Randall D. Smith, Senior Pastor
Dr. Randall Smith is a respected Bible teacher who has lived and worked in the places of the Bible for more than a quarter of his Life. Randy studied in Jerusalem & holds degrees in Near East Archaeology & a Doctorate in Comparative Religion from Conservative Theological Seminary. He has a thorough understanding of Biblical culture, history, geography & rabbinic teachings & is gifted in using that knowledge to focus on the practical aspects of our faith.He and his wife Dottie have three children and have lived in Sebring since 2002.”Pastor Randy is the best teacher I have ever heard. In fact, I confess I am deeply in love with him!” –Dottie Smith – his wife!
“He’s a good boy. You should go hear him teach!” –Charlotte Smith – his mom.
Dottie is an administrator for Global Vision Outreach, an international mission. She juggles office duties and cares for her children, but loves being a hostess and serving on the worship team at Grace. Pastor Randy and Dottie keep a changing blog of their family and travels, Bible lessons, and church notes at their personal blog.
Matthew Wheelock, Associate Pastor (Administration)
Matt is the “man behind the programs” at Grace. He administrates most of the ministry operations, and watches over the quality of what we are doing. He is the all around “program guy”, and takes care of a myriad of details. He has developed a management style that involves building solid relationships with those who serve with him.
He holds a degree in Church Leadership from Southeastern University.
His wife Kris, a home grown Highlands County girl, certainly has a heart to serve. In addition to his tasks here in Sebring, he and Kris are currently travelling most weekends to our North Campus in Ocala to aid in the pastoral leading of our church family there.
Aaron Michaud, Associate Pastor (Curriculum/ Media Development)
Despite the goofy look, Aaron is a vital part of the work at Grace. He and his wife, Sara, recently finished their tenure at Heartland Christian school and will be working full time with Grace Church.Aaron Michaud has been working with youth in Highlands county through Sebring Grace and Youth for Christ for the past six years. He was the director and oversaw CRAVE! Youth Ministries here at Grace, but he will be moving into a curriculum development position in order to create classes at Grace that will help equip the congregation in the study of the Word as well as other life training courses.He holds a degree in Religious Studies from Liberty University.
He is also actively involved in teaching and discipling at Great Commission Bible Institute. His love for the Word and his constant desire to encourage is contagious. After all, looks aren’t everything (just kidding…)! You can keep up with his thoughts on his blog.
His wife, Sara has a passion for music. She recently stepped down as the music teacher at Heartland Christian, but remains in the lives of young people through private lessons.
Cameron Sandel, Site Coordinator for Great Commission Bible Institute
Cameron is hesitant to have his name listed here, but he does too much around here not to be. Cameron and his wife, Sarah Beth, are the site coordinators for the Great Commission Bible Institute. That means they pretty much plan everything from meals to ministry, so Pastor Randy can just show up and teach. He and Sara are the ones that recruit the students, drive them around, make sure they are being diligent with their time, being the shoulder to cry on, put out fires and conflicts, etc. (basically all the dirty parts of discipleship). Before taking his position at GCBI he was the youth pastor and is still very active in Highlands County Youth for Christ . The partnership between GCBI and YFC has provided a why for the Bible students to interact and influence the students here in highlands county. Cameron is currently taking college courses and pursuing a degree in higher education. Check out his blog.
Sarah Beth is an incredible photographer with an unusually creative eye. She has brought a touch of class and style to GCBI and given the organization a face lift. She has used her talents and creativity as an avenue to develop discipleship relationships with young women, both in the church and YFC.
Doug Ogden, Director of Student Ministries
Doug Ogden is a gifted young man. He grew up right here at Grace and is now a vital part of the church’s ministry. A passionate teacher of God’s Word, Doug has just taken up the mantle of leadership for Grace Church Youth Ministries . He has a heart for young people and longs to see this teenage generation make choices that will honor and glorify Jesus Christ.
Doug is a graduate of the Great Commission Bible Institute, class of 2009.
Keep up with Doug on his blog.
