An examination of the role of women in ordained ministry.

Wednesday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Dr. Randy Smith will help us think through a biblical response to this difficult question.

This cohort meets on Wednesday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

An examination of the role of women in ordained ministry. (repeated)

Thursday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Dr. Randy Smith will help us think through a biblical response to this difficult question.

This cohort meets on Thursday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to co-labor as men and women in a complementarian context.

Tuesday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

This cohort starts with a panel discussion that focuses on healthy ways for men and women to work together in furthering the mission of the Church. Panelists include men and women who have served together on church staffs. They will be sharing some best practices to build up the whole body of Christ. Facilitators: Dan Thornton and Jenn Avey

This cohort meets on Tuesday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to communicate in the church.

Wednesday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Communication is vital for a community. Not only communicating truth but news about the community. What works best for you? What can you learn from others? How does digital, verbal and print communication work best?

This cohort meets on Wednesday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to cooperate well as a district or with other churches in your city.

Wednesday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Districts (regional groups of churches and pastors) are finding new ways to work together. What is happening in your district? What do you need help with? Get some new ideas and share a few too!

This cohort meets on Wednesday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to develop a multi-ethnic church.

Tuesday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Molding your church into a truly multi-ethnic is difficult. Let's have an honest dialog about the challenges and opportunities this of becoming a multi-ethnic church.

This cohort meets on Tuesday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to develop lay elders..

Thursday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

A pastor of a well-known megachurch (not a Charis Fellowship church) that disbanded blamed it on putting people into leaders too soon. But we need good men to serve as elders? How do you find and train elders?

This cohort meets on Thursday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to do evangelism in 2019.

Thursday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Jesus told us to be his witnesses. This command has not changed. However, the cultures in which that witness happens do. How can we best share the good news TODAY!

This cohort meets on Thursday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to do local outreach.

Tuesday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Your town should be your primary mission field. Learn what others are doing to reach their local communities.

This cohort meets on Tuesday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to engage people in ministry through equipping.

Wednesday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

This cohort is designed to open the discussion about practical ideas regarding how to create an equipping culture, how to implement an equipping strategy, as well as how various churches in our fellowship are equipping their church bodies for the work of the ministry. This doesn’t mean simply getting volunteers plugged into programs, but it embodies equipping/coaching believers to live their lives as “full time” believers in their daily walk by being involved in a weekly ministry within the church and daily seeking to influence individuals through one on one ministry within their spheres of influence. We also want to allow for a chance to team up with members of the Equipping Church Network to further the discussion and implementation of ideas in the coming year. The Equipping Church Network has a relational emphasis, training and coaching to help churches develop an equipping culture.

This cohort meets on Wednesday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to enjoy the unique challenges and the unique blessings of pastoring a small church.

Wednesday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Half of Charis Fellowship churches are under 100 people. Pastoring these churches is a blessing! And sometimes a challenge. This cohort is not about how to get bigger. But is about how to be a joyful, visionary, and successful steward of the smaller church that God has given you!

This cohort meets on Wednesday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to find and use tech in your worship service.

Wednesday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

The one constant in tech is that it always changes. What is the best, most affordable tech for your church? In past years, members of this cohort even shared equipment advice and actual tech with each other.

This cohort meets on Wednesday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to have the gospel shape your worship service.

Tuesday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Do you have a hand in planning your church's worship service? What have you learned about how to plan a gospel-centered worship service? Gain insight and advice from others doing the same.

This cohort meets on Tuesday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to help with mental health issues in ministry.

Wednesday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

A good shepherd knows his sheep! How do we help people with mental health issues? What has worked? When do you call for help?

This cohort meets on Wednesday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to lead staff well.

Tuesday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Leading staff is often the hardest thing a pastor does. How do you clarify expectations? How to do you do accountability? Conflict resolution? Training?

This cohort meets on Tuesday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to lead when you aren't in charge.

Tuesday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Being a "second fiddle" (also called "the first follower") can be tricky. However, the job is very important! Let's talk about how to do this with excellence.

This cohort meets on Tuesday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to lead your family while you lead your church.

Thursday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Leading a church can consume us. But we still need to lead our family well. This is an important discussion. What have you learned? Let's talk!

This cohort meets on Thursday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to maintain stamina and joy in ministry

Thursday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

How can I go the distance with joy and effectiveness? What are the habits that help me to thrive? When should I get help? Let's help one another.

