Leadership
We believe that because of the faithful obedience of Christ in His incarnation, life and death, He rose from the grave, defeating death, and has been exalted and given the name above every other name so that all authority in heaven and earth belongs to Him. Therefore, as the rightful Lord and judge of all, it is the duty and responsibility of all persons to submit to His Lordship and ultimately answer to Him (Matt 28:28; John 5:22; Acts 17:29-30; Rom 1:4; Eph 1:19-23; Phil 2:9-11).
In His grace, God has gifted humanity two sources of truth that Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, uses to draw all humanity to Himself. The first is the scriptures, breathed out by the same Spirit, infallible, and “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” The second is the one universal and apostolic church, filled by the Spirit, but fallible, of which Christ is the head (John 12:32, 16:8; 1 Cor 2:12-13; Eph 5:23; Col 1:18; 2 Tim 3:16).
The church has many local expressions of itself, equal in dignity, through which the faithful can receive help, equipping, encouragement, and spiritual nourishment through fellowship and the administration of word and sacrament (baptism and the Lord’s supper). As a chosen people and kingdom of priests, we submit to, bear with, and forgive one another out of reverence for Christ (Romans 12:10; Eph 4:11-14; Col 3:12-13; 1 Peter 2:9; 2 John 1:1,13).
The Holy Spirit calls a plurality of qualified men; equal in dignity and authority, yet diverse in function and gifting; to serve as elders to govern and shepherd each local church, guarding it from false teaching. This ought to be done with eagerness and without domineering as the elders serve as examples to the flock, following the model of Christ, the Good and Chief Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. (John 10:1-18; Acts 20:28; 1 Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
As the scriptures are relatively silent in how churches ought to relate to one another, we believe this gives local churches the freedom to associate for mutual benefit. However, we believe that there is no organization, neither religious nor secular, that can divest the authority and responsibility a congregation and its elders have towards one another.
Bobby Malicoat
Lead Pastor
Bobby is responsible for Bible teaching, leadership development, and long-term vision for South Grove Church. Bobby and his wife, Brittany, have three sons and a daughter. He enjoys board games, Marvel movies, and all sports.
Kevin Ralphs
Worship Leader
Kevin is responsible for encouraging the growth of musical expression throughout South Grove Church which includes providing resources for members to advance their musical interests, more directly developing worship team members and leaders, and also leading worship. Kevin and his wife, Christina, have three small whippets with big personalities. He enjoys nerding out on theology, Greek and Hebrew, playing board games, and hanging out with friends.
Stephanie Marks
Kid’s Church Coordinator
Stephanie is responsible for our kid's church program including curriculum and scheduling and training volunteers. Stephanie and her husband, Amram, have two sons. She has a degree in dance and has instructed dance classes for adults and kids. She loves to read, watch TV, and play with her dog in her free time.
Email Stephanie