The Grace Place

Pastor Rick’s ministry journey began as a senior in high school when, after making a personal commitment to Jesus Christ, he became aware that God had a special purpose for his life – to serve as a pastor of a local church.  Since coming to the Grace Place, Rick has a compelling awareness that God has him right where he needs to be. He believes that each of his ministry experiences up to this point have been part of God’s preparation process to serve this great church.

“I believe that one of the primary reasons that I am on this earth is the serve as the Senior Pastor of the Grace Place Church. There are many things that God can call us to do in ministry, but I believe that my primary calling and purpose in life is the to minister to this church. I do not see what I do as a job. I see it as my primary purpose and calling in life. ” – Pastor Rick

Since 1979, after graduating from Bible College, Pastor Rick has served four previous churches in Michigan, Ohio and Alabama before coming to serve as senior pastor of The Grace Place Community Church in 1993. Pastor Rick has also received an M.A. in Ministry from Moody Graduate School in Chicago, and throughout his experience his primary ministry focus is to take biblical truth and apply it through preaching and teaching in practical and relevant ways to impact the lives of seekers and believers. He also believes it is extremely important to develop ministries that influence and impact the whole family.

“One of our objectives at the Grace Place is to provide meaningful life changing ministry to the entire family. We place a high priority not only on main weekend services, but also on our GraceKids ministry, Student Ministries, and Ministry to Singles. We strive to minister to needs of married couples as well through annual marriage conferences and counseling services as needed. All of our ministries are constantly in the state of development, re-evaluation, and fine-tuning. To see more about our ministries and ministry leaders please explore our Team Page.”– Pastor Rick

 “I would like to extend a personal welcome to you to become part of the Grace Place family. On the first Sunday of each month we have a pastor’s luncheon which provides a greater opportunity for us to know you and for your know more about our team. We also have class 101 and 201 which are great opportunities to learn about and join the church.” – Pastor Rick 

Eric accepted Christ a week before his 16th birthday and immediately felt a call to full time ministry which changed his direction in life 180 degrees. He attended Kingswood University for a year and finished up his ministry training at Palm Beach Atlantic University in Palm Beach, FL. It was here where he met his wife Blanca who was earning her master’s Degree in Elementary Education at the time.

Eric began serving with the Grace Place as a part-time middle school pastor. The position quickly turned to full-time as Eric and his wife Blanca worked with middle school students for the next 7 years. He then began to work in the Creative Arts and Tech area, out of necessity, and found a passion for it. Today, he works with the drama, video, sound, and related worship arts as well as a recovery ministry for teenagers called the Landing.

Eric and Blanca have two children, Ryan who is 11 and Karlie who is 4. As far as hobbies, Eric enjoys fishing, hunting, writing novels, and just about anything outdoors. He and Blanca both enjoy scuba diving and Eric, himself, is actually a certified rescue diver.

Life Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

“Worship is more than music. It’s how we live, so any place of service is an act of worship. This is a great entry point to serving the church.”

-Pastor Eric Addison

Originally from Chicago, Craig grew up in a Christian home and accepted Christ at age six through his church’s children's ministry.  At age thirteen, he dedicated his life to God and the Lord called him to full- time ministry when he was sixteen. Other than his parents, his youth pastor had been one of the most influential people in his life and Craig wanted God to use him in the same way to impact the lives of other young people. 

Along with being active in his church youth group, as a teenager Craig served as a bus captain in his church’s bus ministry, an AWANA leader, and the song leader in various children's programs.  He went on to obtain a  degree from a Christian university in Church Administration with a double proficiency in Youth Work and Music.  He has a total of 22 years of ministry experience, including 15 years as a youth/family pastor. 

Craig and his wife Monica began attending the Grace Place in early 2014, He began playing keyboard for the church and they began facilitating an adult class for hurting people. About a year and a half later Pastor Rick approached Craig about his interest in the Children’s Pastor position, which he accepted. Craig has stated repeatedly that there is no job in the world he would rather have than serving God through Children’s Ministry.  

