John Grasty
Education
I graduated with honors from Pensacola Christian College in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Bible (Evangelism Concentration).
Experience
Bill Rice Ranch–Murfreesboro, TN–Camp Staff
I spent 3 summers during college on summer staff at the Bill Rice Ranch. After graduating, I joined the Ranch for a year on full-time staff. The Ranch excels at teaching the value of organization and preaching. Evangelists Bill Rice and Wil Rice and Brother Dale Stover protect preaching like no one else I have ever seen. Their attitude about the importance of the Bible and preaching is infectious.
Cove Creek Baptist Church–Waynesville, NC–Pastor
For two years, I pastored a country church in my home community. Here I was taught that effective ministry takes hard work, consistency, and dedication to Scripture. I now know that I was too young and inexperienced for the position, but the time spent at this church, however, has shaped me in incalculable ways. My wife and I gained experience in absolutely every area of ministry from managing church finances and budgets to setting up church nurseries to beginning new ministries. Many people we ministered to at this church are still close friends. People reached by this ministry during our time there are still actively serving the Lord and growing in their faith.
Old Pathway Baptist Church–Waynesville, NC–Associate/Youth Pastor
For over four years now, Katie and I have been a part of our sending church, Old Pathway Baptist Church. My responsibilities while I was on staff as youth pastor, were both broad and deep as I worked closely with our pastor during these times of rapid growth. Brother Ellege would be glad to answer any questions you may have about my time on staff at OPBC. Here are three highlights.
Youth Group
We saw substantial growth both spiritually and numerically in our youth ministry at OPBC. I was responsible for the preaching, planning, budgeting, and execution of the teen program, as well as the oversight of the junior program at our church. We had several successful large scale events and fundraisers. Expositional Bible preaching changes lives—even teenagers.
Church Administration
Pastor Ellege used me extensively in the planning, budgeting, and follow-thru of the general church operations. It was my pleasure to work with our pastor as we have planned numerous outreach Sundays and other events that have led to souls being saved and people growing in the Lord.
Small Group Ministry
I also focused on the development of Christians through Bible teaching and the relationships that are formed in small group ministries—be it Sunday School or Bible studies through the week. Spending time with people, sharing our lives, and sharing Bible truth. That’s how we’ve learned to grow and disciple people.
Katie Grasty
Education
I graduated from the LPN course offered at Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology in Pleasant Gap, PA.
Licensure
I am currently licensed as an LPN in North Carolina.
Experience
I have served as a nurse (LPN) for over seven years in both Pennsylvania and North Carolina. I love caring for people, and that suits me well as both a Christian and a nurse.
I have served in numerous capacities in church. I have played the piano and sung in the music ministry. I have worked in children’s ministry, assisted John in youth ministry, taught various levels of Sunday school, and worked in soulwinning/visitation. I love camping ministry!