Our Leaders
Ross & Jennifer Gerber - Senior Pastor
Ross and Jennifer Gerber, and their three children, came to Sturgis in 1987 from the metropolitan area of Toronto, Canada. They had a vision to promote short-term mission trips to foreign countries and to help a new church, called Grace Christian Fellowship, grow into a healthy, prospering congregation. Over the years, they have served as Directors of the children's ministry and the short-term mission's ministry. Ross came on staff in 1991 as the Associate Pastor, and in 1998 he took on the role of Senior Pastor. Ross received his Bachelor of Science (Honors Kinesiology) and Bachelor of Education degrees in Canada and spent 10 years teaching high school in the suburbs of Toronto before
answering the call to the ministry. He has his ordination with the
Evangelical Church Alliance.
Jennifer has her Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) degree and has served alongside Ross in every aspect of ministry. Her love for people is evident to all and her passion to help others has led her into coaching many in life issues. Jennifer has always had a deep desire to help those "left out" and continues to pursue training that will help her minister effectively to the people of the church.
Ross and Jennifer have a vision and desire to present Jesus in a relevant way to their community. They believe the Gospel is relevant today and when presented with concern and sensitivity for the culture, will reveal the Father's heart to a hurting generation that needs His love. They are excited about "doing church" in an enjoyable, penetrating way that uses present day cultural issues to reach this generation. They want to help people "take another look at Jesus" and find out just how real He is.
Ross is fun loving and interested in enjoying life. He believes that God delights in His children and enjoys watching their joy in living life well and discovering who He is. Ross' passion is to release people into a life of faith and trust in their Heavenly father, living under His hand of blessing and not condemnation.
Ross and Jennifer have three married children and two young grandsons, all of whom they love passionately.
… (trust) in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17
Evangelical Church Alliance.
Jennifer has her Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) degree and has served alongside Ross in every aspect of ministry. Her love for people is evident to all and her passion to help others has led her into coaching many in life issues. Jennifer has always had a deep desire to help those "left out" and continues to pursue training that will help her minister effectively to the people of the church.
Ross and Jennifer have a vision and desire to present Jesus in a relevant way to their community. They believe the Gospel is relevant today and when presented with concern and sensitivity for the culture, will reveal the Father's heart to a hurting generation that needs His love. They are excited about "doing church" in an enjoyable, penetrating way that uses present day cultural issues to reach this generation. They want to help people "take another look at Jesus" and find out just how real He is.
Ross is fun loving and interested in enjoying life. He believes that God delights in His children and enjoys watching their joy in living life well and discovering who He is. Ross' passion is to release people into a life of faith and trust in their Heavenly father, living under His hand of blessing and not condemnation.
Ross and Jennifer have three married children and two young grandsons, all of whom they love passionately.
… (trust) in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17
Luke & Amanda Eicher - Associate Pastor
Amanda co-founded Impact Leadership, which provides leadership and
awareness workshops in local schools.
Luke began attending Grace Christian Fellowship at age six with his parents when the church started. Luke grew up attending the youth group, serving on the youth and church worship teams and ministering on overseas mission trips. Luke and Amanda began volunteering with the youth ministry after graduating from Michigan State University in 2002. In 2004 they were appointed as the youth leaders to oversee Rush and Surge youth ministries and in 2005 Luke was asked to participate as a member of the church elder/leader team.
Luke and Amanda believe in the significance of the local church and are committed to training, teaching, and building a body of believers that is empowered to do the work of the ministry. They want to see the church released to live life well, add value to their community, and free to share the good news of the gospel. They have a passion for youth ministry and desire to train up young people who are committed to living to living their lives for God and advancing the His kingdom.
Luke is passionate about loving his wife, Amanda, and their three daughters, Elaina, Riley and Kenzie.
Philippians 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
awareness workshops in local schools.
Luke began attending Grace Christian Fellowship at age six with his parents when the church started. Luke grew up attending the youth group, serving on the youth and church worship teams and ministering on overseas mission trips. Luke and Amanda began volunteering with the youth ministry after graduating from Michigan State University in 2002. In 2004 they were appointed as the youth leaders to oversee Rush and Surge youth ministries and in 2005 Luke was asked to participate as a member of the church elder/leader team.
Luke and Amanda believe in the significance of the local church and are committed to training, teaching, and building a body of believers that is empowered to do the work of the ministry. They want to see the church released to live life well, add value to their community, and free to share the good news of the gospel. They have a passion for youth ministry and desire to train up young people who are committed to living to living their lives for God and advancing the His kingdom.
