OUR LEADERSHIP
Nate Laughhunn | Lead Pastor
As Lead Pastor of Grace Church, Nate’s role is vision-casting for the church (“where we are going” & “how we get there”). He does this through weekly teachings, leadership development, & guidance for the church as a whole.
Nate & his wife Michelle had a vision in 2018 for a church built on simple pillars: the way of Jesus Christ through his honest & gracious love. It’s why the mission of Grace Church is, simple: LOVE WELL.
He & Michelle live in Youngstown, Ohio, with their son & two border collies.
Ashley Walker | Worship Lead
Ashley is passionate about leading excellent & honest worship experiences. Being a pastor’s kid, she has been leading worship for over a decade, getting excited by the ways God still surprises her in worship.
In addition to serving as Grace Church Worship Lead, she oversees other ministries in the Mahoning Valley. Ashley, her husband, Christian, and their daughter live in Youngstown with their pups.
Staci Direnzo | Teams Lead
Staci has a special heart for finding hope for those feeling oppressed or feeling lost. Her role is all about creative & effective ways to bring said hope to our local communities. Staci welcomes any and all ideas for new ways to reach
Staci & her husband, Tracey, live in Youngstown with their dog & cat while their two kids are away to college.
Tracey Direnzo | Discipleshipl Lead
Tracey grew up at Grace, and although in the past has worked with the youth, he has always had a love for numbers & systems. His primary role in leadership is evaluating our system rhythms, making sure it all “makes sense” for fulfilling the mission & vision of the church.
His wife, Staci (above), is on the leadership team, as well.
Kim Grope | Finance Lead
Kim has been a local business owner of Western Reserve Orthotics and Prosthetics Centre with her husband for many years: a company built on helping the young & old live to their greatest physical potential with the use of modern engineering.
Kim sees church in a similar way: equipping & assisting all people to reach their greatest spiritual potential. With her giftings, her role at Grace is constantly shifting, but is currently helping ensure all ministries are functioning well during our Sunday morning gatherings.
Kim lives in Youngstown with her husband & business partner, Rick.
Brie Morton | Aesthetics Lead
Everyone loves “a well-curated space”. Brie’s role is coordinating all spaces (from outside to inside, worship center to kids ministry) to be unified & excellent. She believes that our spaces should honor the God who has blessed us with them, as well as excite & comfort the people who fill them.
Brie lives in Youngstown with her husband, Thomas, two sons, & furbaby.
Sue Ruby | Kids Worship Lead
Over the years, Sue has served in just about every position that has been needed. As a young woman, Sue & her husband, Ken, found loving community at Grace as they got connected, & quickly began serving & leading however was needed. They raised their kids at Grace & both grew passionate in leading kids ministry (Sue) & small group ministry (Ken).
Sue’s present role is facilitating teachers with their teaching content, materials, & decorations.
Sue & Ken live in Youngstown with their puppy while their two grown children live locally.