Our Staff

Joey is a husband, father and pastor. Most importantly he is a child of God. He has been married to Megan since 2005. He has five children. God has allowed him to plant two churches. He planted the Milestone Church, in inner-city Kansas City, in 2002 and he served there for 12 years. In 2014, he planted Grace Church in his hometown of Independence, MO and he currently still serves as lead pastor. He graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1992. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Baptist Bible College in 2002. He is an avid outdoorsman. He loves to hunt and fish. He also serves as the chaplain for the William Chrisman Football Team. When he was growing up Independence was known as the “Meth Capital of the World.” He went to prison in 1997 for selling drugs but became a Christian while locked up. His church is just down the street from the apartment where he used to sell drugs. He went from pushing dope to pushing hope in his hometown. He lives by the motto “THE BEST IS YET TO COME!”

To connect with pastor Joey, email: Joey@graceisfree.org

Chad has been serving with Pastor Joey off and on since the late ’90s. He focuses on John 4:24 “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” He considers it part of his life’s mission to help others to worship through God’s Word and principles with an honest open heart; knowing that the Father is listening. Chad feels incredibly blessed to have an amazing wife, Carol, and two awesome children, Ian & Payton who graciously share their time knowing Dad is using his passion for music to serve Christ. Chad also feels spoiled to have such a loyal and talented Praise Team to work with as well as a Lead Pastor who encourages and allows him liberty to do what the Holy Spirit calls.

To connect with pastor Chad, email: Chad@graceisfree.org

Jared is married to Callie and they have three children. He grew up in Independence and has been with the same company most of his adult life, working his way up to a higher management position. He has authored multiple books, currently available on Amazon.

He has also been a deacon and leader at Grace Church for many years. Recently he feels called to fill the needed role of Executive Pastor. He will be working with Pastor Joey to help things run smoother and bring all of Joey’s “Big Ideas” to fruition.

To connect with Jared, email:
Jared@graceisfree.org

Branden grew up in Panama, Central America from ages 6-17 and came back to go to Mission University. After about a year and a half he decided to change schools and go to Liberty University. He graduated with his Bachelor’s degree this past May. He is married to Katelyn as of September 2024.

He will be building relationships in Grace Students, overseeing youth activities, and teaching the Gospel.

To connect with Branden, email:
Branden@graceisfree.org

Ashley has had a lot of places to call "home" but is originally from Sulphur Springs, Texas. Ashley has been around ministry for as long as she can remember. She grew up as the daughter of a pastor and accepted Christ when she was 6. She is a graduate of Baptist Bible College with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Biblical studies with a minor in worship ministry studies. She is married to JT. Her current hobby is chasing her toddler, Truett.. Around Grace, She provides direction and oversight for all of Grace Kids ministries. She ensures that “Grace Kids” is a physically safe and spiritually nurturing place for children to engage with the truths of the Gospel. Ashley is also responsible for coordinating and investing in the lives of the team members who serve.

To connect with Ashley, email:
Ashley@graceisfree.org

Isaac also came to us from Mission University as a summer intern and has since accepted a position as the Missions Liaison. He will finish up his last year of college online while working for Grace Church.

As Missions Liaison, Isaac will be coordinating with the missionaries and organizations that Grace Church supports, keeping in contact with them and relaying their reports to the church. Isaac feels called to be a missionary himself in a few years!

To connect with Isaac, email:
Isaac@graceisfree.org

Jessica is the voice you’ll get to hear behind the phone and the sweet responder to most emails. She is the face you’ll meet when coming to the church throughout the week! She helps in assisting the staff with all the administrative things to free them up to focus on ministry. 

Previously, she worked for Evergy (KCP&L) for 16 years and Disney Direct Marketing before that. She’s married to Bill, a sergeant with Platte County Sheriff’s Office. And they have 2 kids, Izzy & Caleb, who both love to dance.

To connect with Jessica, email:
Jessica@graceisfree.org

Brian Parks grew up around the Fort Osage area. He and his daughter, Jocelyn, have been a members of Grace Church for quite some time.

He makes sure the church is maintained, whether by doing the work himself or coordinating volunteers to help.