Staff - Grace Baptist Church of Fort Worth, TX

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Staff

Louis Heard, Lead Pastor

Pastor Louis Heard comes to Grace as its Lead Pastor from Tucson, Arizona, where he successfully pastored for over six years. He earned a Biblical Studies Degree with Biblical Languages at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas. Soon after graduating, he met his wife, Cathy. They were married in 2000, moved to Fort Worth, and continued ministry training at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he received a Masters of Divinity with Biblical Languages in May of 2002.

Pastor Louis considers pastoring his vocational calling, but abiding with the God of the Universe is his ultimate calling. To that end, Pastor Louis' desire is to lead others in drawing near to God. He is a visionary leader who seeks to build a staff and leadership team that will not only execute the vision but is a part of the visionary process. He is a relevant teacher of God's Word who will have you walk away with practical advice in drawing closer to God.

He and Cathy have four children: Haley [7], Noah [6], Eden [3], and Levi [18 months]. Ultimately, he loves spending time with Cathy and the kids. But when he's not chasing around his little ones, he also enjoys reading, writing, college football, baseball and gatherings with friends.

Justin Rhymes – Associate Pastor of Youth & Small Groups

Justin comes to Grace from Benton, Arkansas, where he has been employed in the Information Technology field for the past 12 years. He earned a Biblical Studies/Languages Degree from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas. During and after college, he served as Youth and Associate Pastor for several churches in Arkansas.

After a successful career in business, Justin is excited about using the gifts and abilities that God has given him to help realize the potential that exists within the Small Groups and Youth Ministries of Grace Baptist Church. His heart for people and attention to detail is a compliment to the vision and direction of the church set forth by Pastor Louis and the leadership team.

He and his wife Becky have 2 boys: Ethan [6] and Drew [2]. He enjoys spending time camping with his family and coaching youth sports. In his spare time, he also enjoys reading, music, fly fishing, football, and Texas Rangers baseball.

Stephanie Lawrence, Children’s Director

Stephanie joined Grace as a member in 2004 and became director of The Grace Place Mother’s Day Out program in 2007. In 2012, she was appointed as Children’s Director where she currently serves.

Stephanie earned a Master of Behavioral Science in Counseling Psychology and a Bachelor in Psychology from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant Oklahoma prior to moving to the Fort Worth area. However, soon after joining Grace, God began revealing his true calling for her life.

Stephanie has a genuine passion for serving the Lord through ministering to children and their families. She and her husband Russell have two children, Reece and Madison. She enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

James Cheesman, Worship Leader

James comes to Grace to lead the music portion of our Sunday morning worship experiences. Before moving to Fort Worth, James served as Minister of Music at First Baptist Church in Marlin, TX for four years. He received his B.M. in Church Music with a Keyboard Concentration and Minor in Religion from Baylor University (Summa Cum Laude) and is currently earning his Master's Degree in Church Music from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

James works to create musical excellence that will glorify God no matter what style or genre. His musical interests include playing piano, guitar, French horn, writing praise and worship music, composing and arranging for choir, and directing and leading musical groups and ensembles. James is passionate about seeing God's people praise the Lord with music and a lifestyle of worship.

James is originally from Cuero, Texas, where his father Larry, a Minister of Music, his mother Brenda, a teacher, and his older brother, Matthew, reside. Although James spends lots of time listening, writing, and practicing music, he also is a passionate Baylor Bears football and basketball fan and enjoys playing soccer.

Dr. Wayne Martin, Pastoral Care / Adults

Dr. Wayne Martin served Grace as Pastor from 1955 to 1980 and currently leads the Adult Division of the Sunday School. His gentle demeanor and powerful pulpit presence are the defining attributes of his ministry.

Dr. Martin studied at Arlington Baptist College (which he served as President from 1980 to 1992) and Luther Rice Seminary. He has two grown daughters, three grandkids, and lists reading and travel as his primary leisure interests.

Sandy Rankin, Business Manager

Sandy has been a consistent, integral member of the Grace staff since 1983. Her pinpoint accuracy and attention to detail allow her to manage the financial needs of the church with integrity and skill.

Sandy lists spectator sports, reading, trivia, and reconciling checkbooks among her hobbies!

Kathy Williams, Administrative Assistant

Kathy has worked in the church office since 1993. Her standard for excellence and thorough, detailed approach allow the office to run efficiently. She is primarily responsible for all church records, mailings, newsletters, conference materials, and the weekly bulletin.

Kathy is married to Dr. Ronnie Williams and has two grown children and six grandchildren. Her hobbies include spending time with her grandkids and reading.