Craig and his wife Monica have lived in south Florida since 1999. Monica, has degrees and vast experience in children’s education and nursing and is an intricate part of the Grace Kids, the children's ministry at The Grace Place. Craig and Monica both enjoy playing the piano, exercise, golf, kayaking, canoeing, water and snow skiing, and anything outdoors, as well as participating in and watching sports.  

Craig's life verse is II Corinthians 12:9-10, “And [God] said unto me, 'My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness'. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 

“Please contact me if you have any questions about Grace Kids or if I can help in any way.  I am here to serve you and look forward to the opportunity of partnering with you to help you raise your children for Christ!" – Pastor Craig

Karon’s ministry journey began as a young girl in northeast Alabama where after coming to know Christ as her personal Savior and serving in her local church she rededicated her life as a junior in High School to follow wherever Christ led her.  This path led to a Bible College where she met her future husband Rick the first year there.  They were married one year later on August 23rd, 1974.  One of the defining times early in their relationship was when Rick asked Karon a question, “would she have anything against serving in ministry because that was the call on his life”.  That is the beginning of a 40 year journey as a married couple in ministry and serving 35 of those years in full-time ministry together.

“I believe the song “Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us” that we had sung at our wedding was heartfelt and heaven heard!!  I see a pattern of seeking His Way and His Will making the tapestry of our lives what they are today!!  I believe God has enabled me to serve alongside Rick in whatever capacity was needed at the time,  knowing the call God had laid on Rick’s life and my commitment to that!! ”  - Karon Addison

Karon is on staff at The Grace Place Community Church and has a BA in Christian Education and a Master of Ministry from Moody Graduate School.  Karon is the Director of Prayer, Women’s and Primetimers (60+) ministries.  She enjoys reading, travel, movies, baking, and most of all being a Grammy to grandchildren- Ryan born in 2004, Talia born in 2007, Bentley born in 2010, Karlie born 2011.  

Life Verse: Philippians 4:13 “I (Karon) can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”

“I look forward to meeting you. I am around at all services and excited to get connected so we can grow in our walk with Christ through bible studies and life changing events.” -Karon Addison

Stephanie has been a member and worked at The Grace Place since 2002. During her years at The Grace Place she has served in many areas. Stephanie started out as the receptionist when we opened our Celebration Center in 2002. Later she became the Office Manager and served in that capacity for over 5 years. In 2005 our Celebrate Recovery ministry was started and she jumped at the opportunity to direct that ministry. Her heart is with helping hurting people with any hurt, habit or hang up. She has dealt with recovery issues in her family for the past several years and knows that this is the ministry she was born to do. Stephanie now serves fulltime in Celebrate Recovery and loves every minute of it!

Stephanie was born in Los Angeles, California. She and her husband Bill have
3 sons and 4 grandchildren. They moved to Florida in 2002 and the rest of the family soon followed. In her spare time she loves to spend time at the beach and enjoy her grandchildren.

Life Verse: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

All of us have a hurt, habit, or hang-up. There is no need to clean yourself up. Come as you are and “HE” will make you whole.

-Stephanie Johnston

Suzanne has been on staff at The Grace Place since 1999. Suzanne started out as Director of Finance for 14 years and later became Administrative Assistant to the Senior Pastor, and now leads the Single Adult Ministries. Suzanne feels blessed to be a part of what God is doing and to be on the team.

Suzanne committed her life to Jesus Christ at The Grace Place in 1996. She is married to Arthur Adams and has 4 children, Eli, Emily, Danny and Matthew. Suzanne was born in Massachusetts, moved to Kentucky at age 12 and has been a Florida resident since 1979.

Suzanne enjoys the women’s bible studies and the discipline of staying in the word. She loves to travel, reading, movies and board games.

 Life Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Lorraine Johnson resumed her position as director in June of 2014 originally serving the Grace Place preschool as director from 2001-2011. She has been with the church for over 20 years and feels “blessed to be back.” She is indispensable part of our team overseeing and planning the care of the little ones. She has an Advanced Level Director’s Credential and has been in the Early Childhood Education field for more than 15 years.  Lorraine also is married and has five grown children of her own.

