Meet Our Team
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Senior Pastor, Elder
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Associate Pastor, Elder
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Elder
The Bible’s teaching on the subject of the office of Elder is found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9 and 1 Peter 5:1-3. These Scriptures show that Elders serve by leading and that their responsibilities involve the spiritual oversight of the congregation.
The Scriptures teach that a plurality of Elders governed individual New Testament churches, in Acts 14:23, 20:28, Titus 1:5 and Philippians 1:1. There is no mention of any congregation that features a stand-alone pastor or leader. A plurality of godly Elders, exercising their individual giftedness, is what most closely aligns with the Scripture’s teaching, and that wisdom is found in a multitude of godly counselors (Proverbs 11:14, 12:15, 15:22, 19:20 and 24:6). Furthermore, all elders share the same calling and godly characteristics (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). And beyond that, pastors, elders and shepherds are different roles but the same office (1 Peter 5:1, 2).
However, while elders share the same authority and position in the church, not all elders will necessarily bear the same influence. The variation in the amount of influence comes from the public nature of their ministry or other factors like ministry experience (1 Timothy 5:17). This enhanced platform may cause some to stand out and create environments for mutual deference and humility.
Ensuring that the doctrine of the church is biblical. All doctrinal issues in the church will be settled by the Elder Board.
Ensuring that the direction of the church is consistent with The Grove Bible Chapel’s mission statement and core values.
Administering, in love and humility, the process of church discipline.*
*As outlined in Matthew 18:15-20, Galatians 6:1-4, Titus 3:10, 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15, 1 Timothy 5:17-25, 1 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 and Romans 16:17.
Meet Our Team
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Senior Pastor, Elder
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Associate Pastor, Elder
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Pastoral Resident
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Assistant Pastor
Mission: To glorify God by serving the elders through meeting the daily needs of the members and to protect the unity of the church so that the elders can “devote themselves to pray and to the ministry of the word”. (Acts 6:4)
Deacon of Membership
Mission: To train, strengthen, and equip God’s men to be biblical leaders in their households, the church, and the marketplace.
Deacon of Men’s Ministry
Mission: To undergird and supplement the stewardship of our Grove students, coming alongside parents in evangelism, equipping, training, and encouraging toward the truths of the person, work, and words of the Triune God, through the teaching and application of the scriptures, building relationships, and cultivating a culture of joy filled spiritual progress.
Deacon of Student’s Ministry
Mission: To do what Romans 12:13 exhorts us to do by “Contributing to the needs of the saints and seeking to show hospitality.” We focus on others, through the different areas covered under the hospitality umbrella. We seek to love our neighbor as an act of obedience, motivated by the love of God through the expression of meeting the needs of the local body.
Deacon of Hospitality
Mission: To steward the financial resources of The Grove Bible in a way that honors the Lord’s provision and supports the discipleship efforts of His Church and the Gospel moving forward in the lives of His people.
Deacon of Finance
Mission: To equip both our local body and the bodies of other churches across the world. We equip the local body with the knowledge of what to pray about, opportunity to serve and give, and knowledge of how the Lord is working across the world. We equip other churches across the world with training, finances, prayer, and more.
Deacon of Missions
Mission: To facilitate the gathering of The Grove women to worship, pray, study the Word of God, fellowship, encourage, and serve one another. The Grove women focus on equipping and building one another up, as we take a closer look at God’s Word and apply it to our everyday lives, our multifaceted God given roles, our behaviors, our choices, and our world view.
Deaconness of Women’s Ministry
Deacons are qualified men and women (1 Timothy 3:8–13) appointed and set apart by the Elders to assist in ministering to the poor and needy in the church, maintaining the facility, and carrying out practical ministry functions. This includes, but is not limited to, oversight and direction in matters such as benevolence, meals, moving support, hospital visits, etc.
To contact the deacons, email info@thegrovetampa.org.
Our mission is to glorify God through the fulfillment of the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment.
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Wife: Julie
Children: Reilly, Shea, McKinley, Camdyn, Macy, Dax
Years at The Grove: 2019-Present
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…
Wife: Teri
Children: Casey, Sienna, Claire
Years at The Grove: 2014-Present
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
Wife: Heather
Children: Huck
Years at The Grove: 2015 – Present
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
Wife: Lily
Children: Ezra
Years at The Grove: 2021-Present
Christ saved Nisu from gaining the whole world and forfeiting his soul on March 22, 2017. On that night, through His servant Kurt Gebhards, Nisu went from a hardcore atheist to a slave of Christ. By the grace of God, his heart and life were immediately transformed.
Nisu spent seven years serving families in financial planning. During the last four years, God gave Nisu the privilege of shepherding in a variety of forms including teaching, children’s ministry, and street evangelism. In December of 2020, God brought Nisu into full-time pastoral ministry and moved him down to Florida to be with The Grove.
Nisu is currently pursuing an M.Div. at Shepherds Theological Seminary, and Lord willing, will be sent out to plant another local Church in His timing. He treasures morning quiet times with the Lord, sharing a meal (especially after corporate worship), and being with the saints in fellowship.
Fun fact: In my free time, I really enjoy escape rooms and trying to ethnic cuisines!
Wife: Amelia
Years at The Grove: 2021-Present
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!