Justin Coverstone grew up in Moline, Illinois, along the banks of the Mississippi River. His parents became followers of Jesus shortly before his birth and raised him and his two older sisters in the faith, making church life and service a natural part of family rhythm. Justin came to know Christ from a young age and was baptized around ten years old. During high school, his faith deepened through the influence of a man who taught the youth at a friend’s church. He was an engineer at the nuclear plant, but gave his time to teaching the Bible to the youth of the church. After studying pastoral ministry at Ambassador Baptist College, Justin spent nearly a decade working in the building trades before God led him to seminary. He graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando in 2010 with a Master of Divinity degree. Influenced by theologians such as R.C. Sproul, John Piper, and Martyn Lloyd-Jones, and guided by mentors like Scott Swain and Mike Glodo, Justin’s ministry is deeply rooted in the Reformed Confession and Catechisms, with a particular focus on the worshiping community and discipleship through preaching and teaching. Justin met his wife, Brianna, at a church in Lena, Illinois, and they were married in 2000 at the Monroe Arts Center in Monroe, Wisconsin. Brianna, who grew up in Monroe, has devoted her gifts of teaching and hospitality to raising and homeschooling their seven children, four daughters and three sons, and now delights in being a grandmother as well. Together, the Coverstones enjoy meals, movies, sports, and traveling to visit family. Before coming to Grace Fellowship Church, Justin served in various church roles, from deacon to teacher and preacher, and has participated actively in presbytery and denominational work, including serving as chairman of the Credentials Committee and currently as Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Northern Illinois. He continues to write weekly liturgies and prayers for worship, alongside his regular preaching ministry. When not studying or serving, Justin enjoys home and auto projects, a nod to his years in construction, and time away with his family or at pastors’ retreats. Though he’s reluctant to choose favorites, Ephesians holds a special place in his heart for its rich picture of God’s grace and the unity of Christ’s church.

Dave grew up just south of Freeport, Illinois, as the middle child in a family of five. His parents owned DeMeester’s Greenhouse, where he began helping his dad at a young age, learning the value of hard work and gratitude for God’s provision. Regular church attendance was an essential part of his upbringing, and he learned early on to give thanks for all that God provides. Although raised in the Catholic faith and familiar with the story of Jesus’ sacrifice, it wasn’t until age 22 that the gospel truly became personal to Dave. After a conversation with a Reformed minister who simply asked, “Are you a sinner?” the truth of the gospel came alive for him, and from that moment, everything began to make sense. Dave met his wife at a wedding where he was the best man and she was a bridesmaid. They were married a year and a half later at Forreston Grove Church. Together, they have two sons, Steven and Andrew, and enjoy traveling and cheering on the Chicago Cubs as a family. Throughout his years at Grace Fellowship Church, Dave has served as both deacon and elder. Though hesitant when first nominated for eldership, prayerful reflection confirmed God’s call to serve. His heart for ministry centers on reaching the lost and growing in God’s Word. He also enjoys participating in men’s conferences and Presbytery of Northern Illinois meetings. In his spare time, Dave enjoys spending time with family, fishing, hunting, woodworking, and exploring nature. His favorite verse, Philippians 1:6, reminds him of God’s ongoing work in every believer: "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

Larry grew up on a dairy farm near Shannon, Illinois, where faith, family, and hard work shaped his early years. Raised in a covenant family with regular church attendance and strong Christian values, his faith was established as a family foundation and deepened during his college years through the influence of the Navigators ministry at the University of Illinois. During college, Larry experienced significant spiritual growth through discipleship and participation in events such as Navigator training programs and Expo ’72 in Dallas, Texas ,a formative experience that deepened his desire to live faithfully for Christ. He continues to be shaped by the teaching ministry of Ligonier Ministries and the Reformed faith. Over the years, Larry has served the church in many roles, including deacon, ruling elder, Sunday school teacher, and mission treasurer. He has also represented Grace Fellowship Church at several General Assemblies and currently serves on the Administrative and Candidates & Credentials Committees for the Northern Illinois Presbytery. Larry is passionate about discipleship, missions, and teaching. In his free time, he enjoys board and card games, including dominoes and quiz games. His favorite books of the Bible are Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, and he finds inspiration in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14: "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil”

