Ministries

Grove Kids Philosophy

   In GK ministry, we seek to glorify God in Grove Kids by exemplifying Christ in joy, love for the children, condescension like Christ, and excellence in all we do. We ask our servants in GK to come into the building prayerfully, ready to serve the Lord by lavishly caring for the children entrusted to our care. Additionally, we offer ourselves as support for the parents, being ready to equip them with tools and encouragement that would help them as they raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. We want parents, because of confidence in our childcare, to be liberated and relieved from their duties for a brief, refreshing hour of renewal and encouragement in the scriptures.

 

   This is a great ministry for couples to serve together in. We receive kids on their level, with a joyful greeting and the love of Christ. We strive to be excellent in all we do, preparing for their arrival by making sure the classrooms are equipped before the morning begins, so that our attention can be devoted to the children the whole time they are in our care. We desire to be our best with the children exhibiting the patience, condescension, and love that Christ has for children. 

Serving in Grove Kids

A few ways to serve:

  • Host
    •  Who they are: Hosts and Hostesses are warm and welcoming individuals who joyfully embrace families and reflect the love of Christ to everyone who enters the GK lobby. On Sunday mornings, they focus on greeting families with genuine smiles, paying special attention to those who may be visiting for the first time. Hosts are comfortable using the check-in computers to ensure a smooth and efficient process for each family. With hearts for hospitality, they intentionally create an environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and at ease. During the service, Hosts are available to walk with unsettled children in the GK lobby or hallways when needed, always remaining near other adults and following the 2:1 safety ratio. They also assist with practical needs, including taking out the trash.
  • Teacher
    •  Who they are: Teachers are recognized – both within and outside the church – as individuals gifted in working with children, possessing a unique love for nurturing and shaping young minds and hearts. They serve as classroom leaders during their assigned mornings, guiding volunteers in preparing the space and ensuring it is welcoming and ready for the children. Teachers are thoughtfully selected to present the weekly lesson to their designated class. They arrive early to ensure the room is fully prepared and the lesson is organized before the children arrive.
  • Worker

    • Who they are: Workers are eager to step into ministry, whether exploring GK for the first time or seeking deeper involvement in the church’s work. They are joyful servants who welcome children warmly, greeting them at their level and cheerfully serving their needs. Workers pay careful attention to parents’ allergy and food requests, ensuring that all requirements are respectfully accommodated during class. They engage children through play and meaningful interaction, using every opportunity to share God’s greatness in a way that meets each child’s level of understanding. Additional responsibilities include light janitorial duties.

  • Nursery
    • Who they are: Eager to care for our youngest ones: Infants – 3 years.
  • Elementary
    • Who they are: Eager to participate in classroom training and investment in the growth and development of pre-k through 5th graders.
  • Praise Team
    • Who they are: If you are energetic and have a joyful spirit, this role is for you! Praise! Team volunteers help lead all of Grove Kids through a short program block, which may include guiding hand motions with a video, leading a memory verse, celebrating birthdays, and other engaging activities. This serving opportunity allows volunteers to participate in ministry while still being able to hear the Sunday morning message during service.  
  • Support
    • Who they are: Supporting roles that offer many other ways to serve the ministry, including maintaining sanitation, assisting with curriculum, and providing child care outside of Sunday morning services (such as during Members Meetings and Lifegroup Leaders meetings). 
Want to serve? Click here

Andrew Dobrescu

Grove Student Director

AndrewD@thegrovetampa.org

Wife: Amelia
Years at The Grove: 2021-Present

About Andrew

I was raised in Chicago, Illinois by a God-loving family, but what I thought to be a relationship with God, I eventually found out was just knowledge about Him. Ever since that realization, I have sought relationship with God. I pray that I never lose the passion that I have today. 

For my ministry training I have had the privilege of studying at Trinity Christian College and Northern Seminary in order to receive my bachelors in Theology and Masters in Divinity. Prior to my time at the Grove, I served and worked at Harvest Bible Chapel for 8 years, which was beneficial to my spiritual growth as a leader. 

