Elder Candidates

Grace Point Church is pleased to present three men as <span class="underline-effect-light">candidates</span> for eldership.

Grace Point Church is pleased to present three men as candidates for eldership.

The elder nomination process begins with you, the congregation. This spring, members of Grace Point were invited to nominate men they believe are qualified to shepherd our church. From those nominations, our current Board of Elders has been prayerfully seeking the Spirit's leading, carefully evaluating each candidate through an extensive questionnaire and a personal interview. That process has brought us here: three men we believe are worth presenting to this church family for your consideration and feedback.

Nothing about this is rushed or taken lightly. Eldership carries real weight, and we want to get it right.

What We're Looking For in an <span class="underline-effect-light">Elder</span>

What We're Looking For in an Elder

Grace Point's elders are held to the qualifications laid out in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9. These are standards that emphasize character over competency. Elders must be above reproach, faithful husbands, self-controlled, hospitable, gentle, able to teach, and committed to sound doctrine. They shepherd God's people not for prestige or personal gain, but as servants of Christ who will one day give an account for how they cared for His church.

If you want to learn more about eldership at GPC, you can read about our elder philosophy below.

GP Elders

The Process We Followed

Identifying and affirming elders is one of the most significant things a church does, and we don't approach it casually. From the beginning, this process has been soaked in prayer. The elders have fasted and sought God's direction together, asking Him to lead us clearly and to close doors where they need to be closed.

Here's how the process has unfolded:

Congregational Nominations

In January and February, we invited the Grace Point family to nominate men they believe demonstrate the character and calling of an elder. Those nominations came from people who know these men up close, and that matters.

Initial Elder Evaluation

Before moving forward, the elders reviewed each nominated candidate against a baseline set of criteria: church membership, known reputation within the congregation, and a genuine desire to serve in the elder role. This step allowed us to identify the men best positioned to move into a more thorough evaluation process.

Questionnaire

Each candidate completed an in-depth written questionnaire covering their theological understanding, their heart for the church, their personal devotion to Jesus, and their testimony. This wasn't a formality. It was an opportunity to hear from each man in his own words about what he believes and how he lives.

Interviews

The elders sat down with each candidate for a substantive conversation covering doctrine, the nature and expectations of the elder role, and overall fit. We wanted to understand not just what they know, but who they are.

Conversations with Their Wives

Eldership is a family commitment, not just an individual one. We had meaningful conversations with each candidate's wife to hear her perspective and ensure she is genuinely supportive of her husband stepping into this role.

Congregational Feedback

Before any vote is taken, the church has a window to speak. You may know something we don't. Your voice is part of this process. You can submit your feedback to the elders by email: gpcelders@gracepointchurch.net

Elder Affirmation & Installation

Only after all of the above does the Board of Elders vote to affirm a candidate. Those affirmed would be installed and begin serving as elders effective July 1.

We share this not to check a box, but because we believe you deserve to understand how your church makes decisions like this and because we want you to trust that the men being presented to you have been examined carefully, prayed over seriously, and presented to this congregation in good faith.

The Candidates

Matt Busch

Matt and Megan have been part of the Grace Point family for ten years, where they serve together as Small Group Leaders. Matt also serves on the First Impressions team as a Greeter. Married 17 years, they're the proud parents of three daughters — Braylee, Paisley, and Kinsley. Professionally, Matt serves as the Boys Basketball Coach at Gravette High School.

Why He Feels Called to Eldership: My name is Matt Busch, and my family and I have been part of GPC for the past 10 years. Throughout that time, the Lord has grown in us a deep love for this church body and a strong desire to see it thrive spiritually. Over the past several years, I have increasingly felt God calling me to step into a greater role of leadership and service within the church. Our family has had the privilege of serving in a variety of ministries, including Small Group Leadership, the Prayer Team, First Impressions, and many others. Through these opportunities, the Lord has strengthened my passion for shepherding, encouraging, and discipling others with patience, compassion, and biblical truth. I strive to lead my family with integrity, remain faithful in my conduct, and demonstrate humility, wisdom, self-control, and a servant’s heart in every area of life. While I know no man is perfect, my desire is to continually pursue Christ, live above reproach both publicly and privately, and faithfully serve the church for the glory of God.

