Board of Elders

Meet Our Elders

Grace Chapel’s Board of Elders is made up of 10-20 men and women lay volunteer leaders and our Senior and Executive Pastors. Elders are elected at our Annual Meeting for a four-year term and can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. Elders oversee the church body, shepherd our members, and guide our church in fulfilling its mission. They pray for the spiritual and physical well-being of the congregation while providing leadership, guidance, and accountability for the overall ministry here at Grace Chapel.

If you have a special need for prayer or might benefit from Elder direction during a personal, marriage, or family crisis or a health issue, our Elders are available to meet and pray with and for you. You can contact an Elder at  

Victor Gerdes

Elder

Victor was appointed to the Elder Board for fiscal year 2024.

Marie Marchesseault

Elder

Marie was approved for the role of Elder in June 2023.

Tim Min

Elder

Tim was approved for the role of Elder in June 2021. He is currently serving as the Vice Chair of our Board of Elders.

Rebecca Li

Elder

Rebecca was approved for the role of Elder in June 2021. She is currently serving in the role of Treasurer for our Board of Elders.

Daniel Mitchell

Elder

Daniel was approved for the role of Elder in June 2021.

Carrie Tibbles

Elder

Carrie was approved for the role of Elder in June 2021.

Carrie Tibbles

Elder

Carrie was approved for the role of Elder in June 2021.

Matthew Doremus

Elder

Matthew was approved for the role of Elder in June 2020.

Keith Cerci

Elder

Keith was approved for the role of Elder in June 2020. He is currently serving as the Chair of our Board of Elders.

Andrea Dacayanan

Elder

Andrea was approved for the role of Elder in June 2019.

Sandy Shen

Elder

Sandy was approved for the role of Elder in June 2018.

Rob Stutzman

Elder

Rob was approved for the role of Elder in June 2018. He is currently serving as the Secretary of our Board of Elders.

Role and Responsibilities of our Elders

In accordance with Scripture, Elders are committed men and women who are solidly grounded in their faith and serve with humility and grace. They guard the doctrinal and fiscal integrity of our church and guide our ministry staff and congregation in fulling its mission. They are governed by the teachings of Scripture, our Constitution and By-Laws, and our Statement of Faith. 

Elders provide pastoral care to our congregation and are an important and vital part of our prayer ministry. They pray for the spiritual and physical well-being of members of the congregation, and provide support, leadership, and stability for other prayer ministers at Grace Chapel.

Elders are expected to:

• Focus on the mission of developing and shepherding lifelong followers of Jesus;
• Diligently prepare for and actively participate in Board of Elder meetings (approximately 21 meetings per year) and serve on committees as required;
• Develop high level strategies, policies and decisions on issues that affect the entire church body;
• Assist with church membership and approve new members;
• Assist with Communion and baptisms;
• Participate in the Annual Meeting.

Qualifications of an Elder

The Biblical qualifications for an Elder are outlined in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9 and detailed in Grace Chapel’s Constitution and By-Laws.  Elders must have godly values, a loving heart, self-control, be mature in their faith, and able to teach. They must also have a good reputation and a healthy home. In addition, Elders must be members of Grace Chapel in good standing.

Grace Chapel strives for a well-balanced Board with diversity in age, gender, and ethnicity, as well as representation from all the campuses. We also look for diversity in experience and expertise - law, finances, executive leadership, pastoral care, theology, and digital ministry/marketing.

Selection Process for Grace Chapel Elders

Elders are lay men or women volunteers who are elected at our Annual Meeting for a four-year term. Elders can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. Each year, the Board of Elders determines the number of positions to be filled that year due to vacancies on the Board.

In accordance with our By-Laws, the Nominating Committee solicits nominations from church members and leaders. The Committee reviews the names and qualifications, conducts interviews and then makes a recommendation to the Board of Elders for review. The final slate of nominees is then submitted to the congregation for ratification at our Annual
Meeting.