Pastor Stephen and Brittney have been with Grace Church as Lead Pastor since February 2021. They have served in pastoral ministry in Tennessee, Mississippi, Indiana, Missouri, and Virgina. They have a spoiled dog named Addie and love to take trips and outings with her. Just like Pastor Stephen and Brittney ~ Addie never meets a stranger!
You can find our Pastoral family at local coffee shops, sampling the many foodie options in Chattanooga, making connections in our community, and hanging out with friends and family around the dinner table. They have heart and passion to share Jesus with everyone they meet and help people grow in their relationship with Jesus.
We look forward to welcoming you to Grace Church and having you a part of the amazing community who gather to worship, fellowship, grow in their relationship with Jesus in and around the Hixson community.
As a huge music fan, you can constantly find me humming a melody or seeking to play an instrument. Apart from that, I adore going on trips, spending time with loved ones, and, of course, going out to eat at any of the neighborhood restaurants. Many have realized that a tasty meal or the mention of music can easily persuade me. And once I am there, I enjoy spreading joy and tranquility to those around me.
But the most important thing you should know about me is that I desire to worship at Christ's feet, where I find everything I need. Among all the things I enjoy doing, nothing compares to the experience of being in His presence. Therefore, family, I'm excited for the times when we may gather to worship and dwell in God's presence. What a wonderful day it will be!
“Hello friends! I have a passion for growing God’s Kingdom!
While I enjoy spending time at home with my 2 dogs, Bruce and Nat and my cat Smudge. I also enjoy traveling, roller coasters (anything fast), painting, watching movies, and spending time outside. I like to laugh and make people laugh. The coolest thing I’ve ever done was skydive (twice) and of course accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, not in that order.
I am excited to work with you all and love your kiddos!”
Doreen is married to Rev. Lynn Riddle and serves as our Church Office Secretary and Church Treasurer. She has been part of Grace Church for over 15 years and has served in many different roles. She also serves as East TN District Director for Children’s Bible Quizzing.
Doreen is a graduate of Trevecca Nazarene College (now University) and is parent to 3 wonderful adults: Shearl, Emily and Thomas.
Doreen loves her family, her church, autumn, peanut butter, snow, Christmas, Christian music, Bible quizzing and flowers, but she loves her Lord Jesus most of all.
Pastor Emeritus
Jerry Hanson
Rev. Jerry and Pat Hanson served as pastor from 1992-2008, the longest tenure of any pastor in the history of Grace Church! He is a man of God who loves people and has a gift to work with his hands. The numerous improvement projects that he has completed over the years is too many to list! Devoted to the Word of God, Pastor Hanson currently serves as the Friendship Class teacher and is extremely effective in this role.
Pastor Hanson and Pat are faithful supporters of Grace Church and an invaluable asset to our ministry team! Pat is a retired educator with Hamilton County Schools and is active in choir, Women's Bible Study, Nazarene Missions, and hospitality. We are blessed to have this couple as an integral part of the ministry of Grace Church!
