Pastors

Senior Pastor

Brett Doninger

Brett Doninger has been the Senior Pastor at Grace Church since December 2010. A native of Evansville's west side, he proudly graduated from Reitz High School. His journey began at the University of Southern Indiana, where he met his wife, Amy; they tied the knot four years later.

After leaving Evansville, Brett accepted a position with Kraft Foods in Clarksville, Tennessee. This pivotal move marked the start of a remarkable journey that included adopting his daughter, Hope, welcoming his son, Parker, and answering a call to ministry.

Brett initially served as the Children's Pastor for six years at Clarksville First Church of the Nazarene. In 2007, he and his family relocated to Cape May, NJ, where he took on the role of Children's Pastor at Seashore Community Church of the Nazarene. Four years later, life came full circle when his family returned to the west side of Evansville, and Brett accepted the Senior Pastor position at Grace Church of the Nazarene.

Outside of his pastoral duties, Brett enjoys spending time with his family, is an avid football fan (go Titans!), and loves living within walking distance of the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival.




Worship & Youth Pastor

Andrew DeKemper

Andrew Dekemper has been a vital part of Grace Church since June 2012, serving as the Worship and Youth Pastor. Hailing from Mount Vernon, Indiana, he attended Mount Vernon High School before pursuing higher education. Andrew earned an associate's degree in Professional Studio Artist with a Bluegrass and Traditional Music Specialization from Hazard Community and Technical College. It was during his final year at Hazard that he felt a strong calling to become a pastor and teacher.

In 2009, Andrew began his studies at Trevecca Nazarene University, completing a bachelor's degree in Music Education by 2012. Shortly after graduating, he moved to Evansville and took on the role of a music teacher at Helfrich Park Stem Academy while also becoming a member of the Grace Church community.

Music has always been a passion for Andrew since childhood. He plays several instruments and enjoys leading worship to honor our Savior, Jesus Christ. His journey in ministry took a personal turn when he met his wife, Alissa, while leading worship at a youth revival; they were married in 2011 and are proud parents to their son, AJ.

Outside of his church and teaching responsibilities, Andrew cherishes spending time with family and indulges in various hobbies, including playing music, farming, riding horses, and fishing. His diverse interests and love for his family keep him grounded and connected to his roots.




Children's Pastor

Ashley Nichols

Ashley M. Nichols is a lifelong member of the Church of the Nazarene, raised in a parsonage by a Nazarene pastor and later marrying a Nazarene pastor, Rev. Joshua Nichols. Her commitment to the Church and its doctrine was firmly rooted from an early age, shaping her heart for ministry and service.

Ashley currently serves as the Pastor to Families with Children at Evansville Grace Church of the Nazarene, where her deep passion for nurturing young hearts and guiding families is evident in all she does. She brings both creativity and compassion to her ministry, using her gifts to build a strong foundation of faith in the lives of children.

Music has always held a special place in Ashley's life. She believes that singing is not only an act of worship, but also a balm for the soul

— a way to connect with God in joy, sorrow, and celebration. Her love for music shines through in both her ministry and her daily life.

Ashley completed the Ministerial Course of Study through Nazarene Bible College and also serves her community as the Director of Transportation for the Metropolitan School District of Mount Vernon, where she leads with excellence and care.

She is the proud mother of two amazing boys, Jonah and Oliver, who keep her life full of adventure and laughter. Ashley's journey is & testimony to God's calling, faithfulness, and the legacy of grace passed down through generations.