This cohort meets on Thursday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to move forward together in ministry as women.

Thursday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

This cohort will meet together, then divide into two discussion groups:

• Women in Ministry: This cohort will address and share best practices for women involved in ministry in a complementarian context. Facilitators: Kate Ward, Emily Tellez
• Thrive Network: This new group for pastors’ wives to connect and network will discuss a variety of topics to encourage and support each other. Facilitator: Lois Shirk and others

This cohort meets on Thursday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to partner internationally.

Thursday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

95% of the Charis Alliance churches are outside of the United States and Canada serving 228 people groups in 34 countries. The Charis Fellowship is a member of the global Charis Alliance (charisalliance.org). Charis Fellowship churches have a great opportunity to partner with these churches. Talk about best practices for engaging these churches.

This cohort meets on Thursday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to plan for succession.

Wednesday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

It's tricky but it must happen someday. Honest dialog about the opportunities and pitfalls of leadership transition!

This cohort meets on Wednesday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to plant a church or start a new campus.

Thursday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Your church can start a new church or a new campus. Talk with others about how!

This cohort meets on Thursday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to preach with a long-term focus

Wednesday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

How do you package a series of messages for maximum impact? How do you establish an annual plan for preaching?

This cohort meets on Wednesday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to preach with relevance.

Tuesday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

How do you leveraging story, media, and testimony to preach the word with accuracy and relevance? What works? What backfired?

This cohort meets on Tuesday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to preach with variety.

Thursday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

(considering narrative, interactive, thematic, topical, and exegetical methods)

This cohort meets on Thursday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to process loss, hurt and pain in ministry.

Tuesday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Our churches should be places of healing. But sometimes the pain can be over-whelming. Both for those we help and for ourselves. Share your story.

This cohort meets on Tuesday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to revitalize a church.

Wednesday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Can there be a new start for your church? Certainly! Let's talk about how.

This cohort meets on Wednesday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to strengthen your prayer life.

Tuesday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Join us for a prayer journaling activity and discussion to grow in new ways to connect with God on a regular basis. Our time together will provide tools on engaging God with our heart, soul, and mind through the use of writing and/or artistic creativity. Facilitator: Claire Malarae

This cohort meets on Tuesday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to teach the Old Testament in a New Testament church.

Tuesday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Dr. Tiberius Rata is Chair of the Biblical Studies Department and Professor of Old Testament Studies at Grace Seminar. He will talk about how to teach the Old Testament in your New Testament Church.

This cohort meets on Tuesday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

How to use digital tools for 21st century stewardship

Tuesday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

More and more churches use digital (online) tools to raise funds, collect weekly offerings, help people with stewardship issues. What are the opportunities? What are the pitfalls? What have you learned?

This cohort meets on Tuesday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

Living Wisely in a Foolish World

Wednesday: 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Dr. Tiberius Rata is Chair of the Biblical Studies Department and Professor of Old Testament Studies at Grace Seminar. Dr Rata will teach from from the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes

This cohort meets on Wednesday from 11:00 am 12:30 pm

Sign Up

M.S. Dixie II Tahoe lake cruise

Considered one of South Lake Tahoe’s most entertaining and affordable water activities, the Daytime Scenic Cruise on Lake Tahoe has been voted “Best Cruise in Nevada” by Nevada Magazine. This 2.5-hour scenic daytime cruise offers fabulous photo opportunities, sunshine, and fresh Lake Tahoe air, which has a way of invigorating everyone around. As you cruise to Emerald Bay, you'll learn how it was formed, some of its fascinating history, and enjoy a special video presentation. With plenty of room to spread out and get comfortable, you’ll quickly settle in and find the best place on-deck to snap magazine-worthy photos.

American River White Water Rafting

he South Fork is our most popular rafting trip in California because it has lots of Class I to Class III+ rapids, a long rafting season and has a perfect safety record. The South Fork flows through California’s gold rush country and has a rich history as well as tons of fun rapids. Our guided tours will give you some history of the area, let you experience the rapids plus we’ll discover other fun stuff like rocks to jump off and we’ll even give you a chance to swim in the white water.

Empire Mine

Empire Mine State Historic Park is the site of one of the oldest, deepest, and richest gold mines in California. The park is in Grass Valley at 10791 East Empire Street. In operation for more than 100 years, the mine extracted 5.8 million ounces of gold before it closed in 1956. The park contains many of the mine’s buildings, the owner’s home and restored gardens, as well as the entrance to 367 miles of abandoned and flooded mine shafts. The park encompasses 856 acres of forested backcountry and fourteen miles of trails - including easy hikes (for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding) - in the park.

