Grace Church recognizes the value that leadership can bring to a church community. As a young church, we are still establishing a formal leadership but listed below are individuals and couples currently responsible for different areas of church life.
As you can see, we are an international team and are from a variety of different cultures and church backgrounds. We are thankful that God has brought us together to serve both Grace Church and our wider community here in Stockholm.
Phil & Emma Whittall
Phil and his wife Emma moved to Stockholm from the UK in 2012 to start Grace Church. They have two kids- Noah and Anna. Phil is the full time pastor of Grace Church, an elder and a member of the church board. Emma coordinates the children’s work at Grace Church and also runs a midweek ladies fellowship group.
Simon & Kate Almström
Simon and Kate were among the original ‘founders’ of Grace Church and are actively involved in the life of the church, along with their three boys. They are helping to facilitate a Swedish expression of Grace Church, and started some services in Swedish in 2022. Simon is also the church treasurer, an elder and a member of the Grace Church board.
Steve & Karin Ferris
Steve and Karin moved to Stockholm from the US and are busy parents of three boys. Steve is an elder at Grace Church, leads worship and heads up our prayer ministry. Karin is on the board at Grace Church, facilitates the ‘LEAD’ program and enjoys helping others understand the Bible.
James & Fiona Thackeray
James and Fiona are from the UK and moved to Sweden in 2018. James is an elder at Grace Church. He also coordinates small groups, leads worship and preaches. Fiona was our Operations manager for two years, and continuous to serve us on the Welcome and Communion teams.
Gilbert Baseswa Idi & Nyota (Stella) Lukole Lusungu
They resettled to Sweden in 2018 and joined Grace church in 2019. They have four children; Joyce, Grace, Blessing and Gilbert. Gilbert is a pastor in Neema – our Swahili speaking congregation. Stella coordinates church prayers and helps with children and women works at Neema.
Mutulani Byamungu & his wife Furaha Mapendo
They resettled to Sweden in 2019 and joined Grace church that same year in August. They have seven children. Byamungu assists with Neema administration as well as coordinating the worship. Furaha treasures the Neema income as well as helping with the women’s ministry.
Carl-Oscar & Hanna Horgby
Carl-Oscar and Hanna joined Grace Church in 2021. They have been part of establishing the Swedish expression of Grace Church. Carl-Oscar preaches in the Swedish service and Hanna can often be seen behind the piano. Together are they leading our Youth group and minister the youth of Grace Church.
Rohan & Mirinka Kotze
Rohan and Mirinka moved to Sweden from South Africa in 2021. Mirinka works for Grace Church as Operations Manager and coordinates the kids activities. Rohan is part of the kids team and together are they leading our Southern small group.
