CURRENT ElderS
Eddie Centurion
Eddie Centurion was born in Asunción, Paraguay but spent his formative years in the suburbs of Atlanta. Eddie and Joy have been married 17 years and have four kids: Lulu, Ezra, Zeq, and Elenor. They’ve been in Chattanooga for 15 years and were drawn to G+P because of its commitment to missional community groups. Eddie works for the Maclellan Foundation serving Chattanooga-area nonprofits. The Centurions love sharing meals and board game nights with friends.
Mark Griggs
Mark Griggs was born and raised in Dalton, GA. As a retired attorney, Mark currently teaches at Chattanooga Christian School and serves on the Board of Trustees at Covenant College. He and his wife, Beth, have 4 children and 14 grandchildren. Mark’s favorite way to spend a Saturday is riding bikes with Beth, doing yard work, and playing with his grandchildren. He and Beth are excited about the opportunity to help plant a church in the Ooltewah community where they have lived for over 30 years.
James Haynes
James Haynes hails from Fayetteville, NC and he and his wife, Barbara, relocated to Ooltewah 11 years ago. Barbara and James have been married for almost 35 years and have four adult children. They were drawn to Grace+Peace by its location and the excitement of church planting. Their favorite way to spend a Saturday morning is spent drinking coffee and tea while conversing in their family room or on their back porch.
CURRENT DEACONS
Tony Crowder
Tony Crowder is from Arlington, Texas and retired to Chattanooga about four years ago following 40 years of federal public service. His most excellent wife of 35 years, Stephania, and he are excited about Grace+Peace Church’s distinctive ministry and community. Saturdays are often spent pursuing one of the many outdoor adventures found in this area.
Pete Johnson
Pete Johnson is from Escondido, California and first moved to Chattanooga in 1996 to attend Covenant College. Pete and his family were drawn to G+P by its focus on leading with God’s grace and the peace it brings. Pete is the Senior Counsel for Hutton, a group managing real estate development, construction, self-storage, multifamily housing, and car wash companies headquartered in Chattanooga. His family are his favorite people. No offense to the rest of you, but he’d rather be hanging out with them. Pete’s ideal Saturday morning is either trail running, mountain biking, kayaking or sleeping in until noon.
NOMINATED ELDERS
Mike Connor
Mike Connor is from the great state of Alabama. He and his wife, Paula, moved to the Chattanooga area in 2010. Mike is a high school coach and teacher. Paula serves the community as a nurse. They relocated to Ooltewah in 2020. Mike and Paula have been married for almost 26 years and have four children (3 in college 1 in high school). They have been part of Grace+Peace since moving to Ooltewah. They both love the excitement of being a part of a God's church and watching the Lord grow it. We love hanging out with family and friends.
Jesse Gray
Jesse and Jenny Gray come from eastern North Carolina but have called the Volunteer State home since 2007. Moving to the Ooltewah area in late 2020, they were drawn to G+P’s gospel and mission focus. Jesse works for Hamilton County Schools recruiting and developing educators. The Grays have three girls who love pancakes and will tolerate a local hike.
Dave McMahon
Dave McMahon was born and raised in Maine and moved to Ooltewah 22 years ago as part of a corporate merger. He is a retired IT executive and continues to serve on leadership committees for the Isaiah 117 House and Chambliss Center for Children. He and his wife, Robin, have been married for 48 years and have 3 daughters and 5 grandchildren. Dave enjoys golf and model trains; together they enjoy traveling and exploring different cultures as well as volunteering as caregivers at the Isaiah 117 House. They love being a part of a church in their community and helping G+P fulfill its mission.
Brad Smith
Brad is married to his wonderful wife, Tara. Together, they have three children, nine grandchildren, and in their spare time they own and operate Fresh-Tech Growers. They are farmers, on a beautiful 68-acre property located in the Georgetown area. But theirs isn’t a traditional farming operation. They have a greenhouse full of 136 aeroponic towers and grow lettuces, leafy greens, herbs, and other vegetables. Brad is keen on “doing life together”, sharing authentically with one another, and learning to apply the scriptures to the places in life where “the rubber meets the road”.
NOMINATED DEACONS
John Mark Griggs
John Mark Griggs was born and raised in Chattanooga, TN. He graduated from Covenant College in 2014 and has worked as a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial ever since. He and his amazing wife of 12 years, Hannah, enjoy the daily adventures of parenting their 6 sons: Justin, CJ, Mac, Will, Judah and Gabe. If not coaching one of their boys' many sports teams, you will find Hannah and John Mark enjoying tacos together and playing tennis. They were drawn to Grace + Peace by the joyful response to the Gospel that fills this church.
Matt Kerr
Matt and his wife Amanda moved to Chattanooga four years ago. They have three kids: Bennett, Reagan, and Wesley. Most of their free time is spent chasing kids and enjoying doing something active together. They were drawn to G+P by the community they experienced, and they are excited to be part of the work God is doing here!
Josh Perrel
Josh Perrel was born and raised in Chattanooga, TN. He’s been married for 15 years to Diana and has four kids: Sam, Leah, Ben, and Hannah. He’s worked at TVA for 16 years. Josh loves being involved in the music at Grace + Peace. In his free time he enjoys all outdoor activities, but particularly mountain biking, hiking, and playing games with his family.
Tyler Smith
Tyler grew up in Chattanooga, TN and graduated from Covenant College. At Covenant, he met Lis, his wife, and they’ve lived in a few different cities. Three years ago, they moved back to Chattanooga to be close to family. Tyler and Lis have four kids: Jackson, Carter, Ruthie, and new baby Noah!
Russell Woody
Russell Woody grew up in Roanoke Virginia and graduated from Liberty University in 2016. He later went on to also graduate with his RN license in 2018. Russell has worked in finance for the last 5 years. Russell enjoys being active, going to amusement parks, being out on the lake and spending time with his family. Russell and Sarah have been married for 5 years and have two amazing children, Vincent and Zion.