I am most passionate about: 1) Building young leaders; 2) Building relationships with people; 3) Doing all things for the sake of the gospel. As for my favorite things, I enjoy athletics, games, and music. I always have a bundle of energy, which helps me fit in well and keep up with the student ministry.

Fun Fact: I love doing videography and photography in my free time!

Kevin Huggins

Elder

KevinH@thegrovetampa.org

Wife: Heather
Children: Huck
Years at The Grove: 2015 – Present

About Kevin

God arrested the affections of my heart and granted me saving faith in my King and Master, The Lord Jesus Christ. God rescued me from a life saturated with sin and debauchery and saved me from His Just and Holy wrath, He graciously moved me to repent, trust Christ and to be enamored by His Sovereign Majesty and Love.

I graduated from a ministry called Crossing Cultures International, completing the “Bible Training Center for Pastor’s” curriculum. God has blessed me with a diverse array of ministry opportunities including… periodically teaching CCI classes, serving in a nursing home ministry, being a leader in a recovery ministry for three years, going on a short term mission trip to India, and the occasional itinerant preaching opportunity. My greatest joy is serving in the local Church and Proclaiming Christ.

I am overwhelmed by King Jesus, madly in love with my precious bride, Heather, and love being a father. My passions are to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ, spend time with my family and read good books. SOLI DEO GLORIA!

Fun Fact: I love poetry

Dan Claassen

Elder

DanC@thegrovetampa.org

Wife: Teri
Children: Casey, Sienna, Claire
Years at The Grove: 2014-Present

About Dan

I am thankful that, by God’s grace, I was born into a Christian home where I came to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Where I was once a shy little boy struggling with shame and fear, the Lord has now given me confidence in Him alone and a daily deepening knowledge of His grace in my life.

The Lord has been gracious in allowing me to have a wide variety of professional opportunities ranging from having been a police officer in central Indiana for ten years, to leading several different Christian foster care ministries in central Florida. The Lord used my time as a police officer, specifically being a Detective investigating internet crimes against children, to show me the depth of sin in our world, while also affirming that true life changing and eternally lasting hope can only be found in Jesus Christ.

I find great joy in hearing other’s stories and walking with them in life while watching them increase in the likeness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is an even greater blessing to have Teri Claassen as my wife, and to be the father of our three children. Our home is my greatest mission field, one in which I am reminded daily of God’s grace and love. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and roasting coffee. (Yes, I am a coffee snob and nerd…. I buy green coffee beans and roast them at home.)

Fun Fact: I have always enjoyed aquariums with my favorite fish to keep and breed being Lake Tanganyika cichlids

Kurt Gebhards

Senior Pastor, Elder

KurtG@thegrovetampa.org

Wife: Julie
Children: Reilly, Shea, McKinley, Camdyn, Macy, Dax
Years at The Grove: 2019-Present

About Kurt

I was saved out of a home where there was no gospel influence. God rescued me and gave me light for my darkness, hope for my despair, and Christ’s righteousness for my sin. The beauty and power of the gospel of grace overwhelm me to this day.

For my ministry training I have had the privilege of studying at The Master’s Seminary and serving at Grace Community Church under John MacArthur. The 15 years I spent at Grace were amazing and shaping grace to me. I have completed a D.Min. in Expository Preaching and Leadership at Southern Seminary. The Lord has sent me to serve with ministries in North Carolina and Chicago. And now we are home in Central Florida, where my roots run deep.

I am most passionate about: 1) Making disciples 2) Training leaders and 3) Doing all things for the sake of the gospel.

As for my favorite things, Julie and my six kids are tremendous gifts from God. I love time with them, doing ministry with them, and seeing His goodness through them. When I am not holding my wife’s hand, I am probably holding a Puritan biography.

Fun Fact: I love the mets! I think they will win the World Series this year…