David and Rhonda Knox
Pastors
gchristiancenter@sbcglobal.net
Pastors David and Rhonda Knox, began their ministry experience in the country of Nepal in the year 2000. Trusting God, in every step they took, they have partnered with two ministries in Nepal that have planted over 200 churches to date. In May of 2006, after the passing of founding Pastor Leon Vernon, Rhonda's daddy, David and Rhonda had the mantle of pastors, of Grove Christian Center, passed to them. The mandate of an Acts 1:8 church is very evident as several local mission works have been started out of GCC. GCC now is actively involved in the countries of Nepal, Paraguay, Brazil, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Haiti.
Pastors David and Rhonda have been married since 1978 and have two daughters, Holly and Summer. Their daughter, Holly, and her husband, Chris Brookhouser, made them grandparents to Macy and Marcelo.
Rhonda has written three books: Rhonda, Tell That Story, which tells stories of their early years working on the mission field in Nepal, In the Palm of God's Hand, a story of an encounter she had with God and the instructions given to her for the church, and Momma, I have Fallen in Love with Paraguay, and amazing story of a dream given to Rhonda that has captured audiences here and abroad. This dream led David and Rhonda to Paraguay, where God has opened many new doors of ministry.
Pastors David and Rhonda have been married since 1978 and have two daughters, Holly and Summer. Their daughter, Holly, and her husband, Chris Brookhouser, made them grandparents to Macy and Marcelo.
Rhonda has written three books: Rhonda, Tell That Story, which tells stories of their early years working on the mission field in Nepal, In the Palm of God's Hand, a story of an encounter she had with God and the instructions given to her for the church, and Momma, I have Fallen in Love with Paraguay, and amazing story of a dream given to Rhonda that has captured audiences here and abroad. This dream led David and Rhonda to Paraguay, where God has opened many new doors of ministry.
Mark and Tammy Linn
Associate Pastors / Youth Leaders
Mark and Tammy Linn have been associated with the founding pastors of GCC since they were teenagers. Never dreaming they would be a part of the church, the call of God on their lives lead them to us in 1997. Thus, fulfilling a need in ministry that has far exceeded our expectations. They have been a super blessing in their ministry as youth pastors and Mark as associate pastor of GCC. They are parents of three anointed sons whose lives have definitely had an impact on the youth ministry. They also have two daughter-in laws, and 6 grandchildren. We are blessed have them on our staff.
Lynda Vernon
Founding Pastor
Lynda Vernon, along with her husband, Leon, were the Founding Pastors of Grove Christian Center where they served together for 33 years until his home going in 2006. Since 1975, Lynda still remains actively involved in all the functions here at GCC, and is excited about the future of the church where her daughter and son-in-law, David and Rhonda Knox, are now the pastors carrying on the vision, passed down to them, with even a greater anointing. Her heart still “beats” strong for missions and for GCC and anxiously waits to just Do What HE Tells Her To Do!
Mary Ellen Vernon Fritchey
Church Secretary/ Treasurer and Book Store Manager
treasurer4him@yahoo.com
Mary Ellen Vernon Fritchey is the daughter of Leon and Lynda Vernon, founding pastors of GCC, and the sister to Rhonda Knox, who is now pastoring along side her husband, David Knox. It was always Mary Ellen’s desire to work as her daddy’s secretary. Mary Ellen’s dedicated service as Secretary/Treasurer and Bookstore Manager, of Grove Christian Center since 1980, has proven to be one of God’s gifts to the church. Her faithfulness is a blessing and her integrity is unapproachable. Her years of service would be best compared to Anna, the Prophetess, who remained in church all of her life. Just as David wrote in Psalms, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”.
Tyler and Chelsea Linn
Praise and Worship Leaders
Tyler has been a member of GCC since he was a child. He began playing on the worship team when he was 11 years old. When he and Chelsea began dating in 2011 she joined the team as well. Together they have been worship leaders at GCC since 2017. They are also involved with many other ministries at GCC. Chelsea teaches a Sunday school class and together they help with the youth group, volunteer with the nursery, and anything else that they are asked to do. They love their GCC family and are excited to be apart of what God has in store. They have 3 beautiful children and love to travel and spend time with their family.
Praise and Worship Leaders
Tyler has been a member of GCC since he was a child. He began playing on the worship team when he was 11 years old. When he and Chelsea began dating in 2011 she joined the team as well. Together they have been worship leaders at GCC since 2017. They are also involved with many other ministries at GCC. Chelsea teaches a Sunday school class and together they help with the youth group, volunteer with the nursery, and anything else that they are asked to do. They love their GCC family and are excited to be apart of what God has in store. They have 3 beautiful children and love to travel and spend time with their family.