A Bit About Your Pastor
A minister, husband, and accomplished young professional in state government.
Groce was born and raised in Gary, Indiana where he graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School. Groce earned his Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in History from Lincoln University in Jefferson City. While attending Lincoln University, Groce started attending the Jefferson City Church Of God In Christ and rededicated his life to Jesus Christ. He began the preaching ministry in 2008, and was licensed as a Minister in 2014.
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After receiving his undergraduate degree, Groce went on to earn his Master’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Public Administration and Policy from Lincoln University. While working on his Master’s, he married the love of his life, Evangelist Missionary Courtney M. Groce in 2010.
Upon graduation, Groce began a career in public service working as Chief of Staff to various State Senators for the City of St. Louis. As the Chief of Staff to various Senators, Groce helped the Senator pass 43 pieces of bipartisan legislation that were signed into law by both Democratic and Republican Governors, while securing $168 million in additional state funding to support programs and services in the City of St. Louis. In 2013, Groce was recognized as one of Missouri’s 100 people to know in Missouri State Government.
In November 2019, Groce earned his Ph.D., in Public Policy and Administration with an emphasis in Management and Leadership. Groce continues to serve in his capacity as Chief of Staff, while receiving such honors as being a member of American Society of Public Administrators; Pi Alpha Alpha National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration; the National Society of Leadership Success; the Top 100 list of Who’s Who in the Missouri Times.
Work Experience
2008-2014
2017-2019
2020-2023
Began the preaching ministry in 2008, and was licensed as a Minister in 2014.Served in various capacities of the Local Church, notably:
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President of the Life Changers Youth Ministries,
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President of the Sedalia District Youth Department
Served Vice President of the Jurisdictional Youth Department. Received his first two jurisdictional appointments from Bishop John M. Johnson as Vice-Chairman of the Auxiliaries in Ministry (AIM) Convention and the Secretary of the Executive Board, making him “the Youngest Jurisdictional Official in the Jurisdiction”.
December of 2020, Chairman of the Evangelism Transitional Executive Board. In September 2021, appointed as the Jurisdictional President of the Department of Evangelism. In July of 2021, recognized by Church of God in Christ Auxiliaries In Ministry Convention as a recipient of the 20 Under 40 COGIC Achievers Award for his work in government. In January 22, 2022, Dr. Groce was ordained an Elder in the Church of God in Christ, Making him now, “the Youngest Elder in the Jurisdiction”. In April of 2022, Bishop Linwood Dillard and the International AIM Convention, in conjunction with the National Coordinator for the National Jurisdictional AIM Chairperson Network (NJAC), appointed Dr. Groce as the National Assistant Secretary for the National Jurisdictional AIM Chairperson Network (NJAC), for the International AIM Convention
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