Senior Pastor

When I was 13, my parents went through a divorce. I was devastated because I wanted to have a “normal” family. I was embarrassed, betrayed, and alone.

But then I was introduced to Jesus Christ, after being brought to Grace Church of Mentor. I realized that Jesus Christ came into the world for people just like me (1 Tim. 1:15-16). He came to comfort those who are hurting, alone and betrayed.

I was shown from the Bible that Jesus, God's perfect Son, died so that I could have a relationship with God (Rom. 5:8; 6:23). Finally I understood that my greatest need was the way of salvation only Jesus can offer (John 14:6). When I trusted in Jesus Christ to save me from my sins (Rom. 10:13), He truly met every need I had—spiritual, physical, and emotional.

Though my family was shattered, God gave me a new family—His family. The family God provided me at Grace Church of Mentor helped me navigate through my teen years, giving me deep spiritual roots.

Pastor Steve grew up in Mentor, attending both public and Christian schools. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Bible (2006), a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (2008), and a Master of Divinity (2020). Before joining the staff at Grace Church, he was the assistant to the president at Bob Jones University.

Pastor Steve was ordained by Grace Church in 2010 and oversaw the Youth ministry, administration, and staff of Grace Church of Mentor for 14 years. In January 2024, he was installed as Senior Pastor. He currently oversees the First Five Years (of marriage) Life Group.

Steve married Charla in June 2009, and they have four daughters: Stella (8), Lilliana (6), Olivia (4), and Willa (2). Charla enjoys discipling her four children, teen girls, and the ladies in the First Five Years of Marriage Life Group.

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