Meet The Team
Lead Pastor
Tim Chinn
Tim has attended Grace Evangelical Church since Nov. 2019 and became the Lead Pastor in March 2020. Tim and his wife Rene’ have been married since 1982 and in local church ministry since that time. They have two married adult children and four grandchildren. Tim graduated from Baptist Bible College with a Bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministries and from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master’s degree in pastoral ministries.
Tim enjoys almost every kind of outdoor sport and working with his hands. Besides studying the Bible, he also enjoys reading about leadership, discipleship, and church revitalization. He is passionate about shepherding people, watching them grow spiritually, and helping others in need.
Director of Children's Ministry-Jennifer Ogaard
Jennifer began attending Grace Evangelical Church in May 2014. Jennifer served in Children’s Ministry, and became the Children’s Ministry Director in August 2017.
Working along-side-of-the parents, Jennifer leads the Children’s Volunteers to teach the children to love God and each other. She considers the verses in Titus 2:11-13 when leading children. The verses refer to the grace of God “which teaches us” meaning more than instruction, it includes the whole process of training a child-instruction, encouragement, correction and discipline.
She loves teaching children about
the attributes and the grace of God which will lead children in turn to love God.
Holding an elementary teaching certificate and middle school language arts endorsement, Jennifer has degrees from Minnesota State University-Moorhead. She married Kevin Ogaard in November 1979. Besides spending time with their daughter, son-in-law and 3 grandchildren, Jennifer plays clarinet in the Elgin Community College band, enjoys biking, gardening and playing pickleball.
Director of Youth and Worship-Jon Weyerhauser
Jon began serving at Grace Evangelical Church on January 1, 2022 as our Director of Youth and Worship. Jon and his wife Gretchen just had their first daughter in January of 2022. Originally from Gurnee, IL
Jon prayed the prayer when he was young, but was not truly born again until October of 2007. Ever since, Jon has had a tenacious desire to know God and tell people about Him!
One of his favorite quotes is by C. T. Studd, “Only one life, ‘twil soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last”.
Jon and Gretchen love the preaching at Grace Church and how much the community of believers feels like family!
Administrative Assistant-Marianne Versaw
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Administrative Assistant-Angel Vernick
Ken Hinterlong- Lao Ministry Leader/Deacon
Marianne began attending Grace during the summer of 2017. Marianne is married to Barry, and together they have three sons, Dietrich, Gavin, and Joram.
At Grace, she has been involved in Nursery, VBS, Moms’ Small Group, Greeters, First Impressions, and Operation Christmas Child.
She began volunteering in the office during the summer of 2020 and was hired as Administrative Assistant in January 2021.
Grace just feels “like home”. She has come to love the people at Grace, and she really enjoys working with the staff.
A favorite verse of hers is: “The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
Angel began attending Grace Evangelical Church in April 2021 and became quickly involved serving on our Worship Team and helping in the summer with VBS.
She was hired on as an administrative assistant in January 2022. Angel is married to Nathan and together they have 2 Daughters Selah and Hannah. She loves the Bible based teaching she receives weekly at Grace as well as all the friendly people she encounters.
Her favorite Bible Verse is Proverbs 31:25 "She is clothed in strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future."
Ken Faithfully serves the Lao Ministry Sunday Mornings at 10:30 a.m.
Deacons
The deacons serve our church in a variety of ways. If you need to use our facility please do not hesitate to contact our deacon team.
Kevin Ogaard - Chair,
Larry Gabler, Lloyd Haksen,
Ken Hinterlong, Dave Kozuck,
Rick Stone
Deaconess
The deaconess serve our church and women's ministry at GEC. They care deeply about the women in our church and have events throughout the year that focus on building community.
Linda Van Natta - Chair,
Marcia Gehrig, Jamie Hodge,
Carolyn Kraus, Cathy Stellman,
Ruth Stuart
Elders
The Elders are the Spiritual leaders of our Church who are responsible for doctrine, direction, and discipline.
Eric Jordan-Joint Board Chair,
Micah Boyher-Elder Chair,
Aaron Steffen- Secretary,
Kurt Stuart, & Tim Chinn