Matt Wheeler: Pastor / Elder
Matt grew up 10 miles north of Deer Park, graduating from DPHS in 2003. He gave his life to Christ in 2004 after seeing the film Passion of the Christ and being deeply moved by Jesus’ sacrifice for his sins. After graduation, he moved into Spokane and eventually earned a Bachelor’s of Education from Eastern Washington University in 2012. He taught middle school History and English for two years in Forks, WA, but felt God calling him to serve in ministry.
Returning to Spokane in the summer of 2015, he went on to earn a Master’s in Christian Ministry from Whitworth University in January, 2020, while serving as Youth and Family Associate Pastor at Chattaroy Community Church from July, 2016 through December, 2019. He also served as Associate Pastor at Open Door Congregational Church in Deer Park from August, 2020 to July, 2023 and as Administrative/Pastoral Assistant at Real Life Otis Church in Otis Orchards during the fall of 2023, before becoming Senior Pastor at Grace Church on January 28th, 2024. His dream is to see Grace Church be used by God to win people to faith in Jesus Christ, that they would be baptized and discipled to experience and share the Gospel and God’s love with the community of Deer Park and beyond.
Matt met his beautiful wife Rachael at a training for Royal Family Kids Camp, a Christian camp for children in the foster care system, in April of 2016. Matt knew a good thing when he saw it and asked for Rachael’s number after the conclusion of the camp in June; they were married on March 24, 2018, and have three amazing kids: Abigail, Levi, and Judah.
Rusty Minnemeier: Elder
As a young man I lived a life of destruction and had nothing to do with God. Only after I was given a New Testament pocket Bible did I find that the Lord was seeking me out through His Word. No darkness or sin could hide me from His truth. Glory be to His infinite love! God the Holy Spirit restored me as His call had me publicly come forward during an altar call to ask God the Son, Jesus Christ, to take command of my life and submit to His leading at the age of 35. My wife, Janet, and I have been members of Grace Church since 1988. Blessed be His name!
Personally, He has shown me, O man, what is good and right: What does the Lord require of me, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with my God (Micah 6:8). Responding to God’s love, by His grace and mercy, through an act of gratitude. Thank You, Lord!
Rick Tedrow: Elder
My journey with Christ began as a 10 year old boy. I went forward at a local church in response to an “alter call,” and heard for the first time about God’s goodness, mercy and forgiveness. Even then I felt God’s love drawing me to Him. I responded by giving my heart to Jesus.
Psalm 86:5 You ,Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to You.
As a college age student, I always was seeking for “truth”, whether in philosophy or other studies. But Jesus continued to draw me to Him. As a young father, He began a sanctifying process in my life as I struggled with worldly temptations. And that continues to this day.
It is such a privilege at this stage of my life, to be called by God to serve as a Provincial Elder at Grace Church of Deer Park. The Bible has become so alive and exciting! I feel the redeeming love of Christ. Here at Grace Church, the fellowship loves the Word of God , and it is taught faithfully. Come join us as we worship our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
John 4:24 God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in Spirit and in truth.
Craig Rummer: Treasurer & Deacon
I was born in Colville, WA, and graduated in 1978. My salvation occurred, believe it or not, while living in a fairly wild fraternity at WSU. One of the members held a (very small) bible study, and after receiving and reading a Gideon new testament distributed on campus, I believed in Christ as my Savior. I graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and began working in the Seattle area. Although I continued believing in Jesus, I didn’t abide in Christ for two years while living there. So, God chastised me and rescued me at the same time, as He relocated me to Colville again. My favorite verse is John 6:37 – “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will by no means cast out.”
I married Karen Sampson, a classmate in high school, after a friendship that started at our 10 year class reunion. We moved to Deer Park in 1998. Karen and I are both active in Grace Church. I am currently the Treasurer and have been serving as a Deacon for many years. We have two married children. Our son, Mitch, lives in Boise with his wife Abby. Our daughter, Allison, lives in Deer Park with her husband Joe and their two sons. We are blessed that both Mitch and Allison married fantastic spouses!
Grace Church has always been a warm and welcoming church that teaches biblical precepts with love, but we don’t compromise God’s word to fit in with today’s culture. If you’re looking for a church, please join us!
Jeff Simmons: Deacon
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverb 19:21.
As a young man, my plans involved following the prideful, sinful desires of my heart. That path led to some very dark places. Forty-two years ago, our Lord put an amazing woman in my life. That woman, Teresa, became my wife. She planted the seed, and thirty-six years ago, I gave my life to Christ. That life has been abundantly blessed by the Lord. I am humbled that I have been put in a position to serve my brothers and sisters here at Grace Church. I feel blessed by this opportunity and will strive to be a good steward in nurturing this blessing.
Ed Fleewood: Deacon
Ed was born in Spokane and raised in different locations within the Pacific Northwest. He graduated from Mead High School and Spokane Community College, and has worked multiple jobs throughout his life. Ed accepted Christ as his Saviour when he was 30 years old and has followed Him ever since. Always willing to step in and help wherever needed, he currently serves as a deacon for Grace Church, working in the background to help care for the operations and logistics of the church. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Stay tuned: Bios for our Deaconesses are coming soon