Jeremy Sullivan

Jeremy has called Grace Point home for eleven years and has served throughout the church in that time — four years in GP Kids, eight years in GP Students, three years in men's ministry, and the past year as a deacon. He has also represented GPC on mission trips to both Greece and Zambia, experiences he credits as deeply formative to his faith. Jeremy and his wife Andrea are parents to five children: Tyler, Sam, Lauren, Aubrey, and Kennedy. He has worked as an electrical contractor for 32 years. When he's not working, you'll likely find him on the golf course, on a mountain bike, or — yes — on a pickleball court.

Why He Feels Called to Eldership: I believe the Lord has been growing in me a desire and calling toward biblical eldership, all through a deepening love for His Word, His church and His people. This has been a gradual but increasing burden in my soul that I cannot explain. This burden has been in the desire to help shepherd, disciple, protect, and encourage the body of Christ in both truth and grace. This desire is not one of personal recognition or selfish ambition but from a heart to simply serve our Lord with the time, talent, and treasure He has entrusted me with. As I study 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and 1 Peter 5, I find my soul increasingly aligned with the calling of a biblical elder which is to care for God's people, defend sound doctrine, model godly leadership and serve as an under shepherd to Jesus Christ, the chief shepherd. I am not a perfect man, I have many flaws, but I recognize I am on a journey of personal growth and sanctification which is dependent on the Holy Spirit working within me daily. I believe it is within this journey that the Lord is shaping my heart and soul toward eldership for His glory and the good of His church.

Michael Hancock

Michael has been attending Grace Point since 2021, having connected with the church online while still living in Texas. In that time, he has served as a Small Group Leader, a Youth Group Leader, on the Gospel Response team, and as part of a teaching pastor interview team. He and his wife Sarah are celebrating 11 years of marriage this July and are parents to three boys — Booker (8), Brazos (2), and Bronson (4 months). Outside of church, Michael coaches 9U travel baseball and loves fishing, attending sporting events, and backyard time with his family.

Why He Feels Called to Eldership: Over the last several years I have really felt the Holy Spirit leading me to step up and use my gifts for His kingdom. It started in Youth Ministry and wanting to help disciple and biblically encourage the students to grow their relationship with Jesus. I wanted to be the support that I never had at their age. God kept pushing. I started leading a Small Group and have learned how to grow in a biblical community while sharing things I have found deep in study. The push didn't stop. I dove deeper in my bible studies and evangelical outreach in the community. I was later nominated and selected to be a deacon of Grace Point. Extremely humbled but I felt like as much as I love serving others over myself, leading, teaching, and shepherding the lost while growing the saints is what I felt called to do. I was going through a season of prayer and fasting and seeking God's counsel more than ever because I wasn't sure if he was calling me to full-time ministry. However, I never received the strong urge to quit my job. Next thing I know, I am having conversations with several members and Elders in the church stating that they have nominated me for an Elder role. It was a humbling and overwhelming feeling to say the least. I am just a broken human seeking Jesus and trying to be obedient to whatever he calls me to - I wasn't sure if I was qualified. Again, through more fasting and prayer, I realized this is what God has been preparing me for all along. This is the opportunity to step further into ministry using the spiritual gifts He has blessed me with while keeping my job. My wife Sarah has been so supportive throughout this entire season of uncertainty and there is no way I could commit to this position if it wasn't for her. I have such a heart for Christ's Church, this church, and the lost. I am thankful for the consideration from each of you, the support and nomination of our current elders, and am excited to step into this role.

A Word to the <span class="underline-effect-light">Congregation</span>

A Word to the Congregation

Affirming elders is a shared responsibility. You know these men. You've worshiped alongside them, served with them, and watched their lives up close. That matters.

If you have questions, concerns, or objections regarding any of these candidates, we ask that you bring them to the elders directly and in good faith. This is part of how we hold leadership accountable together as a church.

Please send any feedback or objections to: gpcelders@gracepointchurch.net

After receiving feedback from the congregation, the elders will continue to seek God's leading — prayerfully weighing what is shared before making a final decision. Pending that affirmation, these men are anticipated to begin serving as elders effective July 1.