About
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We love Jesus. Planted as a local church with a global heart, Grace Auburn exists for the city, campus, and nations to know and love Jesus. We believe authentic gospel community is the context we live out our faith, on mission and in relationship as followers of Christ.
As a part of the Summit Collaborative, we are committed to planting churches in the United States and around the world. We actively participate in this network of churches through fellowship, coaching, prayer, and church planting.
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In the midst of persecution, the early church used the Iota Chi symbol to secretly declare, “A Christian Was Here.”
Today, Grace Auburn adopts the Iota Chi, standing with persecuted Christians and boldly signaling to the world: A Christian Was Here.
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Our Pastors
Matt Dean
Reverend Matt Dean has served as a pastor for congregations in Hong Kong, Atlanta, and Auburn. Matt and his wife, April, co-founded Grace Campus Ministries and served the Auburn University community from 2002 until 2009 before spending six years serving abroad in China and Hong Kong. In addition to his degrees from Auburn University and Asbury Theological Seminary, Matt has completed graduate coursework in theology at Reformed Theological Seminary and TESL at Wheaton College, as well as a church planting residency with The Summit Collaborative in 2019.
The Deans were married in 2002 and have seven children - Josh, Caleb, Luke, Anna Grace, Noelle, Violette, and Elizabeth. Their son, Noah Watchman Dean, is now with Jesus.
As Lead Pastor, Matt provides primary direction for church leadership, vision, and preaching.
Lee Cadden
Lee Cadden served as College Pastor and Associate Pastor of Teaching in Auburn from 2010 through 2018 at Cornerstone Church. He and his wife, Lacey, spent part of 2008 in mainland China serving students in Kunming, which led them back to Auburn for campus ministry at the end of that year. Lee has a degree from Auburn University and has completed coursework with Reformed Theological Seminary.
Lee and Lacey have been married since 2006 and have loved investing in the city of Auburn and the University for nearly two decades. They have 3 children - Finley, Amos, and Rowan.
As Executive Pastor, Lee provides leadership and structure to our staff team and ministries.
Caleb Farrow
Caleb Farrow served in student ministry for 9 years before coming to Grace Auburn. He and his wife Sarah met as students at Auburn University and have served in Opelika, Montgomery, and Decatur, Alabama. Caleb earned his undergraduate degree from Auburn University before receiving a Masters of Divinity from New Orleans Theological Seminary. Caleb and Sarah have been married since 2012 and have two children, Judah and Elsie.
As Associate Pastor, Caleb provides leadership and oversight to Grace Campus.
Jeff Hollis
Jeff Hollis worked at Auburn University for 10 years before answering the call to vocational ministry. He and his wife Chelsea have been married since 2010 and they have three children, Jasper, Galilee, and Shepherd. Jeff earned his undergraduate degree from Auburn University and an MBA from Auburn University Montgomery before enrolling in Christ Our Redeemer Seminary to pursue an MDiv.
As Associate Pastor, Jeff provides pastoral care for members of Grace Auburn Church, leadership and oversight to all forms of authentic gospel communities, and leadership for worship and livestream production teams.
Frank Vaughn
Frank Vaughn has served in ministry for nearly two decades in Mississippi, Georgia, and now Alabama. He and his wife Amy were high school sweethearts who have served alongside each other in student ministry and counseling. Frank earned his undergraduate degree from Leavell College of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and his certificate in Biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. Frank and Amy have been married since 2002 and have three daughters, Haven, Leyton, and Caroline.As Associate Pastor, Frank provides leadership in the shepherding, counseling, and care of the people of Grace Auburn.
Our Team
Raina Armstrong
Originally from Beauregard, Alabama, Raina Lanier graduated from Huntingdon College in 2018 with an Elementary and Special Education degree. After teaching for a year, Raina answered the call to vocational ministry with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes ministering to coaches and athletes in the public schools in East Alabama for 4 years. During that time she also worked at Our House, a local ministry that partners with and supports families living in low-income housing. Raina has been married to Raheem since 2024.
As Outreach Director, Raina facilitates and provides oversight for our partnerships with local ministries and community organizations.
Liam Barham
Originally from Murfreesboro, TN, Liam Barham graduated from Liberty University in 2020 with a bachelors in Mathematics, and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Mathematics at Auburn University. Upon arriving in Auburn, the first church he visited was Grace Auburn, and immediately, it became home. With over a decade of experience leading worship in local church contexts, he has learned much from the people at Grace Auburn about worship in every aspect of life. He is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the church in this season.
As Worship Director, Liam works with the pastors to plan services and provide leadership, training, and vision to the worship team.
