Pastors
Larry Kaufman, Lead Pastor
I am passionate about living on purpose, and making my life count for eternity. I have an amazing wife, and 5 crazy, wonderful kids. I dream of ways to unleash Grace's potential to change the world for Christ. I get to work with an amazing team of pastors, leaders and volunteers. Our best days are ahead of us.
My life verse is Philippians 1:6, "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Interesting facts: My favorite food is sushi. I am competitive. I am a Browns fan. My favorite quote is "The glory of God is man fully alive." -St. Irenaeus
Mike Stigall, Executive Pastor of Ministry
"Loving people for where they are in order to lead them to where they can be." This statement is my passion and my purpose as I have learned that everyone has a story. My heart's desire is to help each person connect their story with God's story so that they may be completely free by walking in a day by day, moment by moment thriving relationship with Jesus no matter what circumstances are surrounding them. I am abundantly blessed and grateful to share my life journey with my wife Sally, son Eric and daughter Jenna. We are a family that loves to cook, garden, enjoy the great outdoors and of course The Ohio State Buckeyes.
One of my favorite verses is Ephesians 2:10; "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." Connecting to this reality has been transformational within my life.
Ben Raber, Pastor of Discipleship
I have been married to Mabel for more than 25 years. We have a son, Andie, who is married and living in Sugarcreek with his wife, Amy.
Since my conversion, my passion has been, and continues to be, helping set people free from spiritual and religious bondage (darkness) and pointing people to freedom in Jesus (light). My favorite Bible verse is II Timothy 1:12.
Chad Stutzman, Executive Pastor of Multi Site
I'm passionate about leading people to grow in their faith, character, and leadership. My wife, Vikki, and I have lived, worked, and served in the Holmes County area our whole lives and we love this community. We currently live in Walnut Creek. I love being a part of the local church, because I get to see how God is working in people's lives. There is nothing better than to see lives changed by Jesus. One of my life verses is 1 Peter 4:6, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."
Interesting facts: I'm a huge Brown's fan and enjoy watching sports. I also love coffee. I have a coffee bar at home and in my office at work. I also like to fish, especially for Walleye in Lake Erie. I'm an avid reader and I'm trying to learn how to play the bass guitar.
Rocky Favia, Worship Arts Pastor
I am passionate about helping people move forward in their walk with Jesus. Whether through music or conversation, I want to help people see the beauty and worth of Jesus and the value of giving their lives fully to him. I have been married to my wife, Kristie, since 1999. We have two great children. We love anything outdoors; camping, canoeing, etc.
My life verse is Colossians 1:13,14, "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Directors
Anita Miller, Director of Operations
I have been attending Grace for several years and have been full-time on staff since January 2017.
Some of my favorite things are music, art, creativity with crafts, freshly ground hot coffee, dark chocolate, spending time with friends and visiting family in Columbus.
My background in business has widened my world and those experiences have taught me that God knows the plans He has in mind for me, plans to prosper and not harm me, plans for hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11).
Michael Workman, Director of Kids Ministry
One of my greatest passions is being an influence for the next generation. That is why I am so honored and excited to be a part of this amazing team of leaders here at Grace. I have been married for 10 years to my lovely wife, Branon. We have two energetic kids, Marlie and Mason. I am constantly looking for ways to be more intentional as a husband and father. I look forward to partnering with the families at Grace to help them do the same. A favorite verse of mine is 1 Corinthians 15:57-58, "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
Matt Yoder, Director of Student Ministry
I have attended Grace basically all of my life. It is an honor to be able to serve and be a part of the church I have grown up in. Some of my hobbies include a quality round of golf and fishing.
A favorite verse of mine is Romans 8:37 “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Kendra Kaufman, Director of 58:12 Global
I am in love with Pastor Larry and married him in 1995. We have 5 kids, fulfilling my dream of being a mother! As a young girl, I felt God’s call on my life to serve Him in ministry. I am the Director of 58:12 Global, a safe home for vulnerable women and children who have been devastated by physical and/or sexual abuse. Our vision is to help our residents pursue healing, gain confidence, and reach their full potential.
