ELDERS & DEACONS

Grace Fellowship is an elder-led, staff-driven church.  Team is one of GFC's core values.  Our staff and elders strive together to lead our body to fulfill our mission, vision, and core values.

  • joel owen

    Joel grew up in Morristown, TN, and graduated from Tusculum College with a degree in business management. He then went on to earn a Master of Arts at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Striving toward godliness together is a major part of how he views his ministry. 


    Joel loves cheering for the University of Tennessee Volunteers, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Texas Rangers. He’s married to Heather, and they have two sons, Josiah and Grayson. He says yard work is a hobby, so be sure to call him up when you need help with yours.

  • Joey Porche

    Born into a Catholic, Cajun family in May of 1955, Joey was raised to believe in God and did so until his teen years. After the loss of his father at age 13 and experiencing more questions than answers, he soon left the church and dove headlong into self, sin and the world’s offerings. Several years of disappointment and disillusionment prepared Joey to receive the gospel of salvation and, at age eighteen, accepted Christ as Savior and Lord of his life. 


    Sensing the need for discipline and regiment, Joey joined the United States Navy at nineteen and served for six years. He gathered with fellow believers routinely during that period but found his true love and relationship with Jesus after he returned home in 1981 and joined his family at a local church. Scripture, prayer, worship and fellowship were strengths emphasized there, where he learned to know, trust and follow Jesus more deeply. He also met and soon married Debi, his wife of (now) 38 years, at this church. The two soon began leading youth and worship.


    They did so for several years until they moved to northeast Tennessee. There they began their family: two girls and a boy! Their three children are now grown and they have three well loved grandchildren. They also have maintained their love for youth and worship and continued serving the Lord in both areas over the years.

    Computer repair and networking have been Joey’s career occupation since early 1982. Having worked as a technician for several businesses, he anticipates retiring in 2022 or 2023 (Lord willing) after fourty-plus years in the industry and thirty two (or three) years of dedicated service to NFS in Erwin, Tennessee.

    Joey and Debi joined Grace Fellowship Church around 2011 and have enjoyed leading worship, leading small groups and being supportive in many areas. Joey and Debi’s love of people have opened numerous opportunities to support, encourage and guide other fellow sojourners on this amazing adventure of following Jesus. 


    In the fall of 2018, Joey received the nomination and humbly accepted the role of Elder at Grace Fellowship Church. Joey considers it a high honor and privilege to serve with five gentlemen who love Jesus and shepherd the flock of Christ at GFC. He currently serves in the office of Secretary. Joey appreciates the love and confidence extended to him and wishes to thank the good folks who call Grace Fellowship their church home.

  • BRiAN REAVES

    Brian and his wife, Jami, are originally from Alabama (Auburn Fans) and moved to the area in 2011.  Brian is a computer geek at heart.  He loves being able to serve on the worship team playing guitar, bass, and occasionally keyboard.  Brian also enjoys being an encouragement to the men that God has placed in his life and walking with them as they journey together.

  • ANDY MALCOLM

    Andy grew up right here in Kingsport and has a business degree from Furman University. He also has a master’s degree in teaching and counseling from East Tennessee State University. Because God’s very nature is relational, Andy seeks to help believers connect more deeply and genuinely with God, with fellow Christians, and with the unchurched.


    Andy is married to Julia, and they have two daughters, Ellie and Analia. He’s a soccer fan who cheers for Liverpool and Barcelona. He also loves to hike and travel.

  • Dave schubert

    Dave grew up in Cincinnati, OH before attending Clemson University.  Dave is married to April and they have three kids: Alexis, Katelyn, and Daniel. 


    Dave loves to cheer on the Clemson Tigers, but his real passion is coaching and developing others. He loves to help others grow into the best version of themselves. He coaches youth soccer and basketball. He also loves to build Legos.

  • GREG STANCEL

    Greg was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He graduated from Texas Christian University before receiving a medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Texas. 

     

    Greg is married to Nicole, who is a scientific editor. They have two children, Adelyn and Henry, and have lived in Kingsport since 2016. 


    Greg has had a life-long passion for bringing young people to know Christ through Young Life and currently serves as the Committee Chairman of Young Life Kingsport. He also enjoys coaching youth sports. In his free time, Greg enjoys cooking and pretty much any outdoor adventure.  

  • Member Care Deacon

    Sonya Hartley

  • Member Care Deacon

    Ruth Jordan

  • Connection Team Deacon

    Mark Reasbeck


  • Worship Team Deacon

    Steve Stracener

  • Connection Team Deacon

    Paul Vellenga