South Yuba River State Park

South Yuba River State Park has a little something for everybody. The patchwork park boundaries form a “string of pearls” for 20 miles along the river, including four historic bridges, miles of hiking trails, and the nation´s only wheelchair-accessible wilderness trail, the Independence Trail. The river´s beauty and solitude has long inspired the dedication and stewardship of those who know it best.

The Ridge Golf Course

The Ridge Golf Club has a truly exciting layout for golf with a picturesque course nestled between the golden foothills of Placer County. Our course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. – known worldwide for designing golf courses that take full advantage of their sites while preserving the natural beauty of the land. At The Ridge, you’ll find a series of oak-studded knolls, rolling grassy hills, sparkling ponds and bold rock outcroppings to enjoy while you’re golfing. Imagine getting to play a sport you love while basking in the wide-open country. It just doesn’t get any better!

California State Railroad Museum

Experience the feats of engineering and ingenuity that have kept the Golden State steaming along for nearly 200 years – from immaculately restored engines and cars to exciting events and exhibits that bring the railroad to life.

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

James W. Marshall discovered gold in 1848 on the South Fork of the American River in the valley the Nisenan Indians knew as Cullumah (beautiful valley). This event led to the greatest mass movement of people in the Western Hemisphere and was the spark that ignited the spectacular growth of the West during the ensuing decades. The gold discovery site, located in the still visible tailrace of Sutter's sawmill in present day Coloma, California, is one of the most significant historic sites in the nation.

Top Golf

At Topgolf, they have made socializing a sport through a blend of technology and entertainment – and that’s just the game! If you journey through our venue on any given day, you’ll find a place buzzing with energy. Every Topgolf features dozens of climate-controlled hitting bays for year-round comfort with HDTVs in every bay and throughout our restaurant.

Breakfast on Tuesday with Grace College and Seminary

A new seminary model revolutionizing theological education. A new seminary dean. Growing undergraduate programs in ministry both on campus and in Akron, Ohio. The largest completed fundraising campaign in Grace's history. And yet, the same mission since 1937. Join us as we reflect on our legacy and envision our future at Grace College & Theological Seminary.

$10.00

Lunch on Tuesday with Encompass World Partners

Encompass - You’re invited to join Encompass World Partners for "Taco Tuesday" lunch as we celebrate God’s work around the globe.

$12.00

Lunch on Tuesday with Encompass World Partners - Unsubsidized

Encompass - You’re invited to join Encompass World Partners for "Taco Tuesday" lunch as we celebrate God’s work around the globe. (Unsubsidized price)

$32.00

Pastors and Wives Dinner on Tuesday (Price per couple)

We want to encourage and honor our pastors and their wives and to make sure we accomplish that goal, we’ve asked some wives to help us plan a special evening. Ticket prices have been reduced for our members and their wives as a way to thank you for all you do. If you purchase this ticket you do not need to purchase an additional ticket for your wife. (Tickets for individual tickets are also available for $15 each)

$25.00

Pastors Dinner on Tuesday (Price per person)

We want to encourage and honor our pastors and their wives and to make sure we accomplish that goal, we’ve asked some wives to help us plan a special evening. Ticket prices have been reduced for our members as a way to thank you for all you do.

$15.00

Breakfast on Wednesday with Grace Connect

This may be the most important breakfast you attend all week! Learn how you can stay connected with other pastors, leaders, and churches in the Charis Fellowship through the platforms of GraceConnect and the Brethren Missionary Herald Company. Enjoy yummy food and sweet fellowship while getting the latest scoop on GraceConnect and BMH Books!

$10.00

Church Planting Luncheon on Wednesday

Let's celebrate the mosaic of church planting happening in the Charis Fellowship.

$12.00

Dinner on Wednesday with Grace Brethren Investment Foundation and our Military Chaplains

Please join us for dinner on Wednesday to celebrate all that God is doing through Grace Brethren Investment Foundation and the Eagle Commission. Ken Seyfert (CEO) and his Executive Team will briefly share the past year’s results of the foundation. Following, Dr. Mark Penfold (Chaplain Endorsing Agent for Charis) and his wife, Robin, will lead ceremonies for the Chaplains Appreciation Dinner.

