Staff
Larry Linsenmaier, Lead Pastor
God’s love called me to Grace allowing me the honor to serve as our Lead Pastor. I am responsible for giving direction in creating, casting, and maintaining our core ideology and making sure that all of our ministries are aligned with that ideology. I am also responsible for weekend preaching and giving leadership and supervision to the staff. I am passionate about people and the favorite part of my call is to be able to share the Greatest News ever given with other people and then see the love of Christ change them. When I’m not working I love hanging out with my kids, and doing whatever I can to be around my hero, my wife Elma. We love movies, vacations, food, and friends.
Don Vickers, Director of Music and Youth
When I was 12, my family attended a church where youth demonstrated love for one another and the Holy Spirit's presence was evident. The love and joy of the youth was contagious, and I wanted it. I asked Jesus to forgive my sins and be my Savior, which led to a hunger for God‚s word. I began working with youth and music in college, and held a career in Human Resources while continuing ministry. In May 2005, I visited Grace Covenant. Pastor Larry's sermon hit home big time, and the church had needs in areas where God had gifted me. By August I was working with the Awana program, and a year later we started an outreach called “The Friday Night FriendZ”. I my spare time I enjoy hiking, fishing, and driving in my van. I'm really just a quiet mild mannered person— NOT!!!
Stephanie Parker, Office Administrator
At the early age of 5 years old my mom enrolled me in dance classes and I developed a love for ballet, tap, and jazz. I also had a friend who was persistent in bringing me to church, but I never understood the need for Jesus until I had children. At that time, I knew there was something missing and began my search for answers. Today Jesus is my Savior, my life, and my salvation. In addition to my administrative duties at Grace, I teach dance to people of all ages at my studio “Step In Style.” I was called to Grace Covenant four years ago. Anthony, Savannah, and Sierra are my wonderful children. I consider Grace Covenant as my second family and don‚t know what I‚d do without their love and support.
Kelly Gibson, Director of Children’s Ministries
Have you ever seen the hand of God move so dramatically that it truly leaves you amazed? It was a God thing four years ago when Michael and I and our four children were called to Grace Covenant. This happened as a direct result from the prayers of the faithful people of Grace, to minister through a Kids Club called AWANA. I grew up in the AWANA program and have been playing with and ministering to kids and teens for over 20 years now. I don‚t think that there is a greater pleasure in this life than to see people, tall ones and small ones give their lives to Jesus and then use their gifts & talents in Ministry & Service. It is an honor to serve you and your family as your children’s director and I would Love, Love, Love to meet you. So come on by.
Clarisse Jackson, BSW, MA, NCC - Counseling Ministries
I was fortunate and blessed to be raised in a Christian home and accepted Jesus into my life at a very early age. My life experiences include being a wife, mother, grandmother, caregiver, abuse survivor and successfully navigating through a mid-life career transition. I am very passionate about my ministry of counseling that allows me to assist individuals as they move through stages of life and various life situations. I am skilled and comfortable working with adults, couples, and families addressing issues such as: anxiety, depression, grief and loss, problematic thinking, stress, abuse, trauma (EMDR), caregiver concerns, women’s issues, successful aging, spirituality and relationship dynamics.
Larry Cardenas, Business and Facilities Manager
I would describe myself as a jack of all trades, master of none. Not original, but true! To give you an idea, here’s a little history: 12 years in the printing/graphic arts industry (business owner for 5 of those); 3 years as a small engine mechanic; 10 years in computer IT management, along with 2 years project management; 20 + years in audio/video production (owned my own sound company); Bass player since early teens (played in many bands and worship teams); I have a Communications degree with a minor in Journalism… yes, there’s a book idea in my head…perhaps when I retire. And somehow during all that time, I managed to get married to my beautiful wife of 19 years, Lisa, and we have a daughter, Leah. In 1980, God saw fit to call me into His service. They say hind sight is 20/02. Looking back, it was simply God’s plan all along, preparing me for this journey called Grace.
