Say hello to the leadership team at Grace Church. Got questions for the lead team at Grace? Contact us by clicking here.

Jonathan Trees' pastoral ministry blends his experiences from years leading worship, teaching, and serving the Florida District as Mentor Coordinator, as well as Midsouth District leadership boards. Jonathan and his wife, Kara, have coauthored a marriage retreat curriculum to share the lessons they have learned from 34 years as husband and wife. Kara is a licensed teacher and a licensed realtor in North Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee. She taught elementary school for decades and was the principal at Christian Heritage Academy. They enjoy time with their children, Megan (Curt) and Marlena as well their precious grandchildren. Jonathan and Kara both graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University and Jonathan completed his MDiv from Nazarene Theological Seminary. Jonathan has published The Second Chair: Becoming The MVP; Circle Highlight Underline Bible studies; What Do You Have In Your Hands?; and a collection of essays called, The Boy In The Box With Lights. He enjoys hiking in the mountains of Tennessee and speaking as an advocate for living organ donation. 

Craig Adams, a 5-time Dove Award winning producer and arranger within the Christian music industry, has more than thirty-five years experience as a Worship Pastor. He graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University in 1991 with a B.S. in Music Business and in 2022 earned an M.A. in Worship and Leadership. In addition to serving as Worship Pastor at Grace Church, Craig has returned to TNU as the Executive Director of the Center for Commercial Music and to teach in the Worship Studies degree program. His sphere of influence within the Christian music industry and Church Music has become far-reaching and his talents have contributed to the success of countless notable artists such as Sandy Patty, Steve Green, Sonic Flood, FFH, Margaret Becker and many more. Craig resides in Franklin, TN with his wife, Deanna, and two children, Madeline and Hayden. He enjoys travel, tennis, all things Cincinnati Reds, and backyard grill-outs with his family and church friends on a regular basis.

Kevin Simons has been involved in Youth Ministry for 32 years and has served in the Nazarene church in many different parts of the country, most recently in Venice, FL. He and his wife, Meghan, met and fell in love at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN.

David Johnson came to join our staff in 2017, shortly after his retirement from the mission field. He and his wife, Lisa, provided evangelism, pastoral training, discipleship, and administrative support to both the Madagascan and Kenyan people through Nazarene Missions International (NMI) for over 17 years. Their adult daughters, Lauren and Amanda, who were raised in Africa, now reside in Nashville as well. David started the Grace Church Swahili worship service, which meets on Sundays at 11:00am. He has a passion for lost and marginalized cultures, and his humble spirit draws these people to him. We are thankful to have both David and Lisa stateside at Grace church!

Jon Ary joined our staff in August 2023. Jon met Sigrid in Seattle, WA, and recently celebrated 7 years of marriage. They have two wild boys, Judah (5) and Elijah (3), whom they adore! The Arys are a family who loves reading together, exploring cool parks in the area, and trying new restaurants. Sigrid has been a school teacher for 8 years, and Jon has had the honor to lead children & family ministries for over a decade. He says, "The calling that God placed in our hearts for the future generation is a true gift. I have a passion to reach the community and pastor a generation of world changers who seek the Lord with all their heart."

Jorge Tacuara was born in Mozambique, Africa, to a family of ten children: two boys and eight girls. In 1986 Jorge received Jesus Christ as his savior at Nampula Central Church of the Nazarene and later sensed a call into ministry. In 2003 Jorge earned his Master of Arts (MA) in theology and biblical studies from Trevecca Nazarene University. Jorge holds another master’s degree in public administration (MPA). He is currently in the Ph.D. program in public policy and administration at Tennessee State University.

Richard Ball moved to Nashville on October 1st of 1985 and shortly thereafter began attending here at Grace Church. For the past decade, Richard, and his wife Deloris, have focused on Senior Adult Ministry formerly called JOY Club (Just Older Youth) and now OASIS (Older Adults Sharing In Service), providing fellowship through meals and activities. Their passion is encouraging our older adults to stay connected in the Body of Christ, and their methods are through visitation to shut-ins, phone ministry, a monthly newsletter, and bi-weekly men’s breakfasts.