$15.00

Breakfast on Thursday with CE National

Join us for breakfast to hear and see reports of how God has been working through ministries like the Urban Hope Training Center—in both Philadelphia and Los Angeles, Momentum Youth Conference, Operation Barnabas, City Life and more. There will also be a time during this breakfast for the annual CE National Corporation Meeting. You won’t want to miss out! (limited quantity subsidized tickets are available).

$10.00

Lunch on Thursday for Charis Fellowship

This is the annual meeting of the Charis Fellowship (aka: Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, Inc). Delegates of member churches are encouraged to attend. All are welcome to attend. Delegates without tickets can attend the meeting 15 minutes after the meal begins.

$10.00

Jordan Bakker

Jordan Bakker is the Lead Pastor of Grace Church in Simi Valley, CA. He first joined the staff as Pastor of Young Adults in the summer of 2004. He has a deep love for God and His Word and has a passion to make Christ known. In 2009, Jordan assumed responsibility over adult ministries at Grace and in 2012 he accepted the role of Lead Pastor. His desire is to see individuals grow in their understanding of who they are in Christ and what it looks like to live by active faith in a post-modern culture, as well as training men and women to be sent as workers in the harvest. Married to Erin since 2001, the couple makes their home in Simi Valley and are avid lovers of sports, Starbucks, and anything involving people. Jordan and Erin have been blessed with three amazing and beautiful girls, Morgan, Brenna and Luci. Jordan is the main speaker Wednesday morning.

Jeff Bogue

Jeff Bogue is a graduate of Grace College and Theological Seminary. He is the senior pastor of Grace Church of Greater Akron, Ohio, a thriving multi-campus, multi-site, Charis Fellowship congregation of nine sites, with more than 10,000 people calling Grace Church their home.

Grace Church is not your typical mega church. It is a church-planting network, active in their evangelical mission of “30 in 30”: planting 30 campuses in 30 years. Jeff leads an excellent team to raise up pastors and leaders to staff future campuses. He counts it a privilege to work alongside this staff as well as Grace College in the development of these young leaders.

Jeff has served at Grace with his wife, Heidi, since 1993. His proudest titles are that of husband and father to six children. He loves working alongside his family to express God’s love all over the world.

Jeff is the main speaker Wednesday evening.

Dr. Bogue is the author of the books: 5 Assumptions About God and Why They Are Wrong, ReSet: Why Discipleship Isn’t About Trying Harder, Living Naked: How an Ordinary Person Can Live an Extraordinary Life, and the One Step Discipleship Journals. Jeff also travels nationally and abroad speaking and training ministry leaders. He is motivated by his deep passion for the local church and strong conviction of how Christ continues to work through His church to build His kingdom.

Jeff is the main speaker during the Wednesday evening celebration.

Jason Brown

Jason has been Pastor at Suntree Grace Church in Melbourne, FL since 2012. He is married to Andrea for 21 years and they have four children: Fletcher, Harper, Langley, and Greta. Jason has been a part of either planting, revitalizing, or sending pastors to a total of six churches in the state of Florida. He is working on two new church plants in the greater Melbourne area. Jason enjoys spending time with family, and surfing, which is usually one and the same. Jason is the main speaker on Tuesday morning.

Tim Clothier

Tim and his college sweetheart Carrie have four children. Allegra, Adelaide, Toban, and Tucker. Their family loves being active, outside, and enjoying what God has created. For nearly five years Tim has served as the Senior Pastor of Waynesboro Grace (Waynesboro PA) and is constantly amazed by God's grace and mercy. Tim shares on Thursday morning.

Dan Gregory

Dan has been the Campus Pastor of the Grace Church of Greater Akron – Norton Campus, for 11 years. He and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 30 years, and are the parents of 3 adult children: Joel (married to Jessica), Rachel and Aaron. This past December Dan added “Pappy” to his list of titles, as he and Jennifer became grandparents for the first time through the birth of their grandson, Corban. Dan loves seeing God make messes beautiful, through the power of His gospel! Dan is the main speaker on Thursday morning.

