Leadership
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Leadership
Philosophy
The church is to be led by
spiritually gifted, Godly men who shepherd, pray for, and generally
watch over the spiritual needs of the church. These men are called
pastors, elders, or bishops in the Bible. We prefer the term elder or
pastor to describe their maturity and responsibility. Pastors (elders)
are responsible to preach and teach and to provide spiritual leadership
over the congregation. The congretation is responsible to follow their
lead and keep them accountable to the Word of God. Deacons are godly
men chosen to assist the elders in leading through service in the day
to day operations and general care of the church's physical needs. |
| Lead Pastor--Matthew Johnson Pastor Matt began attending Grace Baptist in 2001. He joined the staff of Grace in 2003 as the assistant pastor and was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 2006. In 2007 Pastor Matt accepted the role of lead pastor at Grace. He and his wife, Bonnie, are graduates from Northland International University. Matt graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Languages while Bonnie graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Missions. They have three boys, Carter Stanley, Lucas Allen, and Bryce Matthew. Pastor Matt enjoys spending time going on dates with his wife, wrestling with his boys (although they are ganging up on him), reading theology books, rock climbing, hiking, and riding his motorcycle. Bonnie enjoys leading Ladies of Grace, giving piano lessons, taking care of her "four" boys, hiking, rock climbing, and scrapbooking. Pastor Matt's responsibilities include teaching and preaching ministries, counseling, and administration. If you would like a visit from Pastor Matt or would like to inquire about counseling-call (801) 968-4843 or email pmatt@graceutah.com |
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Assistant
Pastor--Jarrod Murdock Pastor Jarrod is the newest staff member joining Grace as the assistant pastor in July 2011. He is a graduate of Northland International University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Bible. Following graduation he returned to his home church in Delta, Utah where he served as an intern. Following the year internship in Delta he earned his Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from International Baptist College in May of 2011. He and his wife, Kristina, were married in 2008 and are expecting thier first child in May 2012.
Jarrod and Kristina enjoy spending time with family, drinking good coffee, photography, camping, hiking, and bicycling together. Jarrod enjoys reading, horses, hunting, mountain climbing and sports while Kristina enjoys cooking, scrapbooking, and crafting. |
| Pastor
Emeritus--Wallace Higgins Dr. Wallace W. Higgins, better known as Wally, has been involved in church planting in the western states for most of his life. A native of Kansas, pastor Higgins spent 1 year (1949-1950) at Moody Bible Institute, and then he spent 1 1/2 years at Kansas City Bible College. After Kansas City, he attended Bob Jones University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Bible/History. Pastor Higgins received a Bachelor of Divinity from Covenant Theological Seminary in 1965 and his Master of Divinity in 1972. It was in may of 1965 that pastor Higgins traveled out west to start his first church in Pinedale, Wyoming. He and several other men were instrumental in starting Northwest Baptist Mission where Pastor Higgins served as director of the mission. He currently is involved with the mission as founder and representative. In 1995, Pastor Higgins earned his Doctorate of Ministry from International Baptist College. Other accolades include honorary doctorates from Wyoming Bible College and Bob Jones University. Pastor Higgins' schedule is filled with speaking engagements, mission conferences, and church planting. Pastor Higgins is a history buff who loves baseball and basketball, and is an avid Kansas Jayhawks fan. Pastor Higgins and his wife Norma have two children and five grandchildren. |
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