports new church developments, fellowships, new worshipping communities, and other partnerships created by the presbytery.

This committee also recommends to the Presbytery Council the establishment of new church developments. All such recommendations must include a plan for financial support and ministry goals.

Committee Members

Rev. Princeton Abaraoha (Moderator) | First Presbyterian, Midlothian
Marisol Aguilar | Iglesia Presbiteriana Emmanuel, Farmers Branch
Rev. Daniel Anderson-Little | First Presbyterian, Garland
Mike Babler | First Presbyterian, Athens
Rev. Dr. Paul Burns | United Presbyterian, Greenville
Rev. Alexander Lee-Cornell | Westminster Presbyterian, Dallas
Rev. Roger Harweth | Ridglea Presbyterian, Fort Worth
Rev. Angie Mabry | First Presbyterian, Plano
Martin Osae | Woodhaven Ghanian Fellowship, Irving
Rollin Phipps | Westminster Presbyterian, Arlington
Rev. Lisa Reece | First Presbyterian, Bonham

Staff Liaisons

Rev. Dr. Steve Shive, Interim General Presbyter, Grace Presbytery
Joanna Kim, Ministry Services Director, Grace Presbytery

The Committee on Ministry is responsible for the implementation of Grace Presbytery’s oversight of its congregations and Ministers of Word and Sacrament. Its purpose is to provide encouragement, oversight, support, and guidance to congregations, Ministers of Word and Sacrament, Commissioned Ruling Elders, and Certified Church Educators.

Resources

All forms and documents related to the Committee on Ministry can be found in our document library by typing COM in the upper-right hand search box.

Committee Members

Chris Bartley | First Presbyterian, Fort Worth
Rev. Nicole Bates | NorthPark Presbyterian, Dallas
Johanna Belford (Vice-Moderator) | Trinity Presbyterian, McKinney
Rev. Dr. Cheryl Bourne | Northwood Presbyterian, Texarkana
Rev. Jake Clawson | Trinity Presbyterian, Flower Mound
Armel Crocker | First Presbyterian, Deport
Kevin Cushman | Grace Presbyterian, Temple
James Dees | First Presbyterian, Mabank
Chris Ebling | Canyon Creek Presbyterian, Richardson
Rev. Michele Goff | First Presbyterian, Henderson
Rev. Jesus Gonzalez | Gethsemane Presbyterian, Fort Worth
Rev. Mary Stewart Hall | First Presbyterian, Dallas
Rev. Sherry Holloman | Eastminster Presbyterian, Dallas
Rev. Ronald Holmes | Honorably Retired, Grace Presbytery
Rev. Mari Lyn Jones | First Presbyterian, Kaufman
Laura Mahon | Emmanuel Presbyterian, Bedford
Rev. Ashley Drake Mertz | Grace First Presbyterian, Weatherford
Cindy Miller (Moderator) | Westminster Presbyterian, Corsicana
Dan Phillips | First Presbyterian, Kilgore
Rev. Dr. Ken Ritchie | Faith United Presbyterian, Farmers Branch
Rev. Cheryl Taylor | First Presbyterian, Rockwall
Rev. Dr. Michael Waschevski | First Presbyterian, Fort Worth
Margot Williamson |Gethsemane Presbyterian, Fort Worth

Staff Liaisons

Rev. Dr. Steve Shive, Interim General Presbyter
Joanna Kim, Ministry Services Director
Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Callender, Ministry Development Director
Tammy Stepka, Office & Ministry Coordinator
Jimmy Chapman, Commissioned Pastor & Committee on Ministry Consultant

Commissioned Pastor Subcommittee

Chris Bartley | First Presbyterian, Fort Worth
Armel Crocker | First Presbyterian, Deport
James Dees | First Presbyterian, Mabank
Rev. Michele Goff | (Vice-Moderator) First Presbyterian, Henderson
Rev. Ashley Drake Mertz | Grace First Presbyterian, Weatherford
Mary Jo North| St. Andrew Presbyterian, Denton

Staff Liaisons: Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Callender, Ministry Development Director
Jimmy Chapman, Commissioned Pastor & Committee on Ministry Consultant

The Committee on Preparation for Ministry is responsible for the enlistment and care of inquirers and candidates for ministry as Ministers of Word and Sacrament. In concert with church sessions and theological institutions, the committee guides inquirers and candidates in seminary selection, ministry discernment, internship, and professional ministry opportunities.

Resources

Forms related to preparation for ministry (for commissioned pastors and teaching elders) can be found in our document library by typing CPM in the upper-right hand search box.

