The Children & Youth Ministry Committee exists to strengthen the lives and and faith of young people, and those who lead young people, through opportunities for learning, service, and prayer.

Committee Members

Emily Cox, Dallas, Northridge Presbyterian Church
Avni Deivanayagam, Waco, Central Presbyterian Church
Emry Deivanayagam, Waco, Central Presbyterian Church
Tracy Ebarb, Plano, First Presbyterian Church
Zoe Futrell
Lydia Herriage
Rev. David Judd, Longview, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church
Divine Kuja, Garland, First Presbyterian Church
Carvelle Kuja, Garland, First Presbyterian Church
Carlisle Land, First, Longview
Rev. Elizabeth Boulware (Moderator), North Richland Hills, St Paul Presbyterian Church
Hannah Morris
Rev. Eric Peterson, Temple, Grace Presbyterian Church
Brayden Rigoulot, Cleburne, United Presbyterian Church
Emma Rooney
Rev. David Allen Slyter, Weatherford, Grace First Presbyterian Church
Sue Suneson, Garland, First Presbyterian Church
Noah Varnon
Audrey Webb, Dallas, Eastminster Presbyterian Church
Odessa Baltensperger, Arlington, Westminster
Harper Mooney, Dallas, NorthPark

Staff Liaisons

Jen Bluestein, Coordinator of Generational Development
Tammy Stepka, Office & Ministry Coordinator, Grace Presbytery

For more information visit our Youth Ministry and Children’s Ministry pages.

The Church Development Committee oversees and supports new church developments, fellowships, new worshipping communities, and other partnerships created by the presbytery.

This committee also recommends to the Presbytery Council the establishment of new church developments. All such recommendations must include a plan for financial support and ministry goals.

Committee Members

Rev. Princeton Abaraoha (Moderator), Dallas, United African Presbyterian Church
Rev. Daniel R. Anderson-Little, Garland, First Presbyterian Church
Susan Branam, Midlothian, First Presbyterian Church
Rev. Paul Burns, Greenville, United Presbyterian Church
Rev. Roger Harwerth, Fort Worth, Ridglea Presbyterian Church
Rev. Angie Mabry, Plano, First Presbyterian Church
Martin Osae, Irving, Woodhaven Ghanian Fellowship
Rev. Lisa Reece, Bonham, First Presbyterian Church

Staff Liaisons

Pepa Paniagua, Coordinator of Innovation and New Ministry Development, Grace Presbytery

The Committee on Ministry is responsible for the implementation of Grace Presbytery’s oversight of its congregations and Ministers of Word and Sacrament. Its purpose is to provide encouragement, oversight, support, and guidance to congregations, Ministers of Word and Sacrament, Commissioned Ruling Elders, and Certified Church Educators.

Resources

All forms and documents related to the Committee on Ministry can be found in our document library by typing COM in the upper-right hand search box.

Committee Members

Chris Bartley, Ft. Worth, First Presbyterian Church
Rev. John Jacob Clawson, Flower Mound, Trinity Presbyterian Church
Armel Crocker, Deport, First Presbyterian Church
Kevin Cushman, Temple, Grace Presbyterian Church
James Dees, Mabank, First Presbyterian Church
Rev. Ashley Drake Mertz (Moderator), Weatherford, Grace First Presbyterian Church
Tim Freeman, Dallas, Oak Cliff Presbyterian Church
Rev. Michele Goff, Henderson, First Presbyterian Church
David Griffin, Dallas, Oak Cliff Presbyterian Church
Rev. Mary Stewart Hall, Dallas, First Presbyterian Church
Rev. Ronald Dean Holmes, Grace Presbytery
Rev. Mari Lyn Jones, Grace Presbytery
James Loman, Dallas, First Presbyterian Church
Cindy Miller, Corsicana, Westminster Presbyterian Church
William Bill Perry, Dallas, NorthPark Presbyterian Church
Dan Phillips, Kilgore, First Presbyterian Church
John Mark Solomon, Athens, First Presbyterian Church
Rev. Cheryl A. Taylor, Frisco, Faithbridge Presbyterian Church
Rev. Dr. Michael A. Waschevski (Moderator), Fort Worth, First Presbyterian Church
Margot Williamson, Fort Worth, Gethsemane Presbyterian Church

Staff Liaisons

Rev. Christopher M. Lee, Executive Presbyter
Tammy Stepka, Office & Ministry Coordinator

Commissioned Pastor Subcommittee

Chris Bartley, Fort Worth, First Presbyterian Church
Armel Crocker, Deport, First Presbyterian Church
James Dees, Mabank, First Presbyterian Church
Rev. Michele Goff, Henderson, First Presbyterian Church
Mary Jo North, Denton, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church
Cindy Miller, Corsicana, Westminster Presbyterian Church
John Mark Solomon, Richardson, St. Barnabas Presbyterian Church

The Committee on Preparation for Ministry is responsible for the enlistment and care of inquirers and candidates for ministry as Ministers of Word and Sacrament. In concert with church sessions and theological institutions, the committee guides inquirers and candidates in seminary selection, ministry discernment, internship, and professional ministry opportunities.

