Yesterday, Pastor John Heston accepted a position at Valley View Bible Church that will begin in June. John will be a huge blessing to the people of Valley View. For us who are a part of Grace, we can be excited for his new season of life, but simultaneously be saddened because we will be without his presence. He will be deeply missed and it is with a heavy heart that I write this.

John has been my Pastor for over ten years. John was my junior high pastor, my high school pastor, my college pastor, and the first person who called me into vocational ministry six years ago. Besides my own father, John has been the most consistent and loving presence in my life these last 10 years. I am sure that many of us at Grace feel this way about Pastor John – he has truly has imaged well for us the love and faithfulness of our God.

By The Numbers

John is surely more than numbers, but hopefully some of these numbers help paint a picture of the breadth and depth of the impact that Pastor John has made here at Grace:

6 – the number of different working spaces/offices John has occupied here at Grace

8 – the number of different job titles John has had here at Grace – Children’s Intern, Junior High Intern, Junior High Director, Junior High Pastor, Student Ministries Pastor, Family Pastor, Next Generation Pastor, and Associate Pastor.

12 – the number of years on full-time staff at Grace.

Almost 12 – the number of years married to his wife, Stacy.

20+ the number of mission trips John has lead lead (Slovakia, Navajo Nation, Inner City Phoenix, Rainbow Acres, Mexico).

25+ the number of people that John has buried here at Grace.

30+ the number of youth camps John has lead for Grace.

40+ the number of weddings that John has officiated.

100+ the number of people who have decided to follow Jesus under John’s leadership.

1,000+ Sermons preached at Grace Community Church (Youth, College, and Worship Services)

83% – Percentage of John’s life spent involved at Grace Community Church (30 of his 36 years of life).

Timeline & Transition To Valley View Bible Church

John will remain on staff here at Grace until the first week of June helping Barry prepare for all the transitions that will happen when Des comes. He will be continuing in his Associate role and will help ensure that transition is smooth. This Summer John will be using his gifts and experience to shepherd and care for the people of Valley View Bible Church.

Going Forward

We will be honoring Pastor John Heston on May 24th after both services. If you want to reach out to Pastor John please do so at his personal (and permanent) email address: Transitions like these are never easy – please continue to pray for John, Stacy, Ethan, Wesley, and Olivia as they begin a new journey as a family.