The Elder Council provides the spiritual oversight which God appointed to guide and grow His church in Christ's teaching. These men give support to the church staff and serve as a united mind in helping them to carry out their responsibilities. An elder believes God has called him to be a spiritual mentor to others. An elder, therefore, willingly serves as a model for the congregation which Christ has entrusted to his care. Guiding Scriptures are Acts 14:23; 1 Peter 5:1-4; 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1; Acts 20:28-31. The elder council is comprised of Mark Bailey, Bob Bryant, Dick Detrick, Hal Moser, Charlie Staton, and Dave Kennedy.

Mark Bailey grew up in Roaring Springs, PA. When he was in the fourth grade he received Christ as his personal savior. He married his wife, Autumn, in 2002 and relocated to Richmond soon after. A few months after they moved they started attending Community of Grace Church. Mark has served on the elder board for the last 3 years, and is heavily involved in the Youth of Grace ministry here at the church. He enjoys bike riding downtown, and spending time with his wife and their two girls, Jaclyn and Cameron

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 Bob Bryant became a Christian in 1962 and it has been the keystone of his life.  He married Lori, the joy of his life in 1972 and attributes his spiritual growth to her daily example of faithfulness.  They have two grown children who provide daily care and support.  Bob loves to lead Bible study classes that reveal God’s plan for His people.  One of his favorite expressions is “The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed”.

Dick Detrick has served on the Elder Council since 1998. He has been married 52 years to the love of his life, Johnnie.  One of his sons and his daughter-in-law and grandchildren are also members of our congregation.  Dick likes to travel, read, play golf, cheer for his wife at swim meets, and periodically he teaches classes on evolution and creationism in our church.  Dick is a huge news junkie and loves to eat oysters.  In his spare time he likes to see how fast he can fill in Sudoku puzzles.

Hal Moser- God used many faithful Christians (At the time, Hal thought they were obnoxious) to explain the only message that gives eternal life. Hal ridiculed and rejected them and their message for many years before God patiently opened his eyes to understand that his sin, especially his continual and arrogant denial of Jesus Christ as God, deserved eternal punishment. Understanding the amazing truth that Jesus paid for his sins by dying on a cross, at the age of 30, he put his hope and trust in Christ. Hal has served in many leadership and teaching roles and his wife and best friend, Shelley, works in a variety of compassion ministries. They have two children. Their daughter graduated from Liberty University majoring in elementary Education and their son is serving in the United States Marine Corp. Finding the empty nest boring and purposeless, Hal and Shelley continue to parent foster children. Hal is now one of those "obnoxious" Christians believing that God's purpose in the world is to use His Church to call people to faith and mission.

Charlie Staton was born in Rockbridge County, Virgina where beginning at age 12 he attended the Grace Brethren Church in Buena Vista. As a teenage he was very active in a boys club and youth group. He also taught a Sunday School class of 8-9 year old boys. After high school he attended Grace College during which time he married his wife, Loretta, who was also a member of the church in Buena Vista. After graduation he taught school in Warsaw, Indiana. While in Indiana they attended the Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church. In July 1967 they moved to Chesterfield County so Charlie could take a position as an Elementary School Principal. At the same time they became members of the Richmond Grace Brethren Church. They have been active members since. Since this time Charlie has been in a leadership role of doing what needed to be done. The church first met in a community building next to a fire station. Then we moved to the church's old location at Robious and Cranbeck, which was built by the men of the church. He also had a role in the construction of Community of Grace's present building. Charlie was a member of the church softball team for over 20 years. He enjoys reading nonfiction, playing golf, spending time with his wife, children and 6 grandchildren. God has made the difference!

Dave Kennedy...bio located under Team (Pastor Dave)