Gary grew up in rural eastern Carroll County, Illinois, and attended school in Milledgeville. Raised on a dairy farm, much of his early life revolved around hard work and family. Though his family wasn’t initially involved in church, that changed when a great-uncle and great-aunt encouraged them to begin attending. As a child, Gary admits the stories and teachings of the Bible seemed strange at first, but over time, something “clicked.” While sitting in a junior high Sunday School class one day, his attitude toward faith shifted permanently as he began to understand the reality and seriousness of what was being taught. Throughout his thirties, Gary’s faith deepened as he discovered Reformed theology and began exploring the confessions and catechisms of the historic church. Resources from teachers like D. James Kennedy and R.C. Sproul, along with classic works such as Matthew Henry’s Commentary and Louis Berkhof’s Systematic Theology, helped him see the Bible as one cohesive, logical story of God’s redemptive work. Gary met his wife, Doris, through her family’s farm, where he had been called to care for a sick cow. The two married in 1969 and have built a life of faith and service together. Doris worked as a registered nurse and later managed Gary’s veterinary clinic. Together, they have two children, several grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. Their home often serves as a gathering place for family meals and fellowship with friends, usually with thoughtful spiritual conversations at the table. At Grace Fellowship Church, Gary serves as an elder and Sunday School teacher. He sees all areas of ministry as equally essential and hopes to see younger believers grow in faith and leadership. Though not fully retired, Gary enjoys the problem-solving aspect of his work, as well as gardening, reading, and taking day trips with Doris. His favorite passages often come from the Apostle John’s writings for their directness and clarity, and Genesis 50:18-19 remains a verse that continually prompts reflection and gratitude. "After Joseph's brothers bow before him, Joseph tells them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

Dean grew up on a farm north of Forreston, where faith and hard work were woven into everyday life. His parents modeled a deep trust in God, teaching him that everything they had was a gift from the Lord, and that attending church was never optional. Dean came to faith in Jesus Christ during his high school years, through the steady influence of his mother, godly friends, and faithful mentors like Larry DeVries. Over the years, his faith has been shaped by the writings of R.C. Sproul, strong biblical teaching, and the prayers of a mother who never stopped interceding for her family. Dean met his wife, Lisa, at a high school youth event in Itasca, where she was serving on staff. Sharing a strong theological foundation and love for the local church, the two were married and have built a life centered on faith, family, and service. Lisa is a schoolteacher in Winnebago and an active helper at Grace Fellowship. Together, they have two daughters, Anna and Leah, who are both married and living in Illinois. The Kupers cherish time spent together around bonfires, in the kitchen, and during family holidays. At Grace Fellowship Church, Dean serves as an elder and high school Sunday School teacher. Having previously served as an elder in the Reformed Church, he counts it a privilege to share God’s Word and to help disciple the next generation. He’s particularly passionate about reaching college students in the Freeport area and continues to pray for open doors to connect with them. Dean also participates in the Presbytery of Northern Illinois and enjoys attending General Assembly gatherings. Outside of ministry, Dean finds joy in exploring God’s creation, whether along a lakeshore, riverbank, or in a national park. A lifelong farmer at heart, he still raises a few sheep and jokes that he understands well why they’re so often mentioned in Scripture. He also enjoys cooking and sharing good food with others. A favorite passage for Dean is found in Job 38 through the end of the book, where God reveals His creative power and sovereignty over all things, a reminder of the majesty and mystery of the One we worship.

Shawn grew up in Lanark, Illinois, just a few miles from Forreston, as the youngest of five children. His father was a well-known teacher and guidance counselor in the community, and much of family life revolved around school events and small-town life. Though his family regularly attended church, Shawn pulled away from faith during his teenage years, convinced he didn’t believe in Christianity, though its moral foundation continued to shape him. After marrying his high school sweetheart, Jenn, and settling in Rockford, Illinois, following college, Shawn began to revisit questions of faith. Through the example of Christian friends, gospel-centered preaching, and the new perspective that came with becoming a husband and father, his heart began to open to the truth of Christ. Over time, he came to see that faith and reason are not at odds, finding confidence in the harmony between science and Scripture. What began as curiosity became a deep and abiding trust in Jesus Christ. Shawn and Jenn were married in 1998 and have four grown children. Emma, Seth, Micah, and Lucas, as well as a foster child now in second grade. Jenn serves as a school nurse in Forreston, and together they enjoy spending time with family, sharing meals, and being active in their church community. At Grace Fellowship Church, Shawn serves as an elder and Clerk of Session, using his gifts in organization and discipleship to support the church’s leadership. Over the years, he has also served in youth, children’s, and Sunday School ministries. A regular runner with a good sense of humor, Shawn enjoys a well-timed pun and a healthy dose of humility. His guiding verse is Ephesians 5:25: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

Randy grew up on a dairy farm outside of Forreston, Illinois, where he was raised in a Christian family that aspired to model faith and commitment to God. He came to faith in Christ at a young age through the teachings of his church and youth group, and his faith deepened over the years under the influence of his parents and grandparents. After returning home from Army Reserve basic training, Randy met his wife, Sue, who grew up on a nearby dairy farm and later became a registered nurse. They were married in 1973 and have two sons, Brian and Jason. Family gatherings, especially on the farm, remain a cherished part of their lives. Randy has served as both a deacon and elder throughout his years in ministry and was one of the founding members of Grace Fellowship Church, where he continues to serve today as an elder and treasurer. He is particularly passionate about the Reformed Theological teachings of Scripture and spiritual formation within the Grace Fellowship and the surrounding communities. In this season of life, Randy desires to continue serving faithfully, help raise the next generation of church leaders, and finish well for God’s glory. His favorite verse is Romans 5:8: “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”