Committee Members

Judith Austin | First Presbyterian, Athens
Rev. Mally Baum | Trinity Presbyterian, McKinney
Donna Bowling | Grace Presbyterian, Temple
Rev. Judith Crilley | Chaplain, Parkland Health System, Dallas
Rev. Ellen Dittman | Canyon Creek Presbyterian, Richardson
Rev. Dr. Erastus Jones Doughton | First Presbyterian, Mesquite
Rev. Craig Hunter | Trinity Presbyterian, Denton
Rev. Jonathan Tony | Hackberry Presbyterian, Irving
Janet Walters (Moderator) | Canyon Creek Presbyterian, Richardson

Staff Liaisons

Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Callender, Ministry Development Director, Grace Presbytery
Tammy Stepka, Office & Ministry Coordinator, Grace Presbytery

The Committee on Representation is responsible for the implementation of Grace Presbytery’s commitment to inclusiveness, diversity, and representation.

The committee advises the Presbytery Council concerning employment of personnel and the Nominating Committee concerning diversity in leadership.

Committee Members

Rev. Clay Allard | Oak Cliff Presbyterian, Dallas
Crysta Brantley (Moderator) | Trinity Presbyterian, McKinney
Karenna Malavanti | First Presbyterian, Waco
Brendan McLean| First Presbyterian, Fort Worth
Martin Osea | Woodhaven Ghanaian Fellowship, Irving
Sean Price | NorthPark Presbyterian, Dallas
Rev. Shane Webb | Woodhaven Presbyterian, Irving

Staff Liaison

Joanna Kim, Ministry Services Director, Grace Presbytery

The Congregational Support Committee connects, encourages and equips churches within Grace Presbytery in an effort to strengthen and grow their congregations.

Resources

Grants administered by the Congregational Support Committee can be found in our document library by typing GRANT in the upper-right hand search box.

Committee Members

Rev. Lander Bethel (Moderator) | Grand Avenue Presbyterian, Sherman
Meg Garver-Hamilton | First Presbyterian, Mesquite
Rev. Judith March Hardie | Central Presbyterian, Woodway/Waco
Jodi Haun | First Presbyterian, Grapevine
Rev. Pepa Paniagua | kin•dom community, New Worshipping Community
Cynthia Petty | Retired, Christian Educator
Rev. Kenny Rigoulot | Camp Gilmont, Gilmer
Rev. Dr. Lillian Smith | Adjunct Faculty, Southern Methodist University, Dallas
Rev. Drew Travis | First Presbyterian, Granbury
Douglas Williamson | Gethsemane Presbyterian, Fort Worth

Staff Liaisons

Joanna Kim, Ministry Services Director, Grace Presbytery
Leah Wyckoff, Resource Center Director, Grace Presbytery

Response Team Members

Rev. Lander Bethel | Grand Avenue Presbyterian, Sherman
Phil Darby | Trinity Presbyterian, McKinney
Rev. Dr. James W. Ellor | First Presbyterian, Waco
Jodi Haun | First Presbyterian, Grapevine
John Hill | United Presbyterian, Greenville
Rev. James P. Reinarz (Moderator) | Honorably Retired
John Tieken | First Presbyterian, Henderson
Janet Walters | Canyon Creek Presbyterian, Richardson

Staff Liaisons

Joanna Kim, Ministry Services Director
Karen Ebling, Property & Real Estate Director

Committee Members

Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin | First Presbyterian, Tyler
Rev. Nicole Bates | NorthPark Presbyterian, Dallas
Rev. Jake Clawson | Trinity Presbyterian, Flower Mound
Rev. Richard Culp (Moderator)  | St. Andrew Presbyterian, Denton
Rev. Mary Stewart Hall | Parkland Health & Hosptial System, Dallas
Rev. Dr. Ken Ritchie | Faith United Presbyterian, Farmers Branch
Rev. Cheryl Taylor  | Faithbridge Presbyterian, Frisco

Staff Resources

Rev. Dr. Steve Shive, Interim General Presbyter, Grace Presbytery
Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Callender, Ministry Development Director, Grace Presbytery
Tammy Stepka, Office & Ministry Coordinator, Grace Presbytery

The Nominating Committee nominates for election by Grace Presbytery:

1. Presbytery Moderator, Vice Moderator, Stated Clerk, and Treasurer for one-year terms
2. Members to fill new classes on presbytery committees, commissions, and the Presbytery Council giving consideration to the particular skills, abilities, interests, and experiences needed

When making nominations, the committee will insure the following principles are followed:

1. representation of the broad theological, cultural, racial, geographical, and generational diversity of the presbytery
2. competence of nominees in their area of service
3. willingness of nominees to work in a collaborative and collegial manner
4. commitment of nominees to the inclusiveness and diversity of the presbytery, and
5. commitment of nominees to the mission of Grace Presbytery and the Presbyterian Church (USA)

Committee Members

Rev. Princeton Abaraoha | First Presbyterian, Midlothian
William Benner | First Presbyterian, Lott
Jane Els | First Presbyterian, Paris
Karen Groman | Central Presbyterian, Woodway/Waco
Kathy Jones | NorthPark Presbyterian, Dallas
Phyllis Kidwell | First Presbyterian, Athens
Kathy McCarron | NorthPark Presbyterian, Dallas
Rev. Lisa Juica-Perkins (Moderator) | Covenant Presbyterian, Sherman

Staff Resources

Rev. Dr. Steve Shive, Interim General Presbyter, Grace Presbytery
Tammy Stepka, Office & Ministry Coordinator, Grace Presbytery

Nominations Process

As Presbyterians, we believe that the church of Jesus Christ is larger than any one congregation. One of the ways we embody this conviction is through the life of the larger Presbyterian family: the presbytery, the synod, and the General Assembly.

