Staff
Benjie Slaton - Lead Pastor
Benjie and Natalie Slaton first discovered Chattanooga as undergraduates working at camps on Lookout Mountain and have been returning ever since. They married after college and have served Jesus’ church in various places. Benjie has served as the RUF Campus Minister at the University of Texas, and as a pastor in two churches in Austin and San Antonio. Both churches were recent church plants and sent out church plants. Seeing new churches born is something the Slatons love and have a passion to see happen here in Chattanooga.
The Slatons deeply love Chattanooga. It’s been like a second home for them for many years. They have three children, a feisty wiener dog, love the mountains and the water, and possess an unhealthy love for good tacos.
Chris Ammen - Pastor to Children and Families
Chris and Sarah Ammen come to Grace+Peace with a deep passion for seeing children and families meet Jesus and discover His love for them and for the world. The Ammens have a deep love for the city of Chattanooga as it's where Sarah went to college and where they dated (for a very short time...ask them the story!). The Ammens are creatives by nature and desire to build a culture at Grace+Peace rooted in love for all people at all stages of life.
Chris and Sarah have four children (Jake, Caleb, Kate, and Charlotte), a love of almost anything involving sports, and good food (especially when enjoyed with friends). The Ammens are also the founders and owners of Kaleidoscope, which publishes innovative children's discipleship resources. The entire family is proud to call Chattanooga home and looks forward to how the Lord will work through Grace+Peace to bless the families of our city.
Ansley Godwin - Executive Administrator
Ansley Godwin grew up in Birmingham, AL and graduated from Auburn University in 2019. During her last semester she studied abroad in Italy and discovered that she loves a good tiramisu! While in college, Ansley first discovered a passion for working with students and walking alongside them in life. Ansley moved to Chattanooga in 2020 to participate in the Chattanooga Fellows Program, and she has loved her time in the city since the day she moved! The community within the church is one of the things Ansley loves most. She brings passion and energy to helping the community life of Grace+Peace really flourish!
Sarah Woody - Nursery Director + Bookkeeper
Sarah grew up in Roanoke Virginia and graduated from Liberty University in 2019. She married Russell the weekend after graduation and shortly after they moved to Chattanooga. They have fallen in love with Chattanooga and are proud to call it home. Russell and Sarah have two beautiful children, Vincent and Zion. Sarah loves spending time with her family, having a good cup of coffee while reading a book or a game night with friends. Sarah is so thankful and excited to serve on staff at Grace + Peace.
Kathryn Placer - Children’s Ministry + Volunteer Coordinator
Kathryn Placer, her husband Neil, and three children Gabe (20), Maggie (17), and Stella (13) have lived in Chattanooga for the past 15 years. Kathryn has been actively involved as a Bible study leader in various capacities including the women’s ministry of her church and Bible Study Fellowship. She enjoys studying and growing in her knowledge of the Word of God and desires to see people of all ages come to know Jesus through the Scriptures and authentic discipleship.She and her family have been attending Grace + Peace since the summer of 2023, and have felt very welcomed into the local church body. In her free time, she enjoys all types of exercise,including outdoor activities with friends.
Chris Duke - Pastoral Intern for Youth Ministry
Chris grew up in Las Vegas, NV, and joined the army at 17. While in the military, Chris was stationed in Savannah, GA, where he met Carmen, his wife. Chris’ background in the army has taught him the value of discipline, teamwork, and resilience. These experiences have been instrumental in Chris’ approach to chaplaincy and ministry. Chris works as a pediatric chaplain and is in seminary at Erskine. Chris is excited to bring his experiences and passion for ministry to the youth of Grace+Peace.