Leadership Team
Meet the Team
Joel Atwell
Lead Pastor
Joel was born in April of 1963 (you do the math). He and Linda were high school sweethearts in Eldon, MO, and were married in June of 1983.
They have three married children: Hannah (Hunter), Ben (Kelley), and Lizzy (Joey) – and, better yet, lots of grandkids!!! 
When it comes to pastimes/hobbies, Joel enjoys far more than he has time or money to participate in. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Mid-America Nazarene University (MNU) and a Master’s from Nazarene Theological Seminary (NTS).
Joel serves as Lead Pastor and has since June of 1990. Joel’s great desire is to introduce as many people as possible to a life-giving relationship with Jesus.
joel@grace-community.net.
Brandon Cluff
Pastor of Youth and Worship
Brandon grew up as a Nazarene pastor’s kid in Nebraska. He received a bachelor’s degree from MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, KS, in 2011.
He met the love of his life, and now wife, at youth group as a 7th grader. Because he is such a romantic… they still attend youth group together every Sunday night!
He loves spending time with his sons Brayson, Summit, & Truett and daughters Timber & Meadow. Brandon and his wife are about to welcome their 6th kid!
Brandon has a passion for teenagers and truly believes that with Christ they can change the world. Brandon can be reached at brandon@grace-community.net.
Margaret Tyler
Pastor of Children’s Ministry
Abbie Mantor
Director of Connections & Discipleship
Abbie is our Director of Connections and Discipleship. She holds a PhD in biblical studies from Asbury Theological Seminary, which simply means she owns an inordinate number of books.
She has four grown children, Hunter (& Emily), Andi, Ryan, and Leigha, plus two spunky grand-cats.
When Abbie doesn’t have her nose in a book or a research project, you can probably find her kayaking, running, or eating dairy-free ice cream.
Nothing delights Abbie more than seeing people recognize their identity in Christ and grow in that reality. She’s also pretty passionate about helping others fall in love with God’s Word!
Abbie can be reached at abbie@grace-community.net.
Bill Ashley
Director of Operations
LaDonna Miller
Co-Director of Early Childhood Ministry
LaDonna serves as our Early Childhood Co-Coordinator, with an emphasis on Preschool.
For 18 years LaDonna worked as a para and sub for the Spring Hill School District– 7 of those years in preschool. She has also offered childcare in her home for many families.
Megan Laird
Co-Director of Early Childhood Ministry
Megan serves as our Early Childhood Co-Coordinator, with an emphasis on Infants and Toddlers. For 3 years Megan worked as a physical education teacher before staying home to be a mom.
As a teen and young adult she always found ways to be helping with littles: nannying, teaching classes or volunteering at church. She and her husband Caleb have four kids that keep them busy!
Megan works hard to make sure our youngest worshippers are feeling safe and loved while learning about Jesus through stories and crafts. If you have any Early Childhood questions or would like to join the Early Childhood volunteer team, she can be reached at megan@grace-community.net.
Brooke Coffey
Youth Ministry Assistant
Brooke serves as our Youth Ministry Assistant. She has always been passionate about investing in the next generation, from serving as a junior counselor as a teenager to sponsoring all-night events as a parent!
Brooke has been married to her husband, Brandon, for 15 years. They have 3 kids that keep them busy and like to be involved in everything! Brooke loves working with teenagers and is passionate about worship for all ages.
Nick Hunt
Media Director
Nick has served as our Media Director. He has served in ministry for over 25 years, with experience spanning Youth Ministry, District Leadership, and Media.
As Media Director, he oversees all aspects of the church’s audio/visual ministry—everything you see and hear on Sundays, both in-person and online.
He’s been happily married to his wife, Jenn, for 25 years, and together they have four (mostly) grown children.
If you would like to serve on the media team or have questions for Nick, you can reach him at nick@grace-community.net.
Molly Whitcraft
Administrative Assistant
Molly is our Administrative Assistant and manages the day-to-day operations of the church office. If you have a question, she can find the answer for you!
When you call or email GC, odds are good it’s Molly you’re talking to. She currently attends Faith Community, one of GC’s church plants, in Osawatomie where she’s on the worship team, so you won’t see her around here on Sundays.
She and her husband Caleb enjoy spoiling their young son and cats!
If you need general assistance, Molly will be glad to help at molly@grace-community.net.
Leo de Leon
Video Producer
Leo is our Part Time Video Producer. He built a career around motion graphics design and video production, and while he’s moved on to software development, he utilizes his talents to produce video content for Grace Community on a part-time basis.
Leo and his family live in the Spring Hill area. He is married to Selena and has two children.