The Calling
In April 2024, Dave, then serving as an Elder at a church in Kingsport, sensed the Holy Spirit’s leading to plant a new church. Though he had no great desire to permanently be the man in the pulpit and would only do so as long as needed, he began seeking God’s direction. After much prayer with his wife Hilary, they felt called to establish a ministry in Hawkins County, potentially extending toward Rogersville. Following this conviction, they made the decision to separate from their current church and pursue this calling, with Dave making clear he would not seek to bring any members with him.

Divine Connection
While Dave was preparing for this venture, word reached Kevin, a seminary student who had long felt called to ministry and was actively seeking preaching opportunities. In May 2024, Kevin approached Dave about his plans, sharing his own vision for planting a church in the Jonesborough area where significant growth was occurring. Kevin admitted he knew nothing about planting a church but was eager to learn.

Remarkably, Kevin mentioned that if he ever planted a church, he would name it Grace Community Church—completely unaware that Dave had already established a Facebook page with that exact name six years earlier. Neither Kevin nor Dave believing in coincidence, they recognized God’s hand in this remarkable alignment. After comparing their theological convictions, church polity views, and ministry vision over several days, they committed by late May to move forward together, with Kevin agreeing to provide the primary preaching ministry.

Launch and Growth
After searching for a suitable venue—with many locations already taken and others unwilling to rent on Sundays—God provided in His perfect timing. On the very first Monday after Dave’s official departure from his former church, Gray Ruritan became available when he called. Grace Community Church of Appalachia held its inaugural worship service in the first week of September 2024, beginning with two families, a couple from Johnson City, and a longtime friend of Dave and Hilary’s.

Since our launch, we have continued to welcome new faces regularly, with several choosing to make Grace Community their church home. We have been blessed by the addition of Andrew Christian, an ordained Elder and local pastor who has provided pulpit supply throughout the Tri-Cities area. His family has become an integral part of our growing congregation.

Moving Forward
Today, we are expanding our ministry with Sunday evening services and developing plans for mid-week gatherings. While we continue to meet at Gray Ruritan and are actively seeking a permanent facility where the Lord leads, we remain confident that God will provide the right building for our ministry when the time is right. We have already declined two opportunities in downtown Kingsport, trusting in His perfect timing.

We praise God for His faithfulness in bringing our church family together and for each person He continues to bring through our doors. To Him alone be all glory and praise!