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. Isaiah 58:12
Ken Grate, Director of Finance
My faith journey has taken me from roots in Nazarene where I came to surrender my heart to the Lord, to an ever-deepening relationship with Jesus through sound Biblical teaching and solid Christian friendships in churches here in Holmes County. I have found that the only “church” name that matters is “Christ-Followers” which is refreshingly evident here at Grace.
Sheila and I met at Malone University, and have spent the last 26+ years growing closer together and raising two awesome sons, Tyler and Adam, who make us proud as they are developing their own faith journeys. I enjoy doing anything outdoors, but I prefer nice green grass and a little white ball, that never seems to go where I want it to!
A verse that I strive to live by is Col. 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord…”.
Mabel Raber, Director of Guest Services
I am married to Ben Raber and enjoy cooking, working in the flower beds, and spending time with family. My passion is to create an environment in our church that makes all feel welcome.
One of my favorite bible verses is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Austin Mast, Director of Worship Arts | Sugarcreek Campus
One of my biggest passions in life is to teach, empower, and lead people in the worship of God. I love being able to see people experience and encounter God through worship and see how God shapes our hearts and attitudes as we worship Him. Because of the fact that I was called to ministry at age 19, it’s also been a passion of mine to raise up, teach, and encourage the next generation of worship leaders and worshippers. I’m able to do this through a worship ministry called 4:12 Collective.
I have been married to my beautiful wife, Sarah, since June of 2019. One of my favorite bible passages is James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Support Staff
Katelyn Lubwama, Graphics & Social Media Coordinator
I have attended Grace for most of my life and married my best friend, Silvester, in 2015. We met and got married in Uganda, Africa and lived there for a few years before moving to the U.S. We love living out our dreams together.
One of my favorite verses has been Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Emily Byler, Ministry Team Coordinator
I grew up attending Grace Church on a regular basis and have been happily married to my husband, Billy, since 2017. I enjoy spending time with family and being outdoors. The ocean is my happy place. My passion in life is to love on others no matter the circumstances. We > I. Oneness is how we win.
A verse I strive to live by is 1 Corinthians 13:4-7:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres."
Dawn Beal, Front Office & Rental Coordinator
I married my husband, Chad, in 1981. We have one sweet daughter Paige, who is an undergrad at Cedarville University where she is pursuing a major in Nursing and a minor in Biblical Studies. I was born and raised in Pennsylvania but have made Holmes County home for the past 30 years.
My favorite Bible verse is found in Isaiah 26:3-4 "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself is the Rock eternal."
Caleb Miller, Worship Gathering Coordinator
My wife, Ariel, and I have been attending Grace since 2014 and got married at the church in 2016. I work part-time as a firefighter and EMT while running my own woodworking business. My goal as worship gathering coordinator is to create an environment to help connect the body of Christ with their Almighty Creator.
One of my favorite verses is 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
Ariel Miller, Graphics & Social Media Team
I have been serving here at Grace for several years on the worship team and as the lead photographer. In 2016, I married my high school sweetheart, Caleb, who also works here at Grace Church. Together, we love to travel, binge-watch Netflix, and spend time outdoors with our sweet pup, Leo.
In every season of life, I feel God press a new verse on my heart to model in my daily walk. Romans 11:16 says, "If the part of the dough offered as first fruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy so are the branches." This daily reminder pushes me to be rooted in His Word and to not conform to the patterns of the world (Romans 12:2).
Patrick Miller, Information Technology
I am married to Ashley Miller and have three wonderful boys; Tucker, Skyler and Maclan. We have been attending Grace since 2006 and got married in the church in 2009. I started serving the church as a morning worship team member (in the sound booth) and later led the Video Team. I enjoy working with technology and want to keep Grace moving forward by staying up to date with technology needs. The goal of my position is to support all areas of ministry and help them achieve their goals.
A verse that has helped me through life is 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."