Leadership Team
Pat Dirrim
Pat graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in English in 1993. He has been in the residential construction industry for over 15 years after having previously served in the U.S. Army. Pat has taught in the children’s ministry since the inception of Grace Fellowship and prior to that at his two former churches as well. He and his wife, Barbara, have been married since 1995. Together they enjoy their six (soon to be seven) children-Jacob, Rachel, Ethan, Rebekah, Jonah, Ezra, and, coming soon, Pablo Lux Alonso. Pat’s desire is to see the fame of God spread throughout his family, the church, and the community.
Eric Farr
As a founding member of Grace Fellowship, Eric has a passion to serve the church and see it become what its founder, Jesus Christ, had in mind for it: people coming together in vital fellowship to grow in the grace and knowledge of God and extend His kingdom. Eric is grateful to be able to earn a living doing something he loves — developing software. He is blessed to share his life with his lovely wife Donna, who serves as the Women’s Ministry Director, and two children, Austin and Savannah.
Kevin Hosner
Kevin Hosner has been involved in church ministry for many years and is now serving on the Leadership Team at Grace. He is incredibly thankful to be a part of this church and wants to see God change people’s lives by the power of the gospel. Kevin and his wonderful wife, Angela, have two boys, Caleb and Joshua.
Dan Miller
Dan graduated from Word of Life Bible Institute, Word of Life School of Youth Ministries and Philadelphia Biblical University. Dan is married to an amazing wife, Vicki, and together they enjoy their seven children, Benjamin, David, Alexa, Zachary, Nathan, Ana and Autumn. The Millers have lived in the Cumming area since 1997 and enjoy playing sports, video games, hiking, camping and sitting around the fire talking with friends.
Ken Rutherford
Ken Rutherford has been teaching the Bible in some capacity for over twenty-five years. Ken holds a B.A. in Bible with minors in Biblical Languages and Philosophy. He currently teaches one of our adult Bible classes at Grace Fellowship and has extensive experience in student ministry as well as music ministry. In addition, Ken is an avid soccer player, coach, and fan. His love for the sport has opened many doors to the community and has allowed him to run evangelistic soccer camps for the past several years. Ken is currently employed as the Creative Director at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. Ken has been married to the lovely Carla since 1983 and has one daughter, Amanda, and two sons, Taylor and Kyle. Ken and Carla have lived in the Atlanta area since 1984.
The Role of the Leadership Team In the Church
We function as an Elder-led church. We use the term “leadership team” to represent the Elders in the organizational structure of the church.
Email the Entire Leadership Team
We view leadership as the backbone of a healthy church. The leadership team of Grace Fellowship have the primary function of teaching, caring and guiding, those who attend our church. At Grace Fellowship we have chosen to use the term “Leadership Team” to encompass designations such as, “elder board,” “council,” or designations of rank, such as “senior pastor.” Each member of the leadership team serves as a pastor to the people of Grace Fellowship
Common Questions about our Church and Leadership
Ministry Directors:
Taaryn Holbrook, Director of Preschool Ministry
Angela Hosner, Director of Children’s Ministry
Kyle Valencia, Director of Student Ministry
Donna Farr, Director of Women’s Ministry
Pat Dirrim, Acting Director of Men’s Ministry
Matthew Weeks, Director of Sunday Morning
Terry Valencia, Director of Information
Doug Dirrim, Director of Facilities
Kevin Maner, Director of Missions
Kevin Schultz, Director of Musicians
Darin McMakin, Director of Media Presentation
Tim Bell, Director of Financial Counseling
Brad Williams, Director of Benevolence
Greg Glaze, Director of Involvement
“Directors” function in the role of “deacons” in early church.
Position Paper
The Biblical Role of Elders
While there may be many ways to organize leadership within a church, if a church is to provide an environment conducive for the spiritual health of its people then there can be no substitute in fulfilling God’s commands in the qualifications and functions of church leadership.
It is vital to have a clear and uncompromising understanding of how church leadership is to be organized. It is to this end that this position paper has been prepared. (450KB : PDF)
