“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” —1 Corinthians 15:58
“Steadfast” is a reminder that our lives are controlled by the work of the cross, and as such, our “labor is not in vain.” We exist to provide opportunities for edification at both the personal level and within our church family as we remember that our victory over sin, the flesh, and the devil is in Christ, not the law. We hope that the Lord will continue to work in our church as He brings people to our group and grows us in loving and serving one another.
Since graduating from The Master’s Seminary in 1996, Brian has served in a number of ways at Grace Church, including in two missionary assignments in Africa. He pastored a church in Johannesburg, South Africa, for eight years and spent more than nine years in Malawi helping to plant a church and assist in the launch of the Central African Preaching Academy. In 2016, Brian and his wife, Anita, returned to Southern California with their four children (Ami, Bradley, Benjamin, and Allison) where he accepted a position at The Master’s Seminary as a full-time professor in the department of pastoral ministries. Brian also serves as the pastor of the Steadfast fellowship group.
Brian grew up near Kansas City, Kansas, and after completing his undergraduate degree, he came to The Master’s Seminary in 1989 where he earned his M.Div. degree. Brian has been on staff at Grace Community Church for thirty-two years, and for the past twenty years, has served as an associate pastor of GMI (Grace Ministries International), a ministry that provides care and support to our faithful missionaries. Brian also serves on the ECHO (Elders’ Council Handling Outreach) board, as an elder in the Steadfast fellowship group, and as an adjunct professor at The Master’s Seminary. Brian and his wife, Carole, met at The Master’s University, married in 1991, and have been serving together in ministry since. They have two children.
After graduating from college, God saved John, and Jesus Christ became the Lord of his life. John and his wife, Delphine, came with their children to Grace Church in 1969. John has been an elder since 1971, and he currently serves on the board as treasurer. John and his wife, Delphine, and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are involved with and enjoy various ministries in many areas of the church.
