Leadership Team
Tim Bell
By God’s grace, Pastor Tim joined the Leadership Team in 2010 after attending and serving in various ministry areas at Grace Fellowship since 2005. Tim is married to his precious wife Amy and God has blessed them with four children, Katie, Allison, Joshua, and Jonathan. He has a BBA in Management and an MBA in Finance from Kennesaw State University. He serves as the Director of Financial Counseling and serves on the Finance Team. Tim is employed as a Regional Sales Manager for Informa Software.
Pat Dirrim
Pastor Pat graduated from the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!) 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 presently teaches in our student ministry on Sunday mornings. 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.
Eric Farr
As a founding member of Grace Fellowship, Pastor Eric has a passion to serve the people of Grace Fellowship. Pastor Eric provides oversight to the Sunday morning “Connections” groups. Eric also serves as the Chair of the Leadership Team. Eric also 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
Pastor Kevin has served in church as a a volunteer since his teen years and has worked in church ministry as a vocational pastor since 2000. Pastor Kevin gives oversight to the church staff and the ministry Directors. Kevin is an avid Braves and Florida State Seminole fan. Kevin and his wonderful wife, Angela, have three boys, Caleb, Joshua, and Alex.
Dan Miller
Pastor Dan has been in vocational pastoral ministry since 1992. He graduated from Word of Life Bible Institute (B.C. in Bible), Word of Life School of Youth Ministries (B.C. in Bible and Student Ministry) and Philadelphia Biblical University (B.S. in Bible and Pastoral Ministry). Dan is married to an amazing wife, Vicki, and together they enjoy their seven children, Benjamin, David, Alexa, Zachary, Nathan, Ana and Autumn. Pastor Dan serves as the primary teaching-pastor in our Sunday service. The Millers have lived in the Cumming area since 1997.
Ken Rutherford
Pastor Ken 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. In addition, Ken is an avid soccer player, coach, and fan. Presently, Pastor Ken gives oversight to the Sunday morning music ministry. 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 the 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)
