Our Staff

Joey is a husband, father and pastor. Most importantly he is a child of God. He has been married to Megan since 2005. He has five children. God has allowed him to plant two churches. He planted the Milestone Church, in inner-city Kansas City, in 2002 and he served there for 12 years. In 2014, he planted Grace Church in his hometown of Independence, MO and he currently still serves as lead pastor. He graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1992. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Baptist Bible College in 2002. He is an avid outdoorsman. He loves to hunt and fish. He also serves as the chaplain for the William Chrisman Football Team. When he was growing up Independence was known as the “Meth Capital of the World.” He went to prison in 1997 for selling drugs but became a Christian while locked up. His church is just down the street from the apartment where he used to sell drugs. He went from pushing dope to pushing hope in his hometown. He lives by the motto “THE BEST IS YET TO COME!”

To connect with pastor Joey Email: Joey@graceisfree.org

Chuck grew up in Independence and graduated from William Chrisman High School. He then graduated from Southwest Baptist University where he met his wife, Mary Beth. They have been married since 1981. They have 2 married children and 4 grandchildren. Some of Chuck’s previous employment includes grounds crew for the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, teacher and coach at Englewood Christian School, Boys Club of Independence, State of Missouri-Developmental Disabilities Division, and Associate Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church. He has been Associate Pastor at Grace Church since November 2017.

Chuck believes everyone should attempt to do something challenging at least once in their lifetime. He chose to run a marathon and 2 half marathons to challenge himself. Chuck believes that a relationship with God will transform a person’s life because it has transformed him.

To connect with pastor Chuck Email: Chuck@graceisfree.org

Chad has been serving with Pastor Joey off and on since the late ’90s. He focuses on John 4:24 “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” He considers it part of his life’s mission to help others to worship through God’s Word and principles with an honest open heart; knowing that the Father is listening. Chad feels incredibly blessed to have an amazing wife, Carol, and two awesome children, Ian & Payton who graciously share their time knowing Dad is using his passion for music to serve Christ. Chad also feels spoiled to have such a loyal and talented Praise Team to work with as well as a Lead Pastor who encourages and allows him liberty to do what the Holy Spirit calls.

To connect with pastor Chad Email: Chad@graceisfree.org

Jessica is the voice you’ll get to hear behind the phone and the sweet responder to most emails. She is the face you’ll meet when coming to the church throughout the week! She helps in assisting the staff with all the administrative things to free them up to focus on ministry. 

Previously, she worked for Evergy (KCP&L) for 16 years and Disney Direct Marketing before that. She’s married to Bill, a sergeant with Platte County Sheriff’s Office. And they have 2 kids, Izzy & Caleb, who both love to dance.

To connect with Jessica

Email: Jessica@graceisfree.org

Ashley has had a lot of places to call "home" but is originally from Sulphur Springs, Texas. Ashley has been around ministry for as long as she can remember. She grew up as the daughter of a pastor and accepted Christ when she was 6. She is a graduate of Baptist Bible College with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Biblical studies with a minor in worship ministry studies. Her current hobby is decorating her house. Around Grace, She provides direction and oversight for all of Grace Kids ministries. She ensures that “Grace Kids” is a physically safe and spiritually nurturing place for children to engage with the truths of the Gospel. Ashley is also responsible for coordinating and investing in the lives of the team members who serve.

To connect with Ashley

Email: Ashley@graceisfree.org