John Beatty
John Beatty graduated from Auburn University in 2022 with a degree in Human Development and Family Science and is currently pursuing a Masters of Divinity at Christ Our Redeemer Seminary. He has previously worked for Our House, a ministry that partners with and supports families living in low-income housing. John and his wife Addie have been married since 2021 and recently welcomed their first child, James. They love calling Auburn their home.
As Student Ministry Director, John provides leadership and oversight to Grace Students.
Leah Chandler
A native of Brewton, Alabama, Leah graduated from Auburn University in 2011 with a Doctorate of Pharmacy. After a brief stint in Birmingham, she and her husband, Eric, moved back to Auburn in 2013, where they've added James, David, and Luke to their family.
As Grace Kids Director, Leah will provide oversight and planning for our Grace Kids programming and special events. Leah has continually served children in various volunteer positions in the community and local church over the years, and she feels blessed to continue to serve the church in this role.
Sarah Farrow
Born and raised in Peachtree City, Georgia, Sarah Farrow attended Auburn University and earned a bachelor's and master's degree in Elementary Education. Sarah spent 9 years working as an elementary school teacher in 3 different cities (Montgomery, Decatur, and Auburn), and is also the co-owner of an ESL Tutoring business here in Auburn.
Sarah is married to Caleb Farrow, an Associate Pastor at Grace Auburn, and they have two children, Judah and Elsie, and are in the process of adopting from Colombia. Sarah began partnering with Caleb in ministry when they were engaged, and has continued to play a significant role in the ministries he has led throughout their marriage.
As Grace Kids Coordinator, Sarah assists the Grace Kids Director by drawing on her professional background to help ensure that all children in Grace Kids hear the Gospel in a fun and safe environment.
Fuller Musselwhite
Fuller Musselwhite began serving in multiple ministry areas as a Pastoral Intern at Grace Auburn in 2020. Originally from Tallahassee, Florida, he earned his undergraduate degree from Auburn University and is now pursuing a Masters of Divinity from Christ Our Redeemer Seminary. Fuller has been married to Annie since May 2024.
As a Pastoral Resident, Fuller is spending three years preparing for vocational ministry by serving alongside pastors and ministry teams at Grace Auburn Church while attending seminary.
Nick Rawlings
Originally from Huntsville, AL, Nick Rawlings is currently finishing his bachelor’s degree in Marketing at Auburn University. He has been leading in worship contexts since middle school, with his passion for music playing a significant role in the Lord drawing him to faith at a young age. Nick has been part of Grace Auburn since arriving in Auburn in 2022 and is grateful for the role the church has played in helping him discern a calling to vocational ministry.
As Music Coordinator, Nick works closely with the pastors and Music Director, primarily serving by leading worship for Grace Campus and Grace Students gatherings. He also helps disciple and develop leaders within those teams. In addition, he supports the planning and leadership of Sunday morning gatherings alongside the Music Director.
Caroline Sasnett
Caroline Sasnett graduated from Auburn University in December 2009, then rang in 2010 by marrying her husband, Joel, on New Year's Day. They spent the next 12 years in Washington, D.C. working for the government and growing their family with the additions of Ada, June, and Fletcher. Caroline previously served on staff at Cheverly Baptist Church overseeing administration and communication. Their dreams of returning to the Plains came true when they moved back in 2021.
As Operations Director, Caroline oversees Grace Auburn's Communications and Administrative processes and systems.
Brooke Silver
Brooke is a senior at Auburn University, studying Professional and Public Writing with a minor in Studio Arts, and has been at Grace since her first Sunday in Auburn. Having previously served as an Intern and Apprentice at Grace Auburn Church, she works as a Resident, primarily in Students ministry. Grace Auburn Church has been a wonderful blessing in her life, and she is very thankful for the opportunity to serve her community and love on the people in her church.
Kelly Sommer
Originally from Auburn, Kelly Sommer graduated from Auburn University in 2009 with a B.S. in Public Relations and has held various marketing positions over the last 15 years. She married her husband Jack in 2012 and they spent the following 5 years in Georgia before returning home in 2017. In addition to serving at Grace Auburn, Kelly homeschools their four children Judah, Susanna, Elisabeth, and Ezra. The Sommers have been members of Grace Auburn from its inception and are passionate about serving and doing life with its community of believers.
As Communications & Media Coordinator, Kelly is responsible for content development and maintenance as part of the church's overall communication strategy, as well as fostering community among its members and potential newcomers with relevant information.
Amy Vaughn
Amy Vaughn graduated from Mississippi State University in 2007 with a BBA emphasis in marketing. She married Frank in 2002, and together they have served in local church ministry in Mississippi, Georgia, and Alabama. Along with serving part-time at Grace Auburn, Amy homeschools their daughters Haven, Leyton, and Caroline.
As Hospitality Director, Amy leads and trains our Hospitality team, oversees the logistics of church-wide events, and ensures that our gathering spaces are welcoming for all who come to worship and fellowship with us.
