Leadership
At Grace Covenant, we believe that Jesus commits the ministry of His church to every member, according to their gifts, working together as one Body (I Corinthians 12:1-26; Ephesians 4:11-16; I Peter 5:1-5). Nevertheless, we believe some are called to be elders, deacons, leaders and staff as God calls and equips them. Below are some of the servants who are delighted to be part of the Body of Christ at Grace Covenant.
Chris Hutchinson
Pastor of Word and Prayer
Phone: (540) 552-3364
Email: chris@gracecovenantpca.org
Chris grew up in Bethesda, MD and is a 1989 graduate of Duke University. After a stint in the U.S. Army, Chris received his M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA in 1995. Chris has been pastor of Grace Covenant since 2004. He and his wife Kirstan have two grown daughters, with careers in music and art. Chris enjoys swimming, watching soccer, reading history, and rooting for Duke basketball, unless they are playing Virginia Tech. A chronic Lyme disease pain battler, Chris is the author of Rediscovering Humility: why the way up is down available also in Portuguese. Chris has been called by the congregation to preach and to help guide the church as moderator of the Session.
Taylor Rollo
Pastor of Discipleship and Care
Phone: (540) 552-3364
Email: taylor@gracecovenantpca.org
Taylor graduated from GA Tech in 2004 and was involved in astrophysics research for a time before God called him to serve as a missionary in East Asia. From there, he returned to the US to marry his wife, Erika, and to attend seminary. He graduated with his M.Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary of Atlanta in 2012. Taylor and Erika have two sons: Gabriel and Corban. In his spare time, Taylor enjoys reading scientific journals and theology, writing, and watching Braves baseball. Taylor has been called by the congregation as associate pastor to support the ministry by leading the church in the areas of discipleship, Christian education and pastoral care.
Christi Schroader
Director of Ministries
Phone: (540) 552-3364
Email: christi@gracecovenantpca.org
Christi grew up near Nashville TN, where she came to know the Lord during childhood. She’s been active in serving for more than 25 years, primarily in the areas of teaching, writing, and women’s ministry. Christi and her husband, Shayne, continue to build their knowledge through their studies at Covenant Seminary. When she’s not happily buried in a pile of books, you’ll likely find her outside— hiking, camping, gardening, or taking a walk with a friend. She also enjoys cooking, hosting, and collaborating with Shayne on house projects. Christi supports the work of the pastors in outreach, discipleship and teaching and by helping lead our women’s ministry.
Drew Lattner
Youth Director
Phone: (540) 552-3364
Email: drew@gracecovenantpca.org
Drew is originally from Alabama and attended Covenant College where he met his wife. They were married in 2022 in St. Louis where they lived for 2 years. Drew graduated with a M.Div. from Covenant Seminary in 2023, and Brittany graduated in 2024 with a Master’s in Ministry. With a decade of youth ministry experience, Drew is excited to build a vibrant youth group here in Blacksburg! When not reading books, he enjoys disc golf, board games, and any activity outdoors.
Heath McLaughen
Campus Minister
Email: heath.mclaughen@ruf.org
RUF Website: http://vtruf.org/
Heath is originally from Chattanooga TN where he graduated from the McCallie school. He attended Furman University where he met his lovely wife Jane. Heath served at Downtown Presbyterian Church in Greenville South Carolina while completing his M.Div. at RTS Charlotte. After six years as the campus minister at UNC Charlotte, Heath is thrilled to be the campus minister at Virginia Tech, under the supervision of Blue Ridge Presbytery. Heath and Jane's children, Mary Ladson, Henry, and David are all full of energy and keep them constantly on their toes.
Stephanie Clements
Music Director (part time)
Email: musicsteph94@gmail.com
Growing up as a PCA preacher's kid, Stephanie has been active in church music since she sang her first solo in church at the age of 7. She graduated from Belhaven University in Jackson MS with a degree in church music and has a Masters of Education from the University of South Carolina. Stephanie has 30 years experience in playing piano and directing choirs of all ages.
Debbie Christian
Women’s Ministry Coordinator
Email: dchristi18@gmail.com
Debbie and her husband Jason met while they were students at VT. Their family includes their children, Savannah, Matthew, Rachel, Catherine and son-in-law, Ian. Debbie is a graduate of VT and Southwestern Seminary. Her background is in youth ministry, at-home parenting, and non-profit pro-life ministry. She’s currently enjoying retirement.
Mariko Reynolds
Friendship Coordinator
(for those who attend worship with various disabilities)
Email: friendship@gracecovenantpca.org
Mariko is a Hokie, a wife and a mother of a family member touched by disability. She is passionate about worshiping with a great multitude of people from every nation, tribe, language, and walks. Mariko is thrilled to volunteer her time to help GCPC welcome and fully include people touched by disability.
Elders and Deacons
GCPC is served by elected elders and deacons who are ordained to oversee the spiritual life and practical ministries of the church. Together, they seek the mind of Christ for the church and endeavor to represent Him well through their life and doctrine. Together with the Pastors, the Ruling Elders make up what is termed “The Session,” caring for the congregation together, with the help of the Deacons and other church leaders.
Ruling Elders
Doug Bowman, Clerk
Bill Bebout
Tom Gardner (emeritus)
Carvel Holton
David Poteet
Bill Reynolds
Cal Ribbens
Robert Rudd
Don Weyburn
Deacons
Phil Cumbia, Chair & Building
Dale Kipp, Finance
Tim Myers (sabbatical)
Chris North, Mercy
Ben Peter (sabbatical)
Nate Swistock, Building
Richard Quintin, Helps & Mercy
Ryan Chilton, Deacon Assistant
Committees
Our committees consist of theologically trained men and women from within the congregation commissioned to help lead our church in discipleship and outreach.
Discipleship Committee
Chair: Taylor Rollo
Vice-chair: Christi Schroader
Merrianna Depret-Guillaume
Laura Gardner
Kristina McClung
Mercy Team
Chair: Chris North
Joann Lindholm
Eunice Ofori
David Poteet
Richard Quintin
Missions Committee
Chair: Taylor Rollo
Rob Cary
Mariko Reynolds
Robert Rudd
Priscilla Rudd