Resources

Forms related to preparation for ministry (for commissioned pastors and teaching elders) can be found in our document library by typing CPM in the upper-right hand search box.

Committee Members

Judith Austin, Flower Mound, Trinity Presbyterian Church
Donna Bowling, Temple, Grace Presbyterian Church
Rev. Judith Crilley, Parkland Health and Hospital System of Dallas
Rev. Ellen Dittman, Richardson, Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church
Dian McCall, Fort Worth, St. Stephen Presbyterian Church
Rev. Brendan McLean, Tyler, First Presbyterian Church
John Nsi, Garland, First Presbyterian Church
Rev. Jonathan Tony, Irving, Hackberry Creek Presbyterian Church
Janet Walters (Moderator), Richardson, Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church

Staff Liaisons

Rev. Pepa Paniagua, Grace Presbytery
Tammy Stepka, Office & Ministry Coordinator, Grace Presbytery

The Committee on Representation is responsible for the implementation of Grace Presbytery’s commitment to inclusiveness, diversity, and representation.

The committee advises the Presbytery Council concerning employment of personnel and the Nominating Committee concerning diversity in leadership.

Committee Members

Emmanuel Aka, Dallas, United African Presbyterian Church
Rev. Clayton F. Allard, Dallas, Oak Cliff Presbyterian Church
Crysta Brantley (Moderator), McKinney. Trinity Presbyterian Church
Karenna Malavanti, Waco, First Presbyterian Church
Sean Price, Dallas, NorthPark Presbyterian Church
Jade Voyles, McKinney. Trinity Presbyterian Church
Rev. Shane Webb, Irving, Woodhaven Presbyterian Church

Staff Liaison

Laura Walters, Coordinator of Community Engagement and Public Witness, Grace Presbytery

The Congregational Support Committee connects, encourages and equips churches within Grace Presbytery in an effort to strengthen and grow their congregations.

Resources

Grants administered by the Congregational Support Committee can be found in our document library by typing GRANT in the upper-right hand search box.

Committee Members

Rev. Lander L. Bethel (Moderator), Sherman, Grand Avenue Presbyterian Church
Meg Garver Hamilton, Mesquite, First Presbyterian Church
Jodi Haun, Grapevine, First Presbyterian Church
Rev. Jennifer Mitchell, Corsicana, Westminster Presbyterian Church
Rev. Kenny Rigoulot, Gilmer, Camp Gilmont
Rev. Dr. Lillian Bradford Smith, Southern Methodist University of Dallas
Douglas Williamson, Fort Worth, Gethsemane Presbyterian Church

Staff Liaisons

Rev. Pepa Paniagua, Grace Presbytery

Response Team Members

Rev. James P. Reinarz, Committee Moderator
Rev. Dr. James W. Ellor, Waco, First Presbyterian Church
Jodi Haun, Grapevine, First Presbyterian Church
John Hill, Greenville, United Presbyterian Church
John Tieken, Henderson, First Presbyterian Church
Janet Walters, Richardson, Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church
Jim Houston, Southlake, Trinity Presbyterian Church
John Kusewitt, Mesquite, First Presbyterian Church

Staff Liaisons

Rev. Pepa Paniagua, Grace Presbytery

Committee Members

Rev. Stuart Baskin, Tyler, First Presbyterian Church
Ms. Lauren Black, Fort Worth, First Presbyterian Church
Rev. Richard B. Culp (Moderator), Denton, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church
CP Sub-Rev. Michele Goff Henderson, First Presbyterian Church
Rev. Sherry K. Holloman, Dallas, Eastminster Presbyterian Church
CPM-Janet Walters Richardson, Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church
Rev. Lynette D. Solomon, Baylor Scott and White Health System
COM-Rev. Cheryl A. Taylor, Frisco, Faithbridge Presbyterian Church
Armel Crocker, First Presbyterian, Dallas
Rev. Amy Moore, NorthPark Presbyterian, Dallas

Staff Resources

Rev. Christopher M. Lee, Executive Presbyter, Grace Presbytery
Rev. Kyle Walker, Stated Clerk, Grace Presbytery
Tammy Stepka, Office & Ministry Coordinator, Grace Presbytery

The Nominating Committee nominates for election by Grace Presbytery:

1. Presbytery Moderator, Vice Moderator, Stated Clerk, and Treasurer for one-year terms
2. Members to fill new classes on presbytery committees, commissions, and the Presbytery Council giving consideration to the particular skills, abilities, interests, and experiences needed

When making nominations, the committee will insure the following principles are followed:

1. representation of the broad theological, cultural, racial, geographical, and generational diversity of the presbytery
2. competence of nominees in their area of service
3. willingness of nominees to work in a collaborative and collegial manner
4. commitment of nominees to the inclusiveness and diversity of the presbytery, and
5. commitment of nominees to the mission of Grace Presbytery and the Presbyterian Church (USA)