Knox Wolsoncraft
Knox Wolsoncroft began serving with the Grace Student and Campus ministries in 2023 as an Apprentice, and is now continuing to serve as a Pastoral Resident. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, he graduated from Auburn University in May 2024 and is currently pursuing a Masters of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary.
As a Pastoral Resident, Knox will spend three years preparing for vocational ministry by continuing serving in Campus and Students while also working alongside the pastors and ministry teams at Grace Auburn Church.
Our Elders
Kerry Bradley
Kerry and his wife Laura have been married since 1987, with three adult married children (all AU grads) and 6 grandchildren. They raised their family in Mason, Ohio, but left the corporate life and retired to Auburn in 2013. In addition to serving on various ministry boards over the years, the Bradleys served in a church plant in Ohio (excellent preparation for Grace Auburn’s start in 2018!)
Kevin Briggins
Kevin was born and raised in Birmingham. He and his wife, Shulonda, have been married for 17 years and have three daughters, Karis, Kinley, and Khloe. Prior to moving to Auburn, he served as an elder for 4 years in their church in Augusta, Georgia. He currently serves as the board president for the Center For Biblical Unity, a ministry that helps Christians understand and work through cultural issues from a biblical worldview. He has a bachelor’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies, served 22 years in the Alabama Air National Guard as an intelligence analyst, and currently works for Auburn University in research security and compliance. He enjoys discussing theology, politics, and sports.
Lee Cadden
Lee Cadden served as College Pastor and Associate Pastor of Teaching in Auburn from 2010 through 2018 at Cornerstone Church. He and his wife, Lacey, spent part of 2008 in mainland China serving students in Kunming, which led them back to Auburn for campus ministry at the end of that year. Lee has a degree from Auburn University and has completed coursework with Reformed Theological Seminary.
Lee and Lacey have been married since 2006 and have loved investing in the city of Auburn and the University for nearly two decades. They have 3 children - Finley, Amos, and Rowan.
As Executive Pastor, Lee provides leadership and structure to our staff team and ministries.
Matt Dean
Reverend Matt Dean has served as a pastor for congregations in Hong Kong, Atlanta, and Auburn. Matt and his wife, April, co-founded Grace Campus Ministries and served the Auburn University community from 2002 until 2009 before spending six years serving abroad in China and Hong Kong. In addition to his degrees from Auburn University and Asbury Theological Seminary, Matt has completed graduate coursework in theology at Reformed Theological Seminary and TESL at Wheaton College, as well as a church planting residency with The Summit Collaborative in 2019.
The Deans were married in 2002 and have seven children - Josh, Caleb, Luke, Anna Grace, Noelle, Violette, and Elizabeth. Their son, Noah Watchman Dean, is now with Jesus.
As Lead Pastor, Matt provides primary direction for church leadership, vision, and preaching.
Dan Mason
Dan earned his undergraduate degree from Auburn University and his MBA in Finance from AUM. He served in student ministry for 15 years in Georgetown, Montgomery, and Demopolis before returning to Auburn in 2018. Dan and his wife Beth have been married since 2004 and have 8 kids: Silas, Gracie, Lottie, Eva, Joe, Annie, Sam, and Eli.
Dave Meadows
Dave grew up in Norcross, Georgia and graduated from Auburn University in 2005 with a degree in Building Science. He and his wife Sarah moved back to Auburn in 2013, taking a job with McShane Construction where he currently manages the Southeast operations. He enjoys serving the Church, all things outdoors, and spending time with his family. Dave and Sarah joined Grace Auburn Church in 2018 and have three children, Noah, Livi, and Luke.
Jack Sommer
Jack and his wife Kelly have been married since 2012 and have 4 children: Judah, Susanna, Elisabeth and Ezra. Jack earned his undergraduate degree in logistics from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Building Construction from Auburn University. He currently serves as a Project Director with local commercial general contractor, Bailey-Harris Construction. The Sommers have been members at Grace since its early days at Ross House in 2018.
Membership
Membership at Grace Auburn is a covenant to live in biblical community, caring for one another in love for the purpose of discipleship and mutual growth.
Attend our Sunday Gatherings
Worship with us and connect with other believers as we learn from God’s Word.
Complete a Connection Form
Share about yourself, your salvation experience, and your journey to Grace Auburn.
Meet with a Pastor
Enjoy a conversation over coffee or lunch to discuss your faith, our church, and any questions you have.
Attend a New Member Class
Gather for Sunday lunch to meet new members, connect with staff, and explore ways to serve and build community.
Beliefs
These beliefs are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all doctrine, but rather a summary of the beliefs that Christians throughout history have seen as essential for faith as laid out in scripture.
We believe that there is one God eternally existing in three persons--Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He is the Creator of all things.