Every year, Grace Presbytery involves people in ministry through committee work at the presbytery level. Grace Presbytery has many committees on which to serve as you hear a call from God to do so.

To suggest your name or someone else for service in Grace Presbytery, please use the form linked below.

The nomination form has three sections: Nominee’s information, Committee Choices, and Nominated by. Click on the gray box to reveal each section of the 3-part form.

Self-nominations are encouraged. Nominations are taken on a rolling-basis.

Begin the process ONLINE.

The Permanent Judicial Commission consists of up to nine members elected in odd numbered years for six-year terms. The Stated Clerk is an ex-officio member with voice, but no vote.

This commission fulfills the responsibilities as specified by the Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Order, Rules of Discipline.

Committee Members

Julie Adkins | Milford Presbyterian, Milford
Mark Auten | NorthPark Presbyterian, Dallas
Ty Bailey | First Presbyterian, Garland
Rev. Thomas Gibbons | Honorably Retired, Grace Presbytery
Rev. Mary Stewart Hall | First Presbyterian, Dallas
Mary Marcotte | Northridge Presbyterian, Dallas
Rev. Robyn Micalove | First Presbyterian, Fort Worth
Will Pryor | First Presbyterian, Dallas
Lloyd Walker Westerlage, Jr. | Honorably Retired, Grace Presbytery

The Personnel Committee recommends to Presbytery Council personnel policies, job descriptions, and a method of annual performance review of all staff. When necessary the Personnel Committee also recommends nominees to council to fill the presbytery positions of Stated Clerk, Treasurer, and Director(s).

This committee conducts annual reviews of the General Presbyter and Stated Clerk, as well as insuring that all open positions are advertised throughout Grace Presbytery and an open search is conducted prior to filling any position in order to implement the presbytery’s commitment to inclusiveness.

Committee Members

Chip Black (Moderator) | Grace Presbyterian, Arlington
Rev. William Edwards | Honorably Retired, Grace Presbytery
Rev. Thomas Lamb | Grace Presbyterian, Temple
Kathy Jones | NorthPark Presbyterian, Dallas
Zem Neill | First Presbyterian, Fort Worth
Rev. Katy Rigler | St. Barnabas Presbyterian, Richardson

Staff Liaisons

Rev. Dr. Steve Shive, Interim General Presbyter, Grace Presbytery

The Social Justice Task Force exists so that we may respond as people of faith who believe all people are made in God’s image; to follow Christ into places of distrust, disunity and discord; to listen to the experiences of those who suffer; to seek justice, unity, kindness, and loving relationships; to accept guidance from the Holy Spirit; to have the courage to pray for and seek the energy, intelligence, imagination and love necessary for this moment; and to work toward eliminating unjust systems of power, privilege, and inequality wherever they exist.

Task Force Members

Rev. Clay Allard | Oak Cliff Presbyterian, Dallas
Kymberlaine Banks | Canyon Creek Presbyterian, Richardson
Rev. David Batchelder | West Plano Presbyterian, Plano
Armel Crocker | First Presbyterian, Winnsboro
Rev. Thomas Gibbons | Honorably Retired, Grace Presbytery
Rev. Chris Lee | Canyon Creek Presbyterian, Richardson
Rev. Amy Moore | Member-at-Large, Grace Presbytery
Rev. Dr. Perryn Rice (Co-Moderator) | Lake Highlands Presbyterian, Dallas
Rev. Katy Rigler  | St. Barnabas Presbyterian, Richardson
Rev. Dr. Kyle Walker (Co-Moderator) | Emmanuel Presbyterian, Bedford

Staff Liaison

Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Callender | Ministry Development Director, Grace Presbytery

The Young Adult Ministry Committee explores and initiates ministries and events with young adults to deepen their faith, explore mission interests and opportunities, and engage in shared learning about faith and service.

Committee Members

Lauren Black | First Presbyterian, Fort Worth
Priscilla Castillo | Iglesia Presbiteriana Emmanuel, Farmers Branch
Rev. Owen Gray (Moderator) | St. Barnabas Presbyterian, Richardson
Wade Hatter | St. Andrew Presbyterian, Denton
Kaleb Money | Preston Hollow Presbyterian, Dallas
Rev. Chris Palmer | First Presbyterian, Waco
Crosby Palmer | Gilmont Camp & Conference Center
Ryan Seekins | First Presbyterian, Garland
Allison Wahlberg | Central Presbyterian, Woodway/Waco

Staff Liaisons

Gary Holloman, Youth & Young Adults Program Director, Grace Presbytery
Tammy Stepka, Office & Ministry Coordinator, Grace Presbytery

For more information visit our Young Adults Ministry page.