Committee Members

Rev. Princeton Abaraoha, Dallas, United African Presbyterian Church
Rev. Clayton F. Allard, Dallas, Oak Cliff Presbyterian Church
Rev. Dr. A. William Benner, Lott, First Presbyterian Church
CRE Jane Els, Deport, First Presbyterian Church
Kathy Jones (Moderator), Dallas, NorthPark Presbyterian Church
Rev. Kendal Land, Longview, First Presbyterian Church
Kathryn McCarron, Dallas, NorthPark Presbyterian Church
Rev. Kate McGee, Arlington, Westminster Presbyterian Church
Rev. Robyn Michalove, Fort Worth, First Presbyterian Church

Staff Resources

Rev. Christopher M. Lee, Executive Presbyter, Grace Presbytery
Tammy Stepka, Office & Ministry Coordinator, Grace Presbytery

Nominations Process

As Presbyterians, we believe that the church of Jesus Christ is larger than any one congregation. One of the ways we embody this conviction is through the life of the larger Presbyterian family: the presbytery, the synod, and the General Assembly.

Every year, Grace Presbytery involves people in ministry through committee work at the presbytery level. Grace Presbytery has many committees on which to serve as you hear a call from God to do so.

To suggest your name or someone else for service in Grace Presbytery, please use the form linked below.

The nomination form has three sections: Nominee’s information, Committee Choices, and Nominated by. Click on the gray box to reveal each section of the 3-part form.

Self-nominations are encouraged. Nominations are taken on a rolling-basis.

Begin the process ONLINE.

The Permanent Judicial Commission consists of up to nine members elected in odd numbered years for six-year terms. The Stated Clerk is an ex-officio member with voice, but no vote.

This commission fulfills the responsibilities as specified by the Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Order, Rules of Discipline.

Committee Members

Julie Adkins, Milford, Milford Presbyterian Church
Mark Auten, Dallas, NorthPark Presbyterian
Ty Bailey, Garland, First Presbyterian Church
Rev. Thomas Gibbons, Honorably Retired, Grace Presbytery
Rev. Mary Stewart Hall, Dallas, First Presbyterian Church
Mary Marcotte, Dallas, Northridge Presbyterian
Rev. Robyn Micalove, Fort Worth, First Presbyterian Church
Will Pryor, Dallas, First Presbyterian Church
Lloyd Walker Westerlage, Jr., Honorably Retired, Grace Presbytery

Staff Liasion: Rev. Dr. Kyle Walker, Stated Clerk

The Personnel Committee recommends to Presbytery Council personnel policies, job descriptions, and a method of annual performance review of all staff. When necessary the Personnel Committee also recommends nominees to council to fill the presbytery positions of Stated Clerk, Treasurer, and Director(s).

This committee conducts annual reviews of the General Presbyter and Stated Clerk, as well as insuring that all open positions are advertised throughout Grace Presbytery and an open search is conducted prior to filling any position in order to implement the presbytery’s commitment to inclusiveness.

Committee Members

Chip Black (Moderator), Arlington, Grace Presbyterian Church
Rev. Dr. Tracey Kyzar Davenport, Plano, Grace Presbyterian Church
Rev. William L. Edwards, Grace Presbytery
Kathy Jones, Dallas, NorthPark Presbyterian Church
Rev. Thom Lamb, Temple, Grace Presbyterian Church
Zem Neill, Fort Worth, First Presbyterian Church

Staff Liaisons

Rev. Christopher M. Lee, Executive Presbyter, Grace Presbytery

The Social Justice and Public Witness Committee exists so that we may respond as people of faith who believe all people are made in God’s image; to follow Christ into places of distrust, disunity and discord; to listen to the experiences of those who suffer; to seek justice, unity, kindness, and loving relationships; to accept guidance from the Holy Spirit; to have the courage to pray for and seek the energy, intelligence, imagination and love necessary for this moment; and to work toward eliminating unjust systems of power, privilege, and inequality wherever they exist.

Committee Members

Rev. Whitney Arreche, Emmanuel Presbyterian, Bedford
Kymberlaine Banks, First Presbyterian, Garland
Armel Crocker (Vice-Moderator), First Presbyterian, Dallas
Rev. Dae Jung, West Plano Presbyterian, Plano
Rev. Amy Moore (Moderator), NorthPark Presbyterian, Dallas
Rev. Katy Rigler, St. Barnabas Presbyterian, Richardson
Will Pryor, First Presbyterian, Dallas
Alice Hernandez, First Presbyterian, Richardson (January 2025)
Rev. Craig Hunter, Trinity Presbyterian, Denton (January 2025)

Staff Liaison

Laura Walters, Coordinator of Community Engagement and Public Witness, Grace Presbytery

The Young Adult Ministry Committee explores and initiates ministries and events with young adults to deepen their faith, explore mission interests and opportunities, and engage in shared learning about faith and service.

Committee Members

Priscilla Castillo, Farmers Branch, Iglesia Presbiteriana Emmanuel
Kaleb Money, Dallas, Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church
Crosby Palmer, Gilmont, Camp Gilmont
Ryan Seekins, Garland, First Presbyterian Church
Allison Wahlberg, Waco, Central Presbyterian Church

Staff Liaisons

Jen Bluestein, Coordinator of Generational Development, Grace Presbytery
Tammy Stepka, Office & Ministry Coordinator, Grace Presbytery

For more information visit our Young Adults Ministry page.