Christ Is the Head of the Church

“He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.” Col. 1:18

“And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Eph. 1:22-23

Gospel of Grace Fellowship is governed by a board of elders and qualified according to 1 Tim. 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, and Acts 20:17-35. The primary responsibility of elders is the spiritual oversight of the Lord’s church. The office of elder is interchangeable with pastor according to Scripture.

Elders

Eric Douma, pastor

Eric is the founding pastor of Gospel of Grace Fellowship in Edina, Minnesota. A former airline pilot and flight instructor, his zeal for sharing the Word of God led him to complete a B.S. in Theology as well as a M.A. in Theological Studies from the University of Northwestern in Roseville, Minnesota.

Eric’s knowledge of Hebrew and Greek, as well as his study of the historical background and context helps to provide a rich understanding of Scripture. Our church is blessed to be inspired, encouraged and challenged by Eric’s teaching each week. He has also written and taught on various topics in the fields of theology and apologetics.

Eric and his wife Deborah have one son. He enjoys fishing and continues to fly when he has time.

 Steve Gretch, elder

Steve was raised as a Catholic and became a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ as an adult. A hunger for the Lord and His Word was awakened in him through the study of the Scriptures. He attended Village Schools of the Bible, where he studied the Scriptures from cover-to-cover. He is a three-time graduate of that program, having taken the course with each member of his immediate family.

Steve, his wife Barb, and his two daughters (now grown) attended Gospel of Grace Fellowship since its earliest days and have served in various ministries. They were drawn to GGF by the expository Bible teaching and the church’s passion for the Gospel, boldly and carefully proclaimed. Steve is honored to serve as an elder to this congregation that has taught, loved, and encouraged his family.

Steve worked as a surgical video specialist at a local hospital for over 30 years. He is a music and audio lover; he loves to travel and camp with his family; and he enjoys cooking. He recently experienced the tremendous joy of becoming a grandpa!

Steve hosts a podcast called “A Different Drummer” which looks into the promises of God found in Scripture.

Eric Fredrickson, elder

Eric was raised in a Lutheran church, but became a believer after spending many years studying and meditating on the gospel.

In recent years, Eric had the opportunity to study with a Hebrew scholar/seminary professor at a previous church, and has delved into scripture using commentaries and Systematic Theology texts from other reliable biblical expositors. He has found Gospel of Grace Fellowship to be a perfect setting for growth in the knowledge and understanding of scripture from the expository preaching of Eric Douma and Bob DeWaay.

Along with another member of our church, Steve Myntti, Eric founded Truth in the Streets, an evangelism ministry that brings the gospel to the lost in the Twin Cities and its environs. He desires to bring the gospel to all in his sphere of influence who do not believe. Eric has also facilitated a bible study and classes here at GGF.

He continues to work as a certified public accountant in Buffalo. He and his wife, Barb, have three married sons, two grandsons and another grandson on the way.

Deacons

Deacons are appointed to assist with the administration of church activities and ministries of the church. “Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matt. 20:26–28)

Member

Church membership is encouraged and may be pursued by any believer in Christ who attends regularly. A membership application is available at the Information table on Sunday mornings or by contacting the church office.

Bylaws

Our church bylaws direct the manner in which our church is operated and governed. To download a copy of our bylaws, click here.