Pastor Matt Morginsky
Lead Pastor

Matt Morginsky has served as the lead pastor of Grace and Peace since planting it in 2016. He received his Master of Divinity from Covenant Theological Seminary in 2011 and is currently pursuing doctoral studies there as well. Matt first sensed a call to ministry while serving as a member on a church planting team in East Nashville, Tennessee in 2004. That calling ultimately led him, along with his wife Sharon and their growing family, to Denver in 2011 to pursue the vision of planting a church that makes the Gospel approachable and understandable.

Raised in a secular household, Matt has a deep compassion for those wrestling with questions and doubts, or seeking for something deeper. He is passionate about creating space for honest conversations and guiding people toward a deeper understanding of Jesus.

Matt and Sharon have been married since 2004 and are the proud parents of five children: Maggie, Abraham, Frankie, Rivka, and Sojourner. When he's not pastoring, studying, or spending time with his family, Matt enjoys trail running, cross-country skiing, CrossFit, reading history, cheering on the Denver Broncos, and writing and playing music.

Jess Crandall - Youth

Governors

Our Deacons and Elders provide shepherding, pastoral care, and practical support to our community.
Reach out by emailing the team at: diaconate@graceandpeacedenver.org

Rene Palacios - Session of Elders

Rene moved to Denver from New Mexico in 2019. He has walked with Jesus since 1979 and has worked in a number of ministry positions. He is now the Director of Chaplaincy at Denver Rescue Mission. Before she passed, Rene and his wife Bridgett were married for 37 years. Rene enjoys spending time with his two sons, daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren, as well as biking, reading, and fly fishing. 

Ed Steitz - Session of Elders

Ed and his wife Gale celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2022. They are founding members of Grace & Peace, who moved to Denver in 2014. Ed retired from his career as an elementary and middle school math teacher, but can still be found serving in the Grace & Peace children's ministry. In his free time, he and his family enjoy cross-country skiing, kayaking, and traveling

Jason Woodman - Session of Elders

Jason is a Colorado native who has been a part of Grace & Peace since the first launch service in 2016. He works with the Church Movements ministry of Cru and is the Director of Public Engagement for the Gospel Initiative at Denver Seminary. He and his wife Kelly have four children, and enjoy being outside and active together as much as possible.

Nick Brown - Diaconate

Nick has lived in Denver since he was three years old. A founding member of Grace & Peace, he began walking with Jesus his senior year of college. He owns a digital advertising agency that focuses on impactful issues like education and public health. He and his wife Kerry enjoy skiing and traveling together. 

Carolyn Kunicki - Diaconate

Originally from Pennsylvania, Carolyn has lived in Denver since 2001. She is a founding member of Grace & Peace. She and her husband Chris have two daughters, Violet and Mira. When Carolyn isn’t not playing second horn in the Colorado Symphony or spending time at the Phoenix gym, she and her family can be found taking care of their pygmy goats Gary and Rascal. 

Gale Steitz - Diaconate

Gale and her husband Ed moved to Denver in 2014, after retiring from a career as a social worker & non-profit administrator. She is a mom to two adult children, a grandmother to two grandchildren, a founding member of Grace & Peace, a deaconess, and the Development Director of a non-profit organization in India. She enjoys traveling, cooking, and the arts.

Kelly Woodman - Diaconate

Kelly and her husband Jason have been attending Grace & Peace since the first launch service in 2016. She began walking with Jesus as a college student attending Cru. Now, she works for Cru as the Director of People and Culture. Kelly, Jason, and their four children enjoy being outside in the mountains whenever they can, hiking, skiing, and camping.

Staff

Lilia Chavez

Originally from Mexico City, Lilia did most of her growing up in Denver. She is the Spanish-English translator at Grace and Peace, passionate about helping others cross linguistic, racial, and cultural barriers that could be separating them from knowing Jesus. She has experienced the peace of Christ while worshiping and serving at Grace and Peace and hopes that by serving as a translator for the Spanish speaking community in Northeast Denver, they too can experience the love and peace of Jesus. Lilia works as a Registered Dietitian and is an avid athlete and dancer.

Carlos Herbert Hernandez

Born and raised in Texas, Carlos began walking with Jesus as a young teenager. In those days, His presence was a literal lifesaver, providing community and belonging. Carlos moved to Colorado in 2016, and is a Digital Marketing Consultant who provides business owners and marketing leaders with advertising, technology, and digital media solutions. As a musician, he’s played electric guitar with a number of local bands. He’s married to Jess, who brings peace, love and wit to his life. Like most Coloradans, they enjoy hiking and paddleboarding, and if you’d ever like to join them for dinner in their home, they will make you some delicious pan-seared chicken thighs. 

Grace & Peace is a member of the Presbyterian Church in America and the Acts 29 network of churches.