(Genesis 1:1; John 1:1; Matthew 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
We believe in Jesus Christ, God in human flesh, who came to this world to die for our sins and who was bodily raised from the dead.
(1 Corinthians 15:1-8)
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the Living God, who draws people to Christ and who lives in every person who has received Christ.
(John 16:8-9; Acts 2:38; Ephesians 1:13-14)
We believe the Bible is the only infallible, inspired, and authoritative Word of God. As such it is our final authority for all matters of faith and Christian practice.
(2 Timothy 3:14-16)
We believe that man, created by God, willfully sinned and as a result, is lost and without hope apart from Jesus Christ.
(Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23; Acts 4:12)
We believe that salvation—the forgiveness of sins—is available only by the grace of God through the blood of Jesus Christ. This free gift of salvation is offered to all who receive Christ as Lord and Savior.
(Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 2:6; John 3:16)
We believe the Bible clearly teaches the pattern to receive Christ is to believe in Jesus as God’s Son and Savior of the world, repent of personal sin, and confess Christ publicly.
(Romans 10:9; Acts 2:36-38, Mark 16:16)
We believe that the Church is the body and bride of Christ on earth, founded on the Day of Pentecost, consisting of all Christians everywhere.
(Matthew 16:13-18; Acts 2:14-47)
We believe in a believer’s baptism and that immersion under water is the mode of baptism as indicated by Jesus’ own example and command, and best depicts our union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
(Mark 1:9-10; Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4)
We believe in a believer’s baptism and that immersion under water is the mode of baptism as indicated by Jesus’ own example and command, and best depicts our union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
(Mark 1:9-10; Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4)
Each week, we take communion to renew our commitment to each other and to Christ. The Lord's supper is an invitation to exalt Jesus together, and as often as we do it, we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.
(1 Corinthians 11:26, Matthew 26:26-28)
We believe that death seals the eternal destiny of each person. Those who are forgiven will spend eternity with God in heaven, those not forgiven will be eternally separated from God in hell.
(Hebrews 9:27; John 5:28-29; Daniel 12:2; 2 Corinthians 4:14; Acts 17:31)
We believe in the personal return and victorious reign of Jesus Christ, who will judge in equity and justice all people who have ever lived, giving over those who were unrepentant to eternal condemnation but receiving the redeemed into eternal life.
(Acts 1:11; 2 Peter 3:9-10; Rev. 19:11-16)
We believe that there is one God eternally existing in three persons--Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He is the Creator of all things.
(Genesis 1:1; John 1:1; Matthew 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
We believe in Jesus Christ, God in human flesh, who came to this world to die for our sins and who was bodily raised from the dead.
(1 Corinthians 15:1-8)
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the Living God, who draws people to Christ and who lives in every person who has received Christ.
(John 16:8-9; Acts 2:38; Ephesians 1:13-14)
We believe the Bible is the only infallible, inspired, and authoritative Word of God. As such it is our final authority for all matters of faith and Christian practice. (2 Timothy 3:14-16)
We believe that man, created by God, willfully sinned and as a result, is lost and without hope apart from Jesus Christ.(Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23; Acts 4:12)
We believe that salvation—the forgiveness of sins—is available only by the grace of God through the blood of Jesus Christ. This free gift of salvation is offered to all who receive Christ as Lord and Savior. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 2:6; John 3:16)
We believe the Bible clearly teaches the pattern to receive Christ is to believe in Jesus as God’s Son and Savior of the world, repent of personal sin, and confess Christ publicly.(Romans 10:9; Acts 2:36-38, Mark 16:16)
We believe that the Church is the body and bride of Christ on earth, founded on the Day of Pentecost, consisting of all Christians everywhere.(Matthew 16:13-18; Acts 2:14-47)
We believe in a believer’s baptism and that immersion under water is the mode of baptism as indicated by Jesus’ own example and command, and best depicts our union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.(Mark 1:9-10; Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4)
We believe in a believer’s baptism and that immersion under water is the mode of baptism as indicated by Jesus’ own example and command, and best depicts our union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.(Mark 1:9-10; Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4)Each week, we take communion to renew our commitment to each other and to Christ. The Lord's supper is an invitation to exalt Jesus together, and as often as we do it, we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. (1 Corinthians 11:26, Matthew 26:26-28)
We believe that death seals the eternal destiny of each person. Those who are forgiven will spend eternity with God in heaven, those not forgiven will be eternally separated from God in hell.
(Hebrews 9:27; John 5:28-29; Daniel 12:2; 2 Corinthians 4:14; Acts 17:31)
We believe in the personal return and victorious reign of Jesus Christ, who will judge in equity and justice all people who have ever lived, giving over those who were unrepentant to eternal condemnation but receiving the redeemed into eternal life.(Acts 1:11; 2 Peter 3:9-10; Rev. 19:11-16)