Daniel O'Kane

Daniel was born in New Zealand. Over the years, Daniel became successful in sports, and this success helped him travel the world. But even with all the love and success he experienced, he always knew there was more. It was not until the Gospel of Jesus was laid out in front of Daniel, through relationships and through spoken words, that he came to know and understand what this “more” truly was. Since that time, Daniel has enjoyed a fulfilling relationship with God. Through the turns and lessons of life, Jessica, and Daniel were led to Marysville, where Daniel began a full-time internship at Marysville Grace. This internship involved an intense study in a seminary program to receive a Masters while, at the same time, experiencing full-time pastorate duties. Halfway through this internship, Daniel and Jessica understood that God was calling them to lead a church campus in Bellefontaine. After finishing the internship the church family at Marysville Grace, the elders, and staff allowed Daniel to follow God’s calling. Daniel is now the Campus Pastor of BGC (Bellefontaine Grace Church). BGC began a once-a-month Sunday meeting in September 2016, then every week Sunday meetings in April 2017. They have seen steady growth and are excited to see the Bellefontaine community respond to the church family and the Lord. John 1:4-5 is the verse which drives their vision. It states, “In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not understood it.” God has given us a light to shine in the darkness of peoples' hearts. Tuesday evening will feature Daniel as the main speaker.

Mike Sciarra

Mike came to know Christ as a college student in 1982. He has served in pastoral ministry since 1985 and has pastored Grace Church in Orange, California since 2006. They are a church intent on proclaiming the Gospel, making disciples, and sacrificially serving Jesus. They are committed to raising up and deploying pastoral resources for the kingdom and have recently assisted with two church revitalizations. He married Angela in 1991 and they are blessed with five children and one grandson. He authored “The Family Together: Worshipping God at Church and Home”. In his spare time he enjoys meeting neighbors, hiking, biking, fishing, and an occasional garage sale. Mike loves to preach God’s Word and see Jesus transform lives for the glory of God. Mike's talk is Wednesday evening.

Isaac Whiting

Isaac is from most of the west coast. He was born in California, lived in Washington and Oregon and has spent the past fifteen years in BC. He encountered Jesus as a young adult while searching for the meaning of life. He studied math and philosophy at Oxford University as an undergrad and did his masters work with the poets and vegans at Regent College in Vancouver. He and his wife have four boys ages 6-17. He served for ten years as a youth pastor and is now the lead pastor at Community of Hope in Surrey BC. He is passionate about growing in Christ. Isaac's message to Access is on Tuesday evening.

Jeremy Wike

Jeremy serves as Senior Pastor at Community of Hope Church in rural Columbia City, IN. He grew up in the Wooster, OH Charis Fellowship Church and attended Grace College and Seminary. He loves listening to people tell their stories and sojourning with people on their faith journeys. His church is passionate about helping the lost, broken, and wounded find hope and healing in Jesus and committed to developing leaders who rise to their full potential in Christ. Jeremy and his wife, Tonya, have been married for 15 years and have adopted six kids. He believes the greatest opportunity and threat to the spread of the gospel in this generation is in our willingness to follow Jesus and lead others to Him with a limp. Jeremy will share on Tuesday morning.

Bob Wriedt

Bob Wriedt is the senior pastor of Grace Community Church of Seal Beach. He has been at Grace since 2006, first as Pastor of Young Adults then Associate Pastor. In addition to preaching in the Sunday worship services, he leads our leadership development program and serves as head of staff. In the Charis Fellowship, he is on the Southern California/Arizona district leadership team as the Shepherding Advocate. He is a graduate of UCLA (B.A. in History, Political Science, and Religious Studies), Talbot School of Theology (M.Div., Th.M.) and is currently a DMin student at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and Becca have been married for 15 years and have two sons and a daughter on the way. He plays ice hockey in a local adult league and enjoys following UCLA sports. Bob will share on Wednesday morning.

Tom Avey

Tom has been the full-time Fellowship Coordinator since January 1998. He served as pastor at the Grace Brethren Church of Orlando, Fla., and as church administrator and pastor of church growth at the Grace Brethren Church of Lititz, Pa. He and his wife, Sandi, reside in Winona Lake, Ind. They have four adult children and eight grandchildren.

Sharmion Bowell

Sharmion Bowell is a Grace College Business graduate who managed a Human Resource department for 4 years before she and her husband Ryan, of 23 years, began a family in 1999. They have four kids Cameron (20), Austin (18), Madeline (16) and Aidan (14). She loved being a full-time mom for the first 19 years and home-schooled her kids for 9 years. She attends Winona Lake GBC and has worked in ENL for the last 4 years. Sharmion serves the national office of the Charis Fellowship as Operations Manager and oversees registrations and much more at Access2019.

