Grace Church staff

Jay Klopfenstein
Senior Pastor

Jay Klopfenstein is Senior Pastor of Grace Church. Born and raised in Morton, IL, Jay came to Christ at the young age of 5. He studied at Moody Bible Institute, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and received his doctorate from Bethel Seminary. He has been at Grace since October 2009. You can follow Pastor Jay on Twitter.

Kyle Pierpont
Pastor of Group Life and Creative Communication

Kyle Pierpont is the Pastor of Group Life and Creative Communication. Kyle was born in the Buckeye state, but raised on the shores of Lake Michigan. He came to Christ at 5 years of age. After High School he spent time in an outdoor survival/missionary training school. He also attended a Christian school in Florida and has completed the work for his BA degree in History from Thomas Edison State College. Kyle has been on staff at Grace since 2007. You can find Pastor Kyle on Facebook Twitter or Email.

Neil Hampton
Pastor of Care and Counseling

Neil Hampton is the Pastor of Care. Pastor Neil grew up outside of Detroit, MI and came to Christ at the age of 10. After graduating from Bible College and coming to South Bend, he completed his counseling training at Faith Baptist Church in Lafayette, IN. as a certified NANC counselor. Pastor Neil has been on staff at Grace since 1979. You can connect with Neil via Email. 

Jeff Wright
Pastor of Student Ministry

Jeff is the Pastor of Student Ministry. Jeff was born and raised in Sturgis, Michigan. He put his faith in Jesus in when he was in 5th grade. He is a graduate of Grace Bible College with a BA in Music. He has been married to his wife Melody for two years. You can find Jeff on Facebook Twitter and Email.  

John Kaehr
Associate Pastor of College & Young Adults

John is the Director of College Ministry. John grew up in South Bend, Indiana. He and his wife Melissa work with Resident Directors and Assistants at Bethel College, in Mishawaka, Indiana. John graduated from Bethel College and has dedicated his life to ministry. You can find him on Facebook and Twitter or by Email.  

Matt Brown 
Worship Director

Matt Brown is the Worship Director.  Matt was born near Boston and accepted Christ at a young age while living there.  He spent the second half of his childhood in Grand Rapids, MI where he met his wife Nicole.  He studied mechanical engineering at Grove City College and the University of Pittsburgh.  Matt has a lifelong passion for music and has been involved with the worship ministry at Grace Church since 2008. You can follow Matt on Facebook or Email him.  

Shannon Follett
Director of Children's Ministry 

Shannon Follett is the Director of Children’s Ministry. Shannon grew up in Detroit, MI and came to Christ at 7 years old. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Advertising and Marketing. She became a preschool teacher in 2007 and completed her CDA training in 2009. Shannon has been on staff at Grace since 2009. You can follow Shannon on Facebook or Email her.

August Kuehn
Director of Support Services

August Kuehn is the Director of Support Services. August grew up in Niles, MI and came to Christ at age 5. August graduated from Southwestern Michigan College and has over 18 years in the entertainment, installation and church production industry, as well as a degree in business administration. He has been on staff at Grace since 2003. You can follow August on Facebook or Email him.

Kathy Bankston
Office Administrator

Kathy Bankston is the Director of Connections and Office Administrator. Kathy grew up in Dowagiac, MI and came to Christ at age 21. Kathy spent 14 years in the business world doing marketing for McDonalds. She has been on staff at Grace since 1985. You can follow Kathy on Facebook or Email her.

Support Staff
          Judy Thomas, Business Administrator
          Buddy Robbins, Campus Support Assistant
          Kristi Littrell, Children’s Ministry Assistant