LEADERSHIP
Grace Church Williamsburg seeks and expresses the glory of God in spiritual leadership through a plurality of elders. Elders are spiritually mature men who compassionately, consistently, and committedly give their lives to shepherding the flock of God in the love of Christ (1 Peter 5:1-5).
OUR ELDERS
Jeff Jackson
Teaching Pastor
About My Family:
Suzanne and I were married in 1983 after meeting in her home church while I was in college. Along the way, we’ve raised and lauched three wonderful children and we now have two even more wonderful grandchildren — I can say that because proud grandfathers are allowed. As empty nesters, we enjoy our time together and the added blessings of sharing our lives with our precious church family.
About My Spiritual Walk:
There are four important areas of my life where the Lord continues to do His greatest work in my sanctification (growth in Christlikeness). First, in my marriage where Suzanne is such a wonderful influence, vital partner in life and ministry, and faithful encouragement to me in so many ways. Second, through my children where, in many unexpected ways, the Lord is still refining me as a father. Third, through my best friend and fellow pastor, Greg. He challenges, encourages, and prays for me, and he faithfully labors with me as we shepherd Grace Church Williamsburg together. And fourth, with my church family who help me be a more godly pastor as they allow me to grow with them in our life together.
About my Preparation for Ministry and Life:
Beyond raising a family and being married, I’ve been privileged and blessed as a steward of lifelong learning. I have several degrees in ministry, and I was most deeply impacted while attending Grace Community Church and studying at The Master’s Seminary in Sun Valley, California. Recently, after a four-year labor of love, God blessed me with a Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling from The Master’s University.
About Ministry and Missions
Our greatest privilege in life as we serve the Lord Jesus is sharing our lives with Grace Church Williamsburg. In conjunction with my pastoral ministry at Grace, Suzanne and I are also members of two mission agencies, Biblical Ministries Worldwide and Overseas Instruction in Counseling.
Greg Garrison
Elder
Tell us a little about your family.
Marivi and I have been blessed with 31 years of marriage, four sons, and one daughter-in-law. Our oldest son (Micah) and his wife (Allison) reside in Raleigh, NC, while our second-oldest (Josiah) lives and works here in Williamsburg. Our younger two sons (Nathan and Caleb) live at home, and you’ll likely meet them as they hold the door open for you and greet you when you arrive for Sunday morning worship at our church. God has used the uniqueness of each family member, and especially Nathan and Caleb having Down Syndrome, to keep our lives in perspective and focused on the grace, love, and sufficiency of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Word.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
John MacArthur, Paul David Tripp, R.C. Sproul, Jerry Bridges, Joel Beeke, and most Puritan authors
What are some of your favorite movies?
Lord of the Rings, Casablanca, The Fugitive, North by Northwest, Facing the Giants
What are some of your hobbies?
In this stage of life, my family is my primary hobby! In my free time, I enjoy family game nights, as well as date nights and sports with each of them. We also enjoy going for regular walks (and an occasional jog) in and around Colonial Williamsburg.
What’s the best part of being an elder?
The best part of being an elder is the the humble privilege and honor to teach, serve, and pray for each of our church family members. To be entrusted with this very significant responsibility is serious and sobering, and I’m grateful to share this labor of love and service with my fellow elder.