Union Park Grace Fellowship is currently an elder-led church. Currently, there are five elders who shepherd the congregation.
Having an elder-led church provides an opportunity to listen to God’s message of grace and the love of Jesus through the words of six different individuals. While the sermons are prayed over and God-inspired, having the seven different perspectives can help with gaining an understanding of the message.
Brian Bailey, 54, has been a member of UPGFChurch for the past 22 years. He is currently serving as the lead Elder in our congregation and teaches middle and high schoolers during Sunday School. He is also in rotation to teach Bible study on Wednesday evenings.
Brian was married to Michelle in 2000 and they have five children, Sebastian, Lauren, Isaac, Hannah and Caleb Brian also has grandsons Declyn, Dallyn, Caiden, Emerson, and Ryker and has granddaughters Karissa, Alivia, and Isabella.
Brian also works full-time outside of church as an electrician.
In his spare time Brian enjoys camping with his family, hunting, cooking and gardening.
Brian has a strong desire to see UPGFChurch stay strong in our mission-mindedness as we fulfill the Great Commission by becoming Jesus’ hands and feet.Colossians 3:17 (NKJV) And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Carolyn Whitlatch – Along with being an Elder, currently within the church, holds the positions of Church Secretary/Treasurer and chairperson of the Mission Ministry. Enjoys singing in the choir and teaching 1st-3rd Grade Sunday School.
Been a member of the church for over 60 years; have seen many, many changes in the church but, want remains constant within the church walls is the love of Jesus Christ and the desire to care and love one another. It is our mission to bring others to know Jesus Christ and that no one leaves our church building without hearing the salvation call.
Was married for 50 years and her husband, Walt, went to his Heavenly home in May/2017. Has 2 grown children and 10 grandchildren; enjoys cooking/baking and works part-time for her son.
Tina Payton – Aside from being an Elder, Tina, 50, is also Director of the Christian Education ministry, teaches 1st-5th grade, and coordinates events in partnership with Church Growth and Church Outreach ministries. Tina is also director of the adult choir and member of the church’s own FOUNDATION SINGERS. She obviously enjoys singing very much. She’s been a member of the church for over 30 years, where she met her husband, Lonnie in their young years – now celebrating 25 years of marriage. She enjoys volunteering and mentoring others. Tina has 2 grown children and 1 granddaughter and enjoys spending time with family very much. Tina works full time outside of the home as well. What keeps Tina going in her busy life is the love of Jesus Christ and her continued efforts to serve others, while they continue to build a closer relationship with Jesus in their own lives. Tina loves this church and the mission Jesus has laid out in front of us. For that reason, Tina continues to strive for excellence through each message, touching hearts, and changing lives through everything she does.
Denny Phipps – Denny started attending Union Park Grace Fellowship in 2010. Soon after Denny became a member of the church. Under the leadership of then pastor, Bob Connors, Denny began to grow in his faith in God and love for Jesus. Along with several other elders, Denny began to learn how to lead from Pastor Bob and when Pastor Bob retired, along with the other elders of the church, Denny began to help lead the congregation. Denny is a husband to Tanya and a father to Lindsay, Mark, Lauren, Colby, Devon, and Harley (listed by age). Denny is also a proud grandfather of a grandson, Louis.
