LEADERSHIP. We believe that Christ has instituted three offices in the church: minister, elder and deacon. For further study see Acts 6, 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and the URCNA Book of Church Order.

MINISTERS. The primary responsibilities belonging to the office of minister include “continuing in prayer, ministry of the Word, administration of the sacrament, catechizing the youth, and assisting the elders in shepherding the church.”

Rev. Steve Oeverman was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is a graduate of Calvin College, The Bethlehem College and Seminary, and Westminster Seminary California. After a Master of Divinity from Westminster, he and his wife Kathryn served for a time with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. In 2005, they moved to Escondido, California where Steve was associate minister of Escondido United Reformed Church and executive vice president of Westminster Seminary California. Rev. Oeverman was called to serve Grace United Reformed Church in September 2012. Steve and Kathryn were married in 1995 and have five children. 

Rev. Chris Coleman was born and raised in Orange County, California. He is a graduate of Biola University and Westminster Seminary California. After graduating with a Master of Divinity from Westminster, he served as an Associate Pastor at Christ Reformed Church, Anaheim, California. In 2017, Chris and his family moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota to pursue a career with the global real estate company CBRE. Pastor Chris was called to serve Grace United Reformed Church in May 2019 and is serving as the church planting pastor of Peace United Reformed Church in Vancouver, Washington. Chris and his wife Melissa were married in 2012 and have three kids. When he’s not reading theology or responding to email, Pastor Chris enjoys listening to podcasts and reading books on baseball and history.

Rev. Josh Feil was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. He is a graduate of San Diego State University and Westminster Seminary California. Josh and his wife Cynthia moved to Portland in 2013. After a number of years teaching Bible and Theology at a local Christian school, the Feil family returned to Westminster Seminary California in 2022 for Josh to complete his Master of Divinity degree and seek ordination in the URCNA. He was ordained as an associate minister at Grace United Reformed Church in November 2023. Josh and Cynthia have been married since 2009 and they have two children.

ELDERS. The primary responsibilities belonging to the office of elder include “continuing in prayer, ruling the church, visiting members of the congregation in times of need, and actively promote the work of evangelism and missions.”

Michael Edwards was born and raised in the Portland metro area. He is married to Jenny and together they have four children. He has been working in engineering in the high-tech sector since 2004. Michael and Jenny enjoy camping, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

Hans Hoogendam is married to Suzie and they have been members of Grace since 2011. Since coming to Grace, he has learned new songs and psalms and really appreciates the new Trinity Psalter Hymnal. He has three grown daughters, one son-in-law and two grandsons. He has been a carpenter by trade for 45 years. He enjoys road cycling with Suzie when he gets a chance. One of his favorite table games is Settlers of Catan.

Robert Meredith is married to Candice and father of four. He has been working for an electric utility in various analytical roles since 2004. He enjoys spending time with family, reading, and being outside.

DEACONS. The primary responsibilities belonging to the office of deacon include “continuing in prayer, supervising the works of Christian mercy, encouraging and comforting with the Word of God inside and outside of the congregation.”

David De Young is married to Joyce and father of three grown children. David has been co-owner of Nagl Floor Covering since 1988. He was first ordained as a deacon at Grace in 2012. David is also a busy grandpa along with the many hats he wears in diaconal service of the congregation.

Nicholas De Young has lived in the Portland metro area since he was six. He is married to Annie, and together they have four children. When they can, they enjoy hiking, biking, gardening, and many outdoor activities that the pacific northwest has to offer.

Chris Sobel was born and lived in England and Italy for much of his life before moving to the US in 1994. He holds a BA from The Colorado College and a BS from ENMUR, having later completed some graduate work at Multnomah seminary. Chris served in the Air Force for most of his 20’s and 30’s before retiring in 2019 with his wife of 10 years and two kids: Charissa, Titus and Aria. He is now learning that keeping a house clean with young kids may be his most difficult mission yet, a reminder that at all stages, we are dependent on the Lord.

Jacob Van Houten is married to Carolyn and father of four. He has been working in the software industry since 2007. Jacob and Carolyn enjoy game nights with family, traveling, and camping.