Brian has been in full-time ministry since 1987. He has been a licensed minister with the Foursquare Church since 1989.
With extensive experience in youth, young adult and adult ministries, Brian stepped into the role of Lead Pastor of Grace Place in July of 2010. With a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Southern California College and a Masters degree in New Testament theology from Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, Brian brings both a theological perspective and a people sensitive approach to ministry. Brian and his wife, Carolyn, have been married since 1991 and have 6 children: Samantha, Michaela, Tessa, Ellie, Vinh, and Levi.
Samantha has attended Grace Place since 2018 and serves as the Associate Pastor.
Samantha grew up as a pastor’s kid and has served in various areas of ministry throughout her life. At a young age she felt God calling her into ministry and she is grateful to have the opportunity to live out that calling here at Grace Place. She loves to help organize women’s events, lead Bible studies, help people find areas to connect and serve within the church, and she has a passion for teaching and communicating God’s word.
Samantha is currently working towards her Masters in Practical Theology. She has been married to her husband, Will, since 2008. They have two sons, William and Ethan.
Shawna serves as the Children's Ministry Director of Grace Place. Shawna has been honored to work with kids in a variety of ways, as a Sunday school teacher, vacation Bible school volunteer, youth director, and public school and home school teacher. She has yet to meet a kid she didn't like.
She and her husband, Kim, have two children, Davey and Annie. Shawna also has a bachelors degree in liberal studies and a masters degree in education from Fresno State.
One of Shawna's favorite verses is Psalm 127:3 "Children are a gift from God."
Micah and Michelle Cornelius have worked in Youth and Children’s Ministry for 18 years and serve at Grace Place as Youth Leaders.
Always working side by side, both Micah and Michelle attended and graduated from Central Valley School of Ministry (CVSOM), an incredible experience that deepened their understanding of God’s Word. It was there that they first connected with one of their instructors, our own Pastor Brian. When their previous assignment came to an end, they felt God’s hand guiding them to Grace Place—a church that has always been part of their story.
Meeting in 1996 and marrying in 2002, Micah and Michelle are blessed with two sons: Cody and James. They truly love the community and family that they have found here.