Session
It belongs to those in the office of Elders (i.e., the Session), both severally and jointly, to watch diligently over the flock committed to their charge, that no corruption of doctrine or of morals enter therein. They must exercise government and discipline, and take oversight not only of the spiritual interests of the particular church, but also the Church generally when called thereunto. They should visit the people at their homes, especially the sick. They should instruct the ignorant, comfort the mourner, and nourish and guard the children of the Church. They should set a worthy example to the flock entrusted to their care by their zeal to evangelize the unconverted and make disciples. All those duties which private Christians are bound to discharge by the law of love are especially incumbent upon them by divine vocation, and are to be discharged as official duties. They should pray with and for the people, being careful and diligent in seeking the fruit of the preached Word among the flock…He that fills this office should possess a competency of human learning and be blameless in life, sound in the faith and apt to teach. He should exhibit a sobriety and holiness of life becoming the Gospel. He should rule his own house well and should have a good report of them that are outside the Church.
Elders are elected by the Grace + Peace members based on the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.
I’m Jeff Brown. My wife is Jen and my kids are Nathan and Hannah. I’m a software engineer.
My name is Brent Coley, and I’m married to Becca Coley. We have 2 fun kiddos – Emory and Shep. I work in Accounting and Finance.
Brent is on sabbatical (year long break from active service)
My name is Peter Croft, and my wife is Annie. We have three sons, Rockson, JB, and Felix. I am in the business world here in Austin.
Blessings! I am Jon Kim and have the privilege to be married to Kristy. We have 3 beautiful daughters. I enjoy spending time in God's word, sports, and music.
My name is Jeff Marshall, and my wife is Anna Marshall, and our kids are Levi and Luke Marshall. By day I’m a Software Engineering Manager at Atlassian.
My name is Ryan Motola, and my wife is Erin Motola. Our 3 sons are Sam, Ben, and Will. I work in insurance for Association Member Benefits.
I’m Marvin Olasky. Susan and I married in 1976 and have 4 sons, 6 grandkids. I taught at UT and edited World from 1983 to 2021. My spiritual gift: Dog walk-and-talks.
Marvin is on sabbatical (year long break from active service)
My name is Barrett Raven, and my wife is Kristen. Our kids are Ira, Wyatt, and Bowie. I’m a residential Realtor here in town with Realty Austin. I love breakfast tacos and coffee.
Barrett is on sabbatical (year long break from active service)
My name is Matt Williams, and I am married to Margaret Williams. Our two children are Caroline and Ford. I am the principal consultant at M. Williams Consulting.
DEacons & Deaconesses
It is the duty of the Deacons to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress. It is their duty also to develop the grace of liberality in the members of the church, to devise effective methods of collecting the gifts of the people, and to distribute these gifts among the objects to which they are contributed. They shall have the care of the property of the congregation, both real and personal, and shall keep in proper repair the church edifice and other buildings belonging to the congregations. To the office of Deacon, which is spiritual in nature, shall be chosen men of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly spirit, warm sympathies, and sound judgment. The role of Deaconess is not an ordained office of the church. However, they are charged with assisting the Deacons in all their work and should be held to the same standards as the men.
Don't hesitate to reach out to the diaconate if there is a physical, emotional, or material need for yourself or a neighbor! You can also request benevolence by filling out the form here, which goes directly to the Grace + Peace deacons and deaconesses. You can connect with the deacons and deaconesses of Grace + Peace by emailing deaconteam@graceandpeaceaustin.com or calling (737) 808-2336.
Deacons and deaconesses are elected by the Grace + Peace members based on the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:8-16.
I’m Justin Barclay, and my wife is Emily. We have two kids, Max and June. I spend most of my days editing television shows.
I’m Charlie. I’m Margaret’s husband. I love playing guitar and spending time outdoors. I work as a customer service manager at an energy staffing and supply chain company.
My name is Margaret Brown, and I’m married to Charlie. I’m a music teacher. I enjoy drinking good coffee and going on long walks.
Age:45. Father of 2, Husband to Claire. Son of Robert and Gladys Brown, who also are G&P members. I love this church community and feel blessed to be called to serve in this capacity as deacon. I hope to be able to be able to get to know more of our congregation and ask that you pray for all the new deacons to have renewed strength, wisdom and readiness to faithfully serve.
I am Robert Douglass, married to Michelle. I am retired from a business career, which allows me to spend more time with our three grown children and five grandchildren. Michelle and I also enjoy traveling, hiking and good books.
My name is John, married to Ava. We enjoy the outdoors with our dog, Bear. I work as a software engineer at Indeed.
John is on sabbatical (year long break from active service)
Hi! My name is Yousup Lee. I work as a software engineer by day and as an unpaid consultant for folks planning their vacations to the Swiss Alps by night. I also whistle a lot.
I'm Susan Olasky. My husband, Marvin, and I have been married nearly 48 years. I'm a retired journalist/teacher who now enjoys reading, watching British crime dramas, and playing with grandchildren.
Hey there! My name is Mary Kate Peters. I love spending time with my family, being a dentist, and walking my dog while listening to the Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey podcast.
Mary Kate is on sabbatical (year long break from active service)
I’m Meghann Presley, married to Luke, and we have three great kids. Most days find me homeschooling or driving those great kids around to their activities, and I enjoy filling my downtime with really good books.
My name is Mark Schwarz. I get to be married to Lindsay Schwarz. We have four kids (three boys and a girl) and own a couple of small businesses. I could subsist entirely on avocados.
Mark is on sabbatical (year long break from active service)
Hi I'm Ellie Stackhouse! I love walking in my neighborhood and going to the movies. I work as a counselor for adolescents and young adults.
Hi y’all. My name is Lewis Tandy, married to Brittany Tandy, and father to Henry Tandy. I’m corporate counsel for Texas Mutual Insurance Company, and I teach at Baylor University. Brittany and I are big sports fans, and we love cheering on our Longhorns and Baylor Bears.