Luke is passionate about loving his wife, Amanda, and their three daughters, Elaina, Riley and Kenzie.
Philippians 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Luke joined the GCF staff in December 2005, at the age of 27. He and his wife, Amanda, also oversee the youth ministry at the church.
Luke received his Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University in 2002, graduating with high honors. He worked four years as a pharmaceutical consulting engineer at Dynamic Engineering Inc. before beginning full time ministry.
Amanda received her Bachelor of Science degree in Family Community Services (Human Ecology) from Michigan State University in 2002.
Luke received his Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University in 2002, graduating with high honors. He worked four years as a pharmaceutical consulting engineer at Dynamic Engineering Inc. before beginning full time ministry.
Amanda received her Bachelor of Science degree in Family Community Services (Human Ecology) from Michigan State University in 2002.
Tyler & Leslie Redden - Associate Pastor
10 her Dad and her family were transferred to the much bigger city of
Helena, Montana. Nine years later, at a college bible study, she met her
future husband. They got married and have been a team in ministry ever since. Leslie is quite the artist, and loves showing her creative side. She also enjoys horseback riding, hiking in the mountains (when she is around mountains :-)) and working with any age of children. Leslie also graduated from the Berean School of the Bible, completing the Ministerial Studies program.
Tyler and Leslie bring an enthusiasm for life, and are excited about being with people. Tyler and Leslie believe the local church is a place where people of any background can come and do life together. They enjoy spending time and getting to know people, connecting them to others, helping them to realize and find their giftings, and catapulting them for service in the kingdom of God. They are excited to be doing ministry together!
Galatians 5:16 - "My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God's spirit"
Helena, Montana. Nine years later, at a college bible study, she met her
future husband. They got married and have been a team in ministry ever since. Leslie is quite the artist, and loves showing her creative side. She also enjoys horseback riding, hiking in the mountains (when she is around mountains :-)) and working with any age of children. Leslie also graduated from the Berean School of the Bible, completing the Ministerial Studies program.
Tyler and Leslie bring an enthusiasm for life, and are excited about being with people. Tyler and Leslie believe the local church is a place where people of any background can come and do life together. They enjoy spending time and getting to know people, connecting them to others, helping them to realize and find their giftings, and catapulting them for service in the kingdom of God. They are excited to be doing ministry together!
Galatians 5:16 - "My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God's spirit"
Tyler joined the staff of GCF in March of 2006, after he and his Wife Leslie moved from Montana and spent a year serving as interns.
Tyler graduated with a degree in computer technology from the University of Montana College of Technology. He worked for five years doing computer repair, software testing for a local company and Microsoft. He also graduated from Berean School of the Bible, completing their Ministerial Studies program.
Leslie grew up in a small Oregon town of 1000 people. When she was
Tyler graduated with a degree in computer technology from the University of Montana College of Technology. He worked for five years doing computer repair, software testing for a local company and Microsoft. He also graduated from Berean School of the Bible, completing their Ministerial Studies program.
Leslie grew up in a small Oregon town of 1000 people. When she was
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Copyright 2008 Grace Christian Fellowship
Earl & Pat Eicher - Elder
Joe & Diane Markus - Elder
We are one of three couples that, back in 1984, heard from GOD to go to Sturgis and start a church. We were involved in FGBMFI for several years and received the teaching of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and had received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We knew we should start a church that included teaching on the Holy Spirit. We were not called as pastors so we held hands in the parking lot and asked GOD to send us a pastor. Within a year God did and GRACE was started.
Bio coming soon!
21st Anniversary Celebration
Pastor Deo Mwanje from Uganda with some friends
Summer fun
Kidz Connection
Earl grew up on a family dairy farm and attended a Mennonite church where he got saved at the age of 12. After graduating from high school he started a business selling and servicing lawn mowers, chain saws, and motorcycles. Earl met Pat at 17 and were married at 19.
Pat is a homemaker and enjoys cooking, making quilts, flower gardening, and spending time with the grandchildren. They now have 2 children and 4 grandchildren and have been together 51 years. They serve on the hospitality team and Pat bakes for the café.
They like to introduce exciting new ideas like "The Truth Project" and
"Healthy Lifestyles" as small groups.
Ex 15:26 - "If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your GOD and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put non of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you."
Pat is a homemaker and enjoys cooking, making quilts, flower gardening, and spending time with the grandchildren. They now have 2 children and 4 grandchildren and have been together 51 years. They serve on the hospitality team and Pat bakes for the café.
They like to introduce exciting new ideas like "The Truth Project" and
"Healthy Lifestyles" as small groups.
Ex 15:26 - "If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your GOD and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put non of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you."
