Chris Highfill is a graduate of Southwest Baptist University with a degree in church ministries. Prior to church planting, Chris worked in youth ministry for 14 years; 13 of those at the same church.

Chris and his wife Sarah planted Grace River Church in 2015 with coaching from Converge. They were able to launch and have seen the church grow from a small gathering in their living room to an average of 800 almost every weekend. Chris is also the Director of Church Planting for Converge MidAmerica.  

Chris served on the executive board of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce for 4 years and is a graduate of the Saint Charles County Vision Leadership program.

Chris met his wife Sarah while in college and they have been married since 2003. They have three children; Ella, Jack and Alle.

Contact: chris@graceriver.cc

Jacob serves as the Next Generation Pastor here at Grace River. He is a graduate of Mission University in Springfield, Missouri where he earned his B.S. in Intercultural Studies. He is passionate about helping others take a next step in their walk with Christ. 

Jacob has been married to his wife, Hannah, since 2020. They enjoy doing anything outdoors and being with their son, Nash.

Contact: jacob@graceriver.cc

Paul Urban is a graduate of Taylor University with a degree in Christian Education and a graduate of Trinity International University with a Masters of Divinity. Prior to coming to Grace River in September of 2023, Paul planted a growing multi-site, church planting church in Muskegon, Michigan. He has been in church ministry for over 20 years.

Paul has worked with Converge Church Planting and serves on the board of Converge MidAmerica/Southeast/Caribbean.

Paul is married to Jennifer, and they have three young adult sons (and wives): Spencer (Mery), Max (Grace), and Will (Kaitie). Paul and Jennifer love to travel, hike, and exploring new places.

Contact: paul@graceriver.cc

Rob graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He has been the Director and co-owner of Leaps and Bounds pediatric therapy center since 2005. Rob has served on the boards of The Greater St. Louis Prayer Breakfast, Teen Challenge of St. Louis, and Tres Dias of St. Louis. Rob has a passion for teaching and leadership and loves applying his business experience to the church environment.

Rob has been married to his wife, Carrie, since 2000, and they have two children, Gavin and Mia.

Contact: rob@graceriver.cc

Kari has worked with children from nursery through college age for 28 years within church settings. She also has been a Cosmetologist for the last 30 years.

Kari finds the most joy in seeing children of all ages make the connection between the God of the Bible and the God, alive and well, in their everyday lives. 

Kari has been married to her husband, Gabe, since 2006. Their favorite thing to do is to be near a body of water. They have three children: Isaac, Isaiah, and Leah.

Contact: kari@graceriver.cc