Pastor Jim grew up in Northern Jersey and gave his heart to Christ at the age of 19. Soon after he felt God was leading him to begin training for ministry. He spent 6 years as a youth pastor before joining the staff of The Church of Grace and Peace in 2001. Jim was GAP’s youth pastor for 10 years until becoming an Associate Pastor in July of 2011. In August of 2013 Jim was installed as Grace and Peace’s Lead Pastor as a part of the transition process to receive the leadership baton from our Founding Pastor Walter Healy.  On November 20, 2016, the transition was completed and Jim was installed as Senior Pastor. Jim has a Bachelor of Theology Degree from International Seminary in Florida and is a founding partner with the John Maxwell Team as a certified leadership growth and development coach, speaker and trainer. Jim carries a passion for the local church as well as leadership development and strong healthy marriages and families.

Ralph Freda joined the staff of The Church of Grace and Peace in 1987 and was one of the founding trustees of the church. He is currently the Senior Associate Pastor and a pastoral Elder. Ralph oversees all Christian Education here at The Church of Grace and Peace which includes discipleship, formal education and periodic informal education. As a Pastoral Overseer he helps coordinates pastoral care, church membership, water baptism, and baby/child dedications. Ralph was saved in June 1979. Prior to becoming a pastor he taught guitar and 5-string banjo. He was also a production coordinator at a military manufacturing plant. In 2009 he received his Doctorate Diploma in Practical Ministry from the Wagner Leadership Institute. Ralph and his wife, Rosemary, have one adult son John. To Ralph, his greatest experiences with God are being able to hear His voice and to know His mercies are new every morning.

Bob Guempel has been a member for over 13 years at The Church of Grace & Peace. He previously served as the Business Administrator for the church and is currently serving as the Trustee Board Chair, a Deacon, and a Growth Group Leader. He and his wife, Karen, live in Toms River and have two adult children.

Jim Choflet has been a trustee since 2018 and has been an active member in The Church of Grace and Peace since 2002. He is a leader on the One Voice Worship team, and a member of the Missions Board. Together he and his wife have led life groups in their home and taught parenting classes. Jim has worked as a Systems Engineer for the Navy since 1983. He is blessed to be married to his wonderful wife Cynthia, and they have four grown children.

Fred Cordisco joined the Board in January 2014. Fred is a First Vice President of Investments with UBS Financial Services. Prior to joining UBS, he was a First Vice President Financial Advisor and Resident Director with Merrill Lynch. He was the former Resident Director of the Year Recipient as manager for 11 years in Toms River. He and wife Cathy live in Toms River, and have five children.

Patti Magan serves on the boards of The Church of Grace & Peace. She is the mother of two beautiful daughters, and her life scripture is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans that I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." She has been involved with many ministries at Grace & Peace including the Lakewood Outreach, Christians United for Israel, Life Groups, and SIS (Single Moms in Sisterhood). She is also actively involved in the Drama Ministry and greatly enjoys any opportunity to show the love of Jesus through the arts.

Lou Scheidt, PE, PP has served as Innovative’s President and Chief Executive Officer since founding the firm in 1977 and is responsible for the direction and management of the firm’s overall operations. Innovative was recently acquired by Stantec and Lou has become one of their directors. Mr. Scheidt has over 35 years of engineering, planning, construction and management experience in the civil, energy and telecommunications engineering industries. Mr. Scheidt plays an active role during the execution of the firm’s engineering and planning projects, development of proposals and client relations. He is a leader on the energy and renewables team which encompasses Stantec’s solar, wind, power, utility and alternative energy projects. In addition to his professional experience, Mr. Scheidt has been actively involved in the management, fund-raising and expansion of numerous community service organizations throughout New Jersey including the Monmouth/Ocean Food Bank, Toms River Kiwanis Club, Homes For All, Literacy Volunteers of Ocean County, Will Graham Celebrations, Community Compass, Grace Initiatives and the International Christian Wealth Builders Foundation. His lovely wife Yvonne is the Chairperson of The Church of Grace and Peace Mission Board and they have 3 children and 4 grandchildren.