Welcome to Grace!

Our motto: "Building Bridges into Eternity"

Grace Baptist Church

Jesus Christ is the only bridge to God (John 14:6), and we are called to point others to Him so they, too, can be reconciled with God (2 Cor. 5:20). We also celebrate the way that the Holy Spirit builds bridges between believers from different communities, cultures, and generations. We are committed by God's grace to continue building bridges into eternity.

Our Guiding Principles
We are committed to being a Bible-driven church in eight key ways:

We endeavor to glorify God by being Bible-driven...

In the Bible, God has showed us how we can please Him in every area of life, including our church life. From expository preaching to our intentional discipleship to our reverent worship services and engaging children’s programs, we are endeavoring by God’s grace to accomplish what He directs in Scripture.

Teaching Series: Basics of a Bible-Driven Church
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Our Team

Andrew Snavely (Pastor)

Pastor Andrew began trusting Christ as a young boy and  rejoices in God's transforming grace. He and Becky were married in 2012. They have been blessed with three energetic boys and one joy-inducing daughter.

Pastor Andrew has a Masters of Divinity from Bob Jones University and served as assistant pastor for ten years at Grace Baptist Church in Forest Hills, Queens, prior to his coming here as senior pastor in August of 2024. He is committed to his calling to preach God's Word and equip the church family for meaningful ministry (2 Tim. 4:1-4; Eph. 4:12-16). Pastor Andrew has identified and made these key commitments in his role as pastor: Pastoral Commitments

Pastor Andrew follows the footsteps of his father, Pastor Steve Snavely, who faithfully pastored here at Grace Baptist for over 24 years.

Michael Baker (Deacon)

Michael did not grow up in a Christian home, but he was exposed to the Scriptures and godly influences early in life. He was heavily involved in the activities of the church through high school, but despite these advantages, Michael was not rooted in the Scriptures and did not have a personal relationship with Christ. After a period in his early 20s of especially foolish, sinful, and worldly living, the Lord called Michael to Himself at the age of 25 through a study of the Scriptures and sitting under the faithful preaching of the Word. The Holy Spirit showed Michael that he had sinned against a Holy God and pointed him to the only way of salvation – the Lord Jesus Christ. By God’s grace, during this period Michael trusted in Christ, and the Lord has been changing him ever since.  

Michael has been married to his wife Heather since 2014, and they have four children: Ella, Violet, Lily, and Caleb. Michael graduated from West Point in 2010, and he has been teaching economics at West Point since 2021. Michael and Heather have been attending GBC since the fall of 2023 and have been members since February 2024. Michael is thankful for the opportunity to serve the church wherever he can; he has been involved in teaching adults, assisting with the children’s and young adult ministries, and previously served as a trustee. As a deacon, he desires to see the church grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ so that we might spur one another on to godly living (2 Peter 3:18; 2 Timothy 2:15).
Isaiah 45:22; Jeremiah 23:29; Titus 3:3-8
Mel Jennings (Deacon)

Deacon Mellard Jennings is a devoted servant of God, a loving family man, and a faithful leader within the church and community. He has attended Grace Baptist from childhood, and he turned to Christ in a Jack Wyrtzen evangelistics meeting while as a young man. He and his wife Marguerite have five children and seven grandchildren.

Brother Mel has served Grace Baptist Church in a variety of ministries with children, teens, and adults. He also leads our worship services with heartfelt enthusiasm. His passion is to spread the Gospel wherever God leads him.

Professionally, Brother Mel is a retired scientist from Lederle Laboratories and a former teacher in a Christian School. His ministry extends beyond the church walls, to the Gideons of the Hudson Valley, and ministering in area correctional facilities. He has also provided spiritual support at the Walter Hoving Home and pulpit supply for churches throughout the Hudson Valley when needed.

Brandon Von Holt (Deacon)

Brandon first began attending Grace Baptist as a child in 2009. He came to know Christ as his Savior during a family Bible study when his older brother, Christopher, asked him if he knew he would go to heaven and how he knew that. Despite growing up attending church and in a Christian home, Brandon was unable to answer the question and truly accepted Christ after his brother clearly explained salvation. He has  B.S. in Sports Management (St. Thomas Aquinas College) and has worked for the Hudson Valley Renegades and as the billing manager for Vision Sports Club in Pearl River, NY. He is currently the Accounts Manager for USIS.

Since beginning to serve at Grace Baptist in college, Brandon has been the Sunday School Supervisor, led worship, ushered, and taught adult Sunday School. He married Jennifer in 2020 and they have two children, Paisley and Levi. In 2023, Brandon stepped in the role of Deacon, where he faithfully serves, focusing on pastoral care and growing fellowship and unity in the church.

Romans 5:8