The Executive Board of Elders conducts an annual election of officers for the coming calendar year, as part of their conformance with Grace’s Bylaws. This year’s board meeting was held on November 15th, at which a vote was held and the composition of the Board was determined for 2019. You can read more about our processes (as well as the election results) by scrolling to the bottom of this page.

In the meantime, please take a minute to read messages from our outgoing chairman, Dave Parsons, and our newly-elected chairman, Steve Gros.

Thank you all for your prayers, trust and support over these past two terms that God has called me to serve as Chairman of your Executive Elder Board. It has been a challenging season, a time that has stretched us all and provided opportunity for greater dependency upon our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I also believe, as it has been my observation, that God has brought us all more closely together as a family of believers, thinking more about what it truly means to be a part of the body of Christ.

Our immediate future remains full of opportunities to serve and represent Jesus in many ways. We just need to look around us. There are brothers and sisters in need, ministries that need our service, and a ministry plan that can only be fulfilled by our tithes and offerings. We are reminded by Paul in Chapter 4 of the book of Ephesians: “...Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” (ESV)

My personal prayer for us all is that we would continue to put Christ at the center of our lives, individually and corporately, and seek ways to serve him and his church, and take his message of resurrection, redemption and salvation to all those to whom he sends us.

As I anticipate stepping into this role, I do so with so much gratitude and appreciation toward Dave. He shouldered a burden for this community during such a turbulent time. Dave and Linda have given much of themselves in order for Dave to lead our church as the chairman and we have benefited a great deal.

As for me I have loved this church since I arrived here 16 years ago. This community has shaped me in many ways and so I feel both the honor and the weight of taking on the responsibility of this role. What excites me about stepping into the chairman position at this moment is that it has been beautiful to watch the things that God has done at Grace in this past season. I have watched God draw us together, forge trust, foster humility, and create space for more people to be involved. What God is doing among us is compelling to me and I look forward to being part of it. I hold much hope that our next chapter is going to be full of purpose and new life.

Now for those election results

Newly elected officers | Chairman—Steven Gros; Secretary—Michael Matthias; lay member Ted Moncure

Remaining lay board members | Dave Parsons, Brian Chung, Jeff Giles and Eric Balmer

Daniel Long continues as the Staff/CEO member of the Board.

All terms are for one calendar year. Board members may serve for up to 6 consecutive terms, with a two-year break before returning to the Board. The Chairman may serve for up to 3 consecutive terms. You can read more about our elders at gracelb.org/elders.

And one more thing...

We will introduce the new chairman (Steve) and say goodbye to the former one (Dave) in person in early January. Please send any cards or notes of appreciation for Dave and his season serving as chairman to Dave Parsons c/o Grace Long Beach, 3553 Atlantic Ave. #7, Long Beach, 90807, or by simply responding to this email.