OUR STAFF TEAM

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

    Lead pastor

    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.

  • Andy Malcolm

    Small groups & connections pastor

    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 Barcelona and Liverpool. He also loves to hike and travel.


  • kyle thurman

    Worship pastor

    Kyle grew up in Hot Springs, Arkansas and has traveled the country leading worship at churches, summer camps and retreats since he was a teen. He has a graphic design degree from National Park College, which he uses to create all the graphics, bumpers and videos you’ll see here at Grace.  Kyle desires to serve Jesus each time he’s on stage by leading worshipers to the feet of Jesus.


    Kyle is married to Mycah and they have one daughter, Anneliese. He loves all things audio and sound/stage production. He also loves all the sports, so make sure to ask him who won the game last night.



  • PAUL WINGFIELD

    STUDENT PASTOR

    Paul grew up here in Kingsport and has been working in student ministry on a local and global scale for the last 7 years. He has a tremendous heart to invest in and equip young leaders to go out and make disciples of all nations, so that all young people near and far can hear the gospel of Christ. He loves utilizing wilderness adventure as a tool to help accomplish this mission locally and abroad. 


    Paul is married to Erin and they have three children, daughter Everly and sons River and Sawyer. Paul isn’t much for wimpy sports, but if you want to talk extreme adventure sports like rock climbing, white water kayaking and climbing extremely tall mountains, he’s your man.

  • COLe maupin

    5th & 6th grade Coordinator

    Cole is a Kingsport native. He graduated Dobyns-Bennett High School and is currently a management student at ETSU. He has lead Bible studies and youth groups for the past 8 years. He desires to share the life-changing message of Christ with as many people as possible.


    Cole is and avid Vols football fan (Even through the past decade). He enjoys snowboarding, hanging out with family, and playing sports. Cole is married to Sarah who also helps with Team 56.

  • ANN TREECE

    CONNECTIONS PASTOR

    Ann grew up in Charlotte, NC. She went to college at NC State University where she discovered a passion for helping people emotionally and spiritually. She went to Columbia International University and got her Masters in Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Formation. Ann loves befriending people, giving them safe places to be authentic, and creating an atmosphere of hospitality. 


    Ann loves watching a good movie, and basically anything that involves getting quality time with her family and friends!  She’s married to Mark, and they have have four children, Susanna, Caleb, Makayla, and Samuel. She counts it a true joy to encourage someone and bring a smile to someone. 

  • Skye Hierwarter

    Office manager

    Skye was born and raised in Southern California. She has a degree in information technology from National University in San Diego. She desires to honor God in all her tasks, large or small.

  • Nelson BUTTERWORTH

    worship production coordinator

    Nelson was born in Lindsay, CA, and grew up in Illinois, Oregon, California, and New Mexico. He has a degree from the University of Phoenix. His ministry is behind-the-scenes, and he desires to support the morning worship with as little distraction as possible. If you don’t notice he’s there or what he’s doing, it’s going well.


    He’s married to Karen, and they have two daughters. He doesn’t follow sports but is a fan of all things technological. Computers, cool gadgets, video games, and home automation systems all ring his geeky bell.Talking about cars will also work.