The Loop +

Devon and Elizabeth Arredondo love life. Experiencing different culinary vibes, hole in the wall shops, and even the latest cinematic experience all rank toward the top of the list. Hailing from Tulsa, OK, Devon has lived life open handed with a desire to connect with others. Growing up in a split home, playing college baseball, and giving his life to vocational ministry are all threads in the story of who he is and what matters most to him now. 

Devon leads our Student Ministry team as Student Pastor, and also has a giftedness in music and worship leading. Student ministry is near and dear to his heart and helping parents of teens break down the barriers that are commonly built up is something that he feels can be a game changer this year.

You can reach Devon at [email protected] and also give him a follow online:
@darredondo21

or follow his movie review page:
@letstacoboutmovies

Nathan and Melissa have two kids, Parker and Peyton, and an appetite for enjoying life. Between homemade BBQ dinners, and mountain biking on NWA's premier trails, they really embrace who God has made them to be. Nathan has served in Student Ministry for over 20 years, and feels God has shaped him to now step into shaping groups at Grace Point. 

Originally from Oklahoma, Nathan has seen ministry in the Okie state, as well as in Houston, both in thriving ministries. Discipleship, missions, and community have always been passions of Nathan, and Grace Point is better having him, and his family serving along side us!

Reach out to him by emailing [email protected] or by giving him a follow on social media!
Instagram: @nathanwaganer

Caleb Gabrielle started at Grace Point in Junior High Student ministry but now sits as a Navigator, helping guide our church through one of the toughest years most of us has experienced. Caleb is a native to Bentonville and definitely carries that OG NWA personality. Living life on family land in Missouri, Caleb enjoys outdoor living, and getting on planes to go all over the world and help unbelievers know Jesus, and believers experience life through the eyes of other cultures. 

Caleb, Amanda, and their four kids have been faithful servants at Grace Point and are staples in many of our lives. Coming from a construction background, Caleb has a unique perspective on connecting with others and the unique needs of our community. While helping us Navigate the church at a high level, Caleb leads Global Adventures, Mosaic ( which is Grace Point's foster and adoptive effort), and also helps advise our Grace Point Students team. 

Emily Lusk is the newest team member at Grace Point (as of air date) but she fits in like she's always belonged. She leads our kid ministry team and has really given us a new perspective and fresh outlook and kids. Emily is a native of Oklahoma and new from an early age that vocational ministry was something she wanted to pursue. She got her start in mission work and eventually moved into Kid ministry at Battle Creek Church in Tulsa, before moving to Northwest Arkansas to take her current position at Grace Point. She is married to Jason for 16 years, and has 3 kids (Brodie, Kaleigh, Natalie) ranging from 14 to 8 years. Take a listen and get to know more about Emily!

Most churches have flaws. Or I should say, EVERY church has flaws. We disagree, we rally, we serve together, we fight. At its very best, the local church functions most like a family and we all know how those can be. Being a part of a body of believers can be one of the most rewarding practices we ever experience outside our own salvation. It’s where we learn that the Kingdom of God is built best when WE share the load, when WE do the building. The church is to make disciples of all nations. HEAR THAT AGAIN: DISCIPLES. Discipleship is NOT a one time decision, yet it's a lifelong journey. 

Grace Point Church is 20 years old. For some in our church, you know EXACTLY what each of those years has held. Each week, we sit in the sacrifice of others who have gone before us. An orphanage in Africa, refugees in Greece, missionaries in Asia, church plants in the states, and countless souls right here in our backyard are a testament to the HOLY SPIRIT moving in the hearts and minds of a people who claim GRACE POINT. Those stories are grand, inspiring, uplifting; COMFORTING. But if those stories do anything, they fuel us into a glorious tomorrow. A tomorrow that is marked by movements of GOD and a FAITH filled body of Christ. If those stories and memories deserve anything, it is a body of believers who are so unified and engaged in the mission that God has laid before us, that nothing can derail. American culture can’t touch us. Human selfishness can’t touch us. COMPLACENCY can’t touch us if we are sold out to the mission of our church: KNOWING OUR GOD, LOVING OUR PEOPLE, AND LIVING SENT. In order to do that we must remain focused and attentive to the call of our church. Worshipping together, serving together, studying together, and yes, LISTENING to a podcast are all ways we engage as a church body. 

This channel is aimed to be a source of inspiration to start your week. YES informing, but more giving a voice to the intricacies of ministry. THE WHY if you will, to the WHAT that we do. Since unity in the church is of utmost importance, our first series, starting Feb. 8th, 2021 will be a conversation with EACH staff member. Did you know that GPC has paid staff? Surely, BUT do you feel you’ve been able to adequately get to know the spiritual leaders of your church? Probably not! We’re busy, and frankly with a church our size, it’d be near impossible for each person to get to know each staff member. BUT, by locking in to this first series, you’ll be able to have a 25-30 min conversation with each paid staff member of the church. We’ve already recorded the first four episodes and they are excited for you to listen to them. The series is called “More than a Minister” and I believe it’ll go a long way in helping you feel like you really know the on staff personnel. 

So set your reminders! Subscribe to this channel in whatever way you can, share with your friends, and don’t forget to LISTEN. A new episode comes out weekly and they will not disappoint. On your way to show and share Jesus, in the every-day hustle and bustle and amidst the weekly grind, I’m your host, TAYLOR WOOD, and THIS IS GRACE POINT DIRECT.