God’s ways are not our ways and  initially Lorraine never planned for a career in Early Childhood Education. However,  she is forever grateful that God knew the desire of heart before she  even realized it. He placed her in this wonderful position, gave her a love for children and filled her with a passion for sharing the love of Jesus to little children.

Life Verse: Matthew 7:21 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven..”

Lisa was originally born in West Palm Beach, Florida, and her parents still live in the same house that her two sisters and she were raised.  In 2008, Lisa became a member of The Grace Place and rededicated her life to Christ.  She has volunteered in the office and children’s area, and most recently served as Assistant to the Director of the Preschool and Aftercare Program before becoming the Pastor’s Administrative Assistant.

 Lisa holds a Bachelors in Finance, and a Masters in Forensic Accounting.  After nearly 20 years in the banking industry, she made the decision to be a stay-at-home Mom to her upcoming teenage daughter.  During that time, she was quite involved in her daughter’s school activities, completed her Masters Degree, volunteered in various capacities, and only then finally realized her desire to serve others through the Church.       

Lisa and her husband, Larry, have been in Martin County for about 15 years and love being part of it! Lisa has one daughter, Lauren, who currently teaches preschool and is finishing up her elementary education degree. Along with faith and family, Lisa enjoys reading, boating, the beach, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  She is the proud mom of three beautiful Boxers – Max, Abbie, and River – and a Bug (Boston/Pug mix) named Bella.  In her ‘spare’ time, she volunteers/serves as a County Coordinator for Coastal Boxer Rescue because saving the lives of Boxers is her passion! 

Life Verse: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

 “I look forward to meeting you, and ask that you call me if I can help you in any way get better acquainted with Pastor Rick and The Grace Place Church.”   -Lisa Emig

- See more at: http://thegraceplace.com/about/staff/lisa-emig#sthash.XEfYhwpz.dpuf

Teresa was born and raised in Florida. In 2009, she felt God calling her to attend the Grace Place. Here she found exactly what she had been looking for. God not only called her to attend but also to renew her faith. She obeyed and from that point forward she was recommitted to God and now committed to the Grace Place. She has been a faithful follower of Jesus and a faithful member ever since.

Teresa has worked for The Grace Place in many capacities since 2012. She first started out as a volunteer in the Children’s Ministry and later was offered the position of Office Receptionist, which she gladly accepted. She now serves as Office Administrative Assistant and really enjoys her work at the church. She is definitely a go-to person and gives support to the staff in any way she can.

Teresa is the mother of three beautiful children, Sarah 13, Alyssa 7 and Damien 5. They are her life and her joy. As a family they love going to the beach, riding bikes, or just being out at the park and enjoying the time together.

Life Verse: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

"Welcome to The Grace Place, I look forward to meeting with you. If you have any questions or if I can be of any assistance, please feel free to contact me at the church office. I would be glad to help you in any way I can."

-Teresa Garcia

Dennis (Denny) Ives was born and raised in West Central Florida. In the fall of 2007, Denny and his wife felt a call to return to the Lord after being away from Him for many years. So, in October they decided to attend the Grace Place. Promptly after, Denny lost his job as a result of the downfall of the economy, and it was only his newly recommitted faith (evidenced in his life verse) as well as the support of his Grace Place family that helped him make it through some very difficult times. He realized that he had to give control over to God, because on his own he was powerless.

Denny attended Central Florida Community College and Baker University with a degree from the school of hard knocks. After coming to the Grace Place, Denny and his wife became very involved with the Celebrate Recovery ministry in 2008. He began volunteering at the church with various projects while also trying to build his own business, but in 2011 God provided a way to combine the two. Denny became the Facilities and Maintenance Coordinator and has thoroughly enjoyed his position ever since.

Denny is married to his wife Kristine, and they have three children, Lindsey, Lance, and Rebecca. Denny is also a proud grandfather of two beautiful grandchildren, Noah and Elijah with two more on the way this 2015.

Life Verse: Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. - Matthew 6:34