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 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. 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.”

Matthew Friend is married to Jocelyn and father of four. Matthew has been a member within the URCNA since 1995 and has served multiple congregations as deacon and elder. He has had an active career in finance, working in New York City and Los Angeles before moving to Portland in January 2009.

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.

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.

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.