Leadership

Summerville High School, '83

Clemson University, '87
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, '97

Married Anita Mirick in '88 (Summerville High, '83; Clemson University, '87), Darien & Anita have 4 daughters and two grandchildren. They have lived in West Palm Beach & Tampa, FL; Wake Forest & Wilson, NC.

Darien has been pastor of Grace since 2006 and likes to read, travel  & play Ultimate Frisbee.

Instagram @neiradarien  |  Twitter @dariengabriel | Facebook @DarienGabriel | LinkTree

Email darien.gabriel@gracetoday.net

Ken is from Greenwood, SC where he graduated from Greenwood High School (’83) before going on to get degrees from Clemson University ’87 and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary ‘03. Ken was called to Gospel ministry in 1993 when he was serving as one of the youth leaders in his church. He has been working full-time as a youth pastor since 1995 when he was ordained, having served in various Youth and Education roles.

Ken and his wife, Wana, are parents of three sons and one daughter and have been part of the Grace family since 2012.

Ken enjoys spending time with his family, reading God's Word, history books, F3, Ultimate Frisbee, and soccer.

Email: ken.dorrity@gracetoday.net

Originally from Illinois, Chris graduated from the University of Illinois in 1991 with a degree in architecture. After marrying Amy in 1992, they moved south where he graduated from Clemson University in 1995 with his Masters. He is an architect and founder of Karpus Design, and co-founder of 141 Impact, a non-profit organization serving at-risk children and families in Uganda.

Chris and Amy are the proud parents of three children.

Chris also serves on the worship team at Grace and co-leads a mission group focused on serving the community. He enjoys hiking, music, composing, spending time with family, and caring for kids in Uganda.

He has been part of the Grace family since 2018.

Email: chris.karpus@gracetoday.net

Lance and his wife, Betsy, are proud parents of five wonderful children. They have been part of Grace since 2012.

Email: lance.gorrell@gmail.com

Brian Smith is another pastor-elder at GCF. He and his wife, Anna, are the proud parents of 5 great kids. They have been part of the Grace family since 2012.

Email: bsmithcoach@gmail.com

Mikey & Brooke have 5 wonderful kids. Mikey serves in our Praise Band and Brooke serves in our Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry. Their family has been a part of Grace since July 2022.

Email: Michael.s.brannon@gmail.com

Gary & Eileen serve at Grace in many different areas, including Safety, Praise Band, and Children’s ministry. They are the proud parents of four children and have been part of the Grace family since July 2018.

Bryan and Susan Black joined the Grace family in November 2015. Bryan plays in the worship band and Susan serves as a greeter and assists with the children and youth ministries.

Drew & Sarah have been members of Grace since April 2022. They have 3 children and serve in many different areas at Grace and host a home group.

Hulon and Jennifer Ferris have been faithful members of Grace since 2021. They actively serve in many ministries at Grace and host a home group.

Greg & Melissa serve at Grace as a deacon team. They have a wonderful daughter and serve in many of our ministries at Grace. They have been members of Grace since 2023.

Stephen and Catherine love the Lord and are blessed to serve Him by serving at Grace as a Deacon Team. Steve and Catherine lead and serve together on the Communion Team and on the Baptism Team. Catherine also serves in the Nursery and is active in the Women's ministry. Stephen serves in the Praise Band and on the Safety Team. Steve and Catherine have been members of Grace since March 2014.

Mike & Susan are grateful for salvation in Christ Jesus. Susan serves in our Children’s Ministry, Cleaning Team and Safety Team. Mike serves in our Safety Team and Cleaning Team. Mike & Susan have been members of Grace since Feb 2020.

Mike serves in our Safety Team and Fellowship Team. Fairlight serves in our Fellowship Team and Children’s Ministry. Mike & Fairlight have been members of Grace since Oct 2021.

Joe & Jana serve at Grace as a deacon team. Joe serves in our Praise Band and Youth Team. Jana serves in our Children’s Ministry. They joined the Grace family August 2015 and have three children.