Jeremy Bury

Jeremy and his wife, Terra, moved to Marysville in 2007 from Georgia where they had been serving as lay leaders in their church worship team. At the time, they had not been looking to move, but, when approached about the worship pastor position here at Marysville Grace, they knew it was what God wanted for them. Jeremy grew up in Maryland, close to the Chesapeake Bay. Since his family was very musical, he learned early on to use his gift in music to worship God. He attended Grace College and graduated with his B.A. in Communications and Youth Ministry. Here he also met and married Terra. They now have four growing children. For a few years, Jeremy ventured into the world of business, learning many skills that are now very helpful in his current role - people management, budget, and finance. To be even better equipped to serve and lead in the Church, Jeremy also received further ministry training by completing his Masters in Local Church Ministry through Grace Theological Seminary. In his years here, Jeremy has been intentional in forming relationships and building and encouraging leaders. His greatest joy is found in leading people to know and follow Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Jeremy serves as the Celebrations coordinator at Access2019.

Terese Coburn

Terese has served as a Children's Ministry director for over 20 years, and also directed Child Evangelism Fellowship for 5 years. She has been the Children's Director at Auburn Grace Community Church for the last 4 years. Terese is married with 4 children, 2 grandchildren, and one on the way. She is very passionate that all kids know they have a heavenly Father who loves them and that they are given the tools to grow in their faith and have a firm spiritual foundation.

Clancy Cruise

In 2002, Clancy and his wife, Sandy, moved with their four kids from Wooster, OH, to Marysville to begin a new church plant for the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. This was one small step of faith that God has used to impact the city of Marysville in huge way. When Clancy came to know the Lord at age 19, his pastor began to encourage him towards preaching and pastoring. He soon began his formal training at Cedarville College (B.S. in Comprehensive Bible), where he met his wife, Sandy, followed by Grace Theological Seminary (Masters of Divinity). He returned to his hometown of Wooster to serve on the pastoral staff at Wooster Grace. After 10 years on staff and much prayer, Clancy was persuaded by Pastor Ed Jackson from Grace Church Powell to plant a church in Marysville. Through his years of ministry, Clancy’s passion remains being able to see people learn the gospel – praying a prayer that changes them from the inside out – grow in Christ-like love, then share that hope and love with others. He enjoys creating teams and seeing them be strong in their love, work, and witness. And he enjoys being challenged to use his God-given gifts of leadership, teaching, encouragement, discernment, and hospitality to serve others. Clancy has served as the Executive Director of the Charis Fellowship since August 2016 and is the Access2019 director.

Tom Leatherman

Tom has been a member of Wooster Grace church 20+ years. He is involved in the oil change ministry and the Friends & Followers ABF. Tom is a member of 555 Honors Detachment: giving honors to the military at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery and other cemeteries in the area plus flag presentations at local parades. He enjoys Cleveland Indians games and Akron University. Tom has been serving Charis Fellowship conference at the registration table and in any way as needed! Tom especially enjoy meeting the Military Chaplain’s serving our church and country. Tom and MaryJane spend the winter months in Tybee Island, GA!! Mary Jane and Tom have been married for 50 years have two children and four grandchildren. Tom and his wife Mary Jane serve at the welcome center during Access2019.

Mary Jane Leatherman

Mary Jane Leatherman is married to Tom and lives in Rittman, OH. The Leatherman's have been a member of Wooster Grace for more than 20 years. Mary Jane is involved with Women’s ministry, and the Friends & Followers ABF. She enjoys anything that involves grandchildren, reading & knitting (traveled to Italy on knitting tour!), she volunteers at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman and has been serving the Charis Fellowship conference for 7 years. Tom and MaryJane spend the winter months in Tybee Island, GA!! Mary Jane and Tom have been married for 50 years have two children and four grandchildren. Mary Jane and her husband Tom serve at the welcome center during Access2019.

Phil Sparling

Phil is Senior Pastor at Grace Community Church, Auburn Calif. This church was launched by three families (one of which was Phil's parents) and now welcome 700 people to worship each Sunday. Phil and Ruth have four young-adult children. Phil is the host pastor for Access2019 and will serve as Executive Director of the Charis Fellowship starting August 2019.

Tuesday Morning at 9:30 with Mike Yoder

Tuesday Evening at 7:00 with Jeff Bogue

Wednesday Evening at 7:00 with Nick Cleveland

Thursday Evening at 7:00 with Scott Feather