Staff
Rick Wager
Lead Pastor
Rick started as Grace’s Lead Pastor on March 15, 2004. He and his wife Sharon live in Lake Zurich and have two adult children. Josh is married to Julie and lives in South Elgin, and Kara is married to Scott and lives in Lake Zurich. Rick and Sharon are excited to be a part of the Grace life-saving station and look forward to some fruitful days ahead. Rick is a shepherd who is convinced that intimacy with our Lord is to experience the abundant life!
Kent Houppert
Pastor of Jr. and Sr. High Ministries
Kent joined the Grace Church staff as Pastor of Junior and Senior High Ministries in November of 2004 after years of student ministry in Rochester, New York. He lives in Palatine with his wife, Amy, and three children, Nicole, Eric, and Robby. Kent is passionate about student leadership. He believes strongly in equipping students to own their faith and partner in ministry.
Gia Miller
Director of Children’s Ministries
Gia’s been attending Grace Community Church since 2000 and has served as Director of Children’s Ministry since 2003. She and her husband Darroll live in Palatine with their two children, Abbie and Sam. Gia loves children and wants them to know Christ’s love and the joy in following Him, to know the word of God, and to be able to share Him with others.
Brian Vander Ark
Director of Worship
Brian has been directing the Grace praise and worship team since the fall of 2004. He is married to Julie and live in Palatine with their four children (Lydia, Lilly, Jenna and Heath). Brian is a full time science teacher at Buffalo Grove High School in District 214.