Nominee for Elder

Elders are responsible for the health and well-being of our church. They shepherd members, providing counseling and wisdom, and set the course for our chuch’s goals and ministry.

Tom Carpenter
DC resident, 10 years
Grace DC involvement, 7 years
Previously served as Deacon, on Grace Downtown’s worship team and hosts a Grace Downtown CG with his wife Leah and their three children.

Tom grew up in Greenville, SC, and got involved with the non-denominational ministry Young Life in high school. The summer before his senior year of high school, Tom listened to a Young Life speaker tell the story of Jesus stopping to speak with a seemingly insignificant bleeding woman. Christ touched Tom’s heart that night, and has been the center of Tom’s life ever since.

Fatherhood has challenged Tom to trust God in newer and deeper ways. God is teaching him not to fear what the world will be like for his daughters, that Christ looms larger than any danger or pain they may face in their lives.

Being encouraged by many members of our congregation to consider serving as an Elder, and then going through the process of discerning whether he is being called to the office has taught Tom a new appreciation for the difference between wanting to do something and being called to do something.

Nominee for Deacon

Deacons equip our church to address the material and physical needs of members, friends and neighbors who come to us for help. They also forge and maintain our relationships with partner ministries throughout DC.

Bob Tomkinson
Lifelong DC area resident
Grace DC involvement, 5 years
Former Communion Team member, former Grace Downtown CG leader, current leader of Grace Downtown’s Mercy Team

Bob came to faith in elementary school, but for years his focus was on doing the right thing so that he could position himself for God’s blessing. Since attending Grace Downtown, he has been learning to let go of the externals and enjoy his relationship with Christ.

At first he didn’t feel particularly called to serve on the Diaconate, but now that his children are grown, he and his wife are enjoying an empty nest, and his career has reached a place where it no longer takes all of his time and attention, he began praying about what to do next. Through being nominated to the Diaconate and going through the training, he has come to believe that this is the next step he had been praying for.

Nominees for Deaconess

Deaconesses work alongside our Deacons to care for our congregation, equip us for service and direct our realtionships with partner ministries.

Esther Adams
Born and raised in NE DC
Grace DC involvement, 9 years
Former Grace Downtown greeting team member, former Grace Downtown CG leader

Esther was born and raised in a Christian home. She accepted her faith at a young age, and as she grew, so did her trust in God. In recent years, she has seen God’s goodness and faithfulness carry her through times of personal difficulty and challenge. She has learned to trust God and be thankful in light of His unmerited favor, even when life is hard.

A lifelong resident of DC, Esther loves this city and is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of sharing God’s love for it and caring for it in tangible ways. She believes that being called to the Diaconate reflects God’s perfect timing, and that the lessons he has taught her about obedience and perseverance through suffering have equipped her to be a blessing to others.

Emily Huie
DC resident, 8 years
Grace DC involvement, 6 years
Grace Downtown info table team member, CG leader

Emily’s parents were committed to teaching her the gospel, and by the time she finished high school, she had decided that she wanted to commit her life to Christ. Since then, she has learned a deep appreciation for God’s patience with her when she trusts other things for her security or identity over Him, understanding how generous God, who gave up His own Son for us, truly is.

The longer she stays in DC, the more she has grown to love the city, including its complexity and brokenness. She volunteers at Cardozo High School, which has given her a fuller picture of the city and has left her excited to help our church engage the city and faithfully serve God here.