Benjie Slaton - Lead Pastor

Benjie and Natalie Slaton first discovered Chattanooga as undergraduates working at camps on Lookout Mountain and have been returning ever since. They married after college and have served Jesus’ church in various places. Benjie has served as the RUF Campus Minister at the University of Texas, and as a pastor in two churches in Austin and San Antonio. Both churches were recent church plants and sent out church plants. Seeing new churches born is something the Slatons love and have a passion to see happen here in Chattanooga.

The Slatons deeply love Chattanooga. It’s been like a second home for them for many years. They have three children, a feisty wiener dog, love the mountains and the water, and possess an unhealthy love for good tacos.

Chris Ammen - Pastor to Children and Families

Chris and Sarah Ammen come to Grace+Peace with a deep passion for seeing children and families meet Jesus and discover His love for them and for the world. The Ammens have a deep love for the city of Chattanooga as it's where Sarah went to college and where they dated (for a very short time...ask them the story!). Chris and Sarah have been married for 13 years with 10 of those spent serving Trinity Presbyterian in Tuscaloosa, AL before moving to Chattanooga. The Ammens are creatives by nature and desire to build a culture at Grace+Peace rooted in love for all people at all stages of life.

Chris and Sarah have four children (Jake, Caleb, Kate, and Charlotte), a love of almost anything involving sports, and good food (especially when enjoyed with friends). The Ammens are also the founders and owners of Kaleidoscope, which publishes innovative children's discipleship resources. The entire family is proud to call Chattanooga home and looks forward to how the Lord will work through Grace+Peace to bless the families of our city.

Kyron Walker - Music Director & Pastoral Intern

Kyron grew up in a small but culturally diverse military town in Ingleside, TX, and was raised by his African American grandmother and his Caucasian grandfather who were both Naval officers. In 2004, Kyron experienced a culture shock due to moving from his comfortable middle-class lifestyle in a small town to a larger city living in poverty with his mom, stepdad, and siblings in San Antonio, TX. Kyron’s drastic life changes caused him to deeply reflect on identity, culture, and the Gospel. Thankfully, God also led him to his high school sweetheart and wife of 14 years, Krystal Walker. God has blessed them with three wonderful children Aylissa (13), Kyron Jr.(10), and Kylee Kasey (7).

Kyron has played the keyboard for 15 years and his love for music goes back to the days of laying on his grandma’s couch listening to the musical stylings of Kool and the Gang, Shania Twain, and Jay-Z. When he isn’t playing the keyboard in church or elsewhere, he can be found “just chillin’ with the fam” at the movies, writing songs/making beats, or checking out a new restaurant. Kyron received his B.A. in Music (with an emphasis in Jazz Studies) from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity at Reformed Theological Seminary in Atlanta. Along with Pastor Benjie, Kyron helps direct and oversee the music ministry of Grace+Peace by preparing music that is Christ-Centered, culturally eclectic, and beautifully expressive.

Ansley Godwin - Executive Administrator

Ansley Godwin grew up in Birmingham, AL and graduated from Auburn University in 2019. During her last semester she studied abroad in Italy and discovered that she loves a good tiramisu! While in college, Ansley first discovered a passion for working with students and walking alongside them in life. Ansley moved to Chattanooga in 2020 to participate in the Chattanooga Fellows Program, and she has loved her time in the city since the day she moved! The community within the church is one of the things Ansley loves most. She brings passion and energy to helping the community life of Grace+Peace really flourish!

Eddie Centurion

Eddie Centurion was born in Asunción, Paraguay but spent his formative years in the suburbs of Atlanta. Eddie and Joy have been married 17 years and have four kids: Lulu, Ezra, Zeq, and Elenor. They’ve been in Chattanooga for 15 years and were drawn to G+P because of its commitment to missional community groups. Eddie works for the Maclellan Foundation serving Chattanooga-area nonprofits. The Centurions love sharing meals and board game nights with friends.

Mark Griggs

Mark Griggs was born and raised in Dalton, GA. As a retired attorney, Mark currently teaches at Chattanooga Christian School and serves on the Board of Trustees at Covenant College. He and his wife, Beth, have 4 children and 14 grandchildren. Mark’s favorite way to spend a Saturday is riding bikes with Beth, doing yard work, and playing with his grandchildren. He and Beth are excited about the opportunity to help plant a church in the Ooltewah community where they have lived for over 30 years.

James Haynes

James Haynes hails from Fayetteville, NC and he and his wife, Barbara, relocated to Ooltewah 11 years ago. Barbara and James have been married for almost 35 years and have four adult children. They were drawn to Grace+Peace by its location and the excitement of church planting. Their favorite way to spend a Saturday morning is spent drinking coffee and tea while conversing in their family room or on their back porch.

Tony Crowder

Tony Crowder is from Arlington, Texas and retired to Chattanooga about four years ago following 40 years of federal public service.  His most excellent wife of 35 years, Stephania, and he are excited about Grace+Peace Church’s distinctive ministry and community.  Saturdays are often spent pursuing one of the many outdoor adventures found in this area.

Pete Johnson

Pete Johnson is from Escondido, California and first moved to Chattanooga in 1996 to attend Covenant College. Pete and his family were drawn to G+P by its focus on leading with God’s grace and the peace it brings. Pete is the Senior Counsel for Hutton, a group managing real estate development, construction, self-storage, multifamily housing, and car wash companies headquartered in Chattanooga. His family are his favorite people. No offense to the rest of you, but he’d rather be hanging out with them. Pete’s ideal Saturday morning is either trail running, mountain biking, kayaking or sleeping in until noon.