Lead Pastor – Greg Johnston has served as senior pastor of five Mississippi churches during the last twenty-seven years. His latest place of service, prior to leaving to start The Grove Church, was FBC Batesville, MS. Greg is a graduate of William Carey University and also earned both a Master of Divinity degree in Pastoral Ministry and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Evangelistic Church Growth from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Greg and Vicki celebrated thirty-four years of marriage in May, 2011. Vicki is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelors degree in Nursing. In addition to being a registered nurse, Vicki is an outstanding Bible teacher. She has taught Young Married Adults and College and Career students in Sunday School and has taught many Beth Moore studies to ladies’ groups.
Associate Pastor – Britt Johnston served Barton Baptist Church for two years as Youth Pastor prior to moving to Texas. He has also served as a summer missionary to Brazil with the International Mission Board, as well as, several short term mission trips to Brazil and Mexico. Britt holds a B.A. in religion from William Carey University and has attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary studying missions. Britt has a heart to see people come to know Christ. He believes the church should not expect lost people to come to us, but rather we should carry church to the lost. Britt and and his wife Michaela were married on April 14, 2007 and served the first year of their marriage together ministering to at-risk youth. Michaela is the leader of the band “Bridge”, and each Sunday they lead us in worship.
Youth Pastor – Caleb Crabtree grew up just outside of Lucedale, MS. Caleb was very active in his youth group while in high school. During his junior year, Caleb felt called into the ministry. Caleb became a leader within the youth group and ultimately surrendered to God’s calling upon his life. Immediately after high school, Caleb enrolled at William Carey University where he is pursuing a degree in Religion. While a student, Caleb has felt it necessary to be plugged into church in Hattiesburg. He volunteered to help sing in the band, Bridge, and God has been using his willingness to serve. After serving for several months, Caleb stepped up to be our Youth Pastor.
Children’s Pastors – Grant and Jessica Douglas both joined The Grove Church before the first “preview service”. They immediately plugged in and began working with the children and have been very dedicated to seeing children come to know Christ. With Grant’s background in working with youth and Jessica’s love for children, the two became a vital part of the children’s ministry. In April of 2010 they were asked to step up as Children’s Pastors of The Grove Church. The two readily accepted the position and serve God actively through their gifts.