Jeff Steffel
Lead Pastor
After graduating from bible college where he met his wife Violet, Jeff was on staff at a church for a few years before moving to Port Saint Lucie and starting Grace Family Church in 1989. He has a passion for people to be grounded in the Gospel and truth of God's Word, and in 30 years of ministry has been a faithful preacher of God's Word. As Lead Pastor, he is responsible for teaching each week while directing and communicating the vision of the church to the congregation and staff. He enjoys hiking and skiing and spending time with his family.
Violet Steffel
Women and Care
Violet is the wife of Lead Pastor Jeff Steffel. Together, they founded Grace Family Church in 1989 and have served side-by-side faithfully for nearly 30 years. For many years, Violet led worship every week, and also served as the youth pastor. She now leads the Women of Grace ministry and also makes visits and takes care of members of the congregation. She loves singing, playing her piano, and spending time with her husband and children.
Chuck Rustin
Membership and Care
Chuck was rescued by God from the streets of Fort Lauderdale in February 1984 and married his wife, Julie, in December of that year. Together they have two grown sons and enjoy exercise, biking, the beach, and spending time with other believers. Over the years Chuck has served in various areas of the body of Christ. He loves to see people walk in the freedom and peace that God provides in the Gospel, and oversees Member Care (incl. Biblical coaching, weddings, funerals, and hospital visitations), Life Groups, and our Healing & Freedom Groups.
Leo Gutierrez
Operations and Missions
Leo hails from the Dominican Republic. He served on staff as Children's Director from 2007-2013 and now oversees all church operations as well as mission's efforts and events. Leo has a passion for getting people to see the Great Commission as the "Great Completion," in order to mobilize every believer to embrace a missions mindset in their day-to-day lives. In his off time, he enjoys camping and spending time with his wife Omali and his three children.
Andrew Garrigan
Communications and Technology
Andrew was born and raised in Port Saint Lucie and grew up through Grace's children and student ministries. He spent a few years in the health care field as an administrative assistant and in IT support while also interning in the church office. In 2013 he was hired on staff and now meets the church's various technical and communications needs. He is passionate about the local church, and also enjoys teaching and leading the college ministry, reading, and basketball.
Stephen Garrigan
Worship
Stephen is a longtime member of the Grace Family, having grown up in the church. He was hired in 2015 as an intern responsible for all worship teams within the church. He is passionate about excellence in worship technicality but also desires to see people really engaged with God each weekend. He enjoys anything music-related, and there are few instruments he cannot play.
Bronson Allen
Grace Students High School
Bronson was born and raised in Port Saint Lucie. After High school he spent time interning with Teen Mania ministries in Texas. He returned to Port Saint Lucie and started attending Grace Family Church before spending a year at Moody Bible Institute. He moved back to Port Saint Lucie when offered a job at Grace in 2013, and has since gotten married. He takes care of visitors on Sunday mornings and also oversees all youth services and activities, all while continuing his education through Moody's online program. Bronson loves running, sailing, and coffee.
Sheryl Tully
Grace Students Middle School
Sheryl hails from South Africa, but also lived in Zimbabwe, England and New York City, where she met and married her husband Joe before making her move to South Florida. She was hired on staff in 2012 to oversee our younger student ministries, which she does part time while also helping Joe run a plumbing service in the Port Saint Lucie area. Together they have two daughters, and they all enjoy family vacations together.
