Staff
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JASON MCKNIGHT: LEAD PASTOR
Jason has served as Grace's Lead Pastor since 2003. It's been a joy and privilege to be twenty years in. He loves preaching Christ to this body, and also leadership development, shepherding, and the amount of vision and drive this church has! K-town and ENC now are home, but he's originally from Montreal, where he studied finance, worked in the railway industry, and first served in ministry at Hockey Ministries International. He then attended Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, earning an MDiv and a ThM. He's been here since--but has also served with the Lausanne Committee, South America Mission, and in church planting. Susan and their boys are his delight, but he also loves running, history, eating, and traveling. jason@gracekinston.org
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Kent henderson: Associate pastor
Kent is originally from North Carolina and has served as worship leader at Grace since 2000. He is a graduate of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Mary have 4 children. He loves leading our teams and helping the congregation engage God in Christ-centered worship. The only thing he loves slightly less than Jesus and his family is a Krispy Kreme donut! kent@gracekinston.org
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BEN HENDRIX: STUDENT MINISTRY PASTOR
Ben and his wife, Janessa, are from Hendersonville, TN. Ben joined Grace in July, 2017 as Student ministry pastor. He loves pointing students to Christ! You can hear Ben regularly on the Encounter Grace podcast or from the pulpit. He is a graduate of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. ben@gracekinston.org
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DR. JUSTIN TILGHMAN: PASTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Justin is from Kinston, NC, and has been a part of Grace since 2010. He and his wife, Ellen, have two boys. Over the years, Justin has served in various roles at Grace and joined the pastoral staff in 2024. He holds a master’s degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Columbia International University. Justin loves to help others grow and thrive personally and spiritually and has extensive experience in personal, professional, and spiritual development as an international life and leadership coach. justin@gracekinston.org
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SUSAN MCKNIGHT: DIRECTOR OF MOBILIZATION
Susan's passion is helping people get connected to Christ at Grace through serving and community. She directs our newcomers class, called "Discovering Grace." She joined the staff team in 2015 and loves being a part of the body at Grace! susan@gracekinston.org
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SHELLY MCGOWAN: MINISTRY MANAGER
Shelly is a native of Kinston. She joined the staff in 2023 and brings joy and excellence to the front desk at Grace! She also leads the Greenhouse children's ministry.
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Venita Wright: Seed patch director
Venita oversees our youngest ones each Sunday morning in the Seed Patch nursery. You won't meet anyone who smiles more and brings the joy of the Lord to those she ministers to! The Seed Patch is our ministry to children ages 0-3 on Sundays during the 10:30 service. Venita is also a licensed therapist at www.inspirepllc.com
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Amy Hooten: Grove Director
Amy joined the Grace staff in 2024 and brings years of experience as a teacher in both public and Christian school as well as serving in church ministry. She especially has a heart for special needs children and a passion for every child to know the gospel at a young age. The Grove is our Sunday morning children's ministry for 4yrs-5th grade.
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Will Calhoun: Worship and tech associate
Will is a Kinston native who has a passion for worshiping the Lord with excellence and authenticity. He loves to pour into young musicians and help our production side be the best it can be!
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Sue Ellen Maddux: Financial administrator
SueEllen joined the staff at Grace in Feb, 2021, and she brings many years of experience and expertise in bookkeeping and finance. finance@gracekinston.org
