Gordon McDaniel became pastor of Grace Bible Church in September of 2025. He is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary. In the past, Gordon has served as a youth pastor, associate pastor, lead pastor, and even as a pastor training coordinator. Gordon is committed to expository teaching, and we’re thankful to have he and his family (Beverly, Nick, Hope, and Isaiah) at Grace Bible.

As the church administrator, I enjoy being able to utilize my previous work, educational, and ministry experiences to help keep church information
organized and accessible. My husband, Doug, and I have been married for over 26 years. Originally from Pennsylvania, we have relocated many times and lived
throughout the US due to Doug’s career. We currently reside in Eustace with our two bull terriers, a flock of chickens, an abundance of house plants, and a large garden.

My husband, Byron, and I have been married for 12 years and have two daughters, Lucy and Maggie. I have been in the role of children's ministry director for 3 years and enjoy cultivating a space for our littlest members to grow and learn. In my spare time you will find me crafting or sewing something with my girls. 

Jerry accepted Christ at age 14 at a Church of Christ in Elk City, OK. He attended Oklahoma University on a swimming scholarship, and married Ann Thurmond in 1966 upon graduation. Jerry became an Army aviator in 1967 and served 6 ½ years, which included a year in Viet Nam. He left the Army in 1972 to become a pilot for Delta Airlines where he served for 34 years. When his piloting years were behind him he worked for DAL Global Services for the next 10 years hiring Delta pilots. The Tates attended Northwest Bible Church for 35 years where they were active in the Junior High Ministry for about 15 years. Jerry then went on to serve as a deacon and then as an elder, and eventually served as vice chairman and then chairman of the elder board. After retirement the Tates moved to Cedar Creek Lake and attended Grace Community Church in Athens. Shortly after the church was burned down, a new course was set and Jerry was selected to be team leader of the membership team for Grace Bible. He has officially served as an elder at Grace for about ten years.

Larry has a B.S. Degree from the University of Texas at Dallas, 1981 in Geosciences, and a M.A. Degree in Biblical Counseling, 2013,  from Dallas Theological Seminary. He worked in the oil and gas business as a petroleum geologist for approximately 30 years. He currently works as a Licensed Professional Counselor for the Malakoff School District. He has been in that position since 2014. Larry became a believer the first year of his marriage to Rebecca in 1983 at the age of twenty-five. He has served in different capacities in previous churches, such as youth SS teacher, leader and member of various committees, Men’s Ministry leader, Lay leader, Promise Keeper church representative, Adult Sunday School Teacher, and Elder since 1983. He has been a member and a leader at various times for over 25 years in Bible Study Fellowship since 1997, and currently leads one of the classes in the Men’s BSF class that meets Tuesday nights at Grace.  He and his wife Rebecca joined the church in 2016, and he became an elder in 2018. He currently serves as an Adult Sunday School teacher. His passion and calling is leading others to Christ through relationship, in whatever activity that bonds, whether that be through church membership, Bible Study, friendship, fishing, or something new and humbling he is learning, called golf. He lives in the Cedar Creek area with his wife, Rebecca of 42 years. They have two sons, John Howell, and Sam Brisendine.

Todd was born and raised in Dallas, TX where he attended Lake Highlands High School. He later attended the University of Texas, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. From an early age, Todd was consumed with a passion for airplanes. He currently serves as a Boeing 777 Captain and Check Airman for United Airlines. He met his lovely wife Rita while attending the Hyde Park Baptist College group at UT. They have been married 41 years and have two sons and eight grandchildren. Todd came to faith at age 17 when on a date. His date told him about Jesus, and he believed. He has been involved in Church ministry ever since. Todd and Rita founded and direct “Skiin’ with the Galilean”, where 11,000 orphans, foster children, and those with special needs have heard the gospel during its 26-year existence. Todd and Rita have attended GBC for approximately 12 years. He has served as an Adult Sunday School teacher since that time. He currently teaches the young family’s class. Rita helps in the young family’s class, children’s ministry, and hospitality ministry. He has served as an elder for two years, and is the current chairman. Todd loves Grace Bible Church, and is committed to join this congregation in advancing the Gospel, making disciples and being a blessing to the community of the Athens area.

Byron is a local attorney in Athens. He graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2002 and the SMU Dedman School of Law in 2008. He was raised in a Christian home and has believed that Jesus is the risen son of God for as long as he can remember. He has attended Grace since 2015, and he became an elder in 2022. Byron previously served as a regular scripture reader at All Saints Dallas, and he currently leads a Wednesday night caregroup for Grace and teaches a youth Sunday School class . Byron loves to study the Bible, and he desires to see the members of Grace Bible Church live in the power of the Holy Spirit. Byron is married to Carley Kelley and they have two daughters who are named Lucy Mae and Maggie Sue.