LEADERSHIP

Ulises is a first-generation Mexican American who was born and raised in the South Bay region of Los Angeles. The son of immigrants from Guadalajara, Mexico, he was raised in a home where a strong work ethic were deeply valued—principles that continue to shape both his life and ministry.

He has been joyfully married to his high school sweetheart, Mona, for over 28 years. Together, they have been blessed with four children: Ulises Jr., a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Ethan, Mercy, and Naomi. In 2026, their family received another special blessing as Ulises became a joyful grandfather, a role he treasures deeply.

For more than two decades, Ulises has faithfully served in a variety of ministries, including High School, Men's, and Missions. His desire to make disciples and shepherd God's people led him to begin a small home Bible study, which, by God's grace, grew into Grace Community Church South Bay. The church was planted through Grace Advance, the church-planting ministry of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley.

Ulises is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at The Master's Seminary. His greatest passion is the faithful exposition of Scripture, equipping the saints through the preaching and teaching of God's Word, and seeing Christ's church strengthened for the glory of God and the advance of the gospel.

Luis was born in Mexico City.  His parents immigrated to the United States in 1980 when he was 3 years old.  He was raised and continues to reside in the South Bay.  Luis has been married to his high school love, Zulema, for 23 years and have been blessed with three children: Maximus, Belizia and Evangeline.  

In the late 1990's, the Lord saved Luis.  Since then, he has had a passion for God, His Word, and His People.  Luis has been involved in ministry for over 25+ years, serving in Jr. High, High School and Young Adult's Ministries, as well as Evangelism and Missions Ministries.

Luis has served as a leader with GCC South Bay for the past 3 years and holds a Master of Divinity Degree from The Master's Seminary.  The burdens closest to Luis's heart are the pulpit, the counseling room, and the call to biblical manhood. He longs to see Christ exalted through the faithful preaching of His Word, broken lives restored through the sufficient counsel of Scripture, and men strengthened to lead in their homes, churches, and communities for the glory of God.

Dwayne Sanders was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, where his faith journey began at an early age. Growing up in a Christian home, Dwayne’s mother encouraged him to study the Holy Scriptures and to live according to God’s righteousness and forgiveness. At the age of 22, Dwayne came to saving faith in Jesus Christ.

As the second oldest of six children, Dwayne learned the values of family, service, and perseverance. He has been joyfully married to his beautiful wife, Victoria, for 27 years, and together they have been blessed with four children: Mya, Jordan, Makaio, and Joaquin.

In 2003, Dwayne and his family began attending Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, where he faithfully served as Assistant Head Usher for nearly 17 years.
Today, Dwayne serves at Grace Community Church South Bay, where he continues to labor for the Lord as a lay elder, children’s ministry leader, and senior citizen Bible study leader.

Dwayne’s desire is to imitate Christ and walk in love, following the command in Ephesians 5:1–2:
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.”

Carl ministered at Grace Church from 1990–1993, was ordained, and pastored two churches in the Los Angeles area from 1994–2014 before returning to Grace Church.

He has a passion for foreign missions and travels internationally each year supporting leaders and volunteers in various countries.  Carl serves on several missions boards, holds a certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC), and serves as a board member of the Biblical Counseling and Discipleship Association of Southern California (BCDA SoCal).  He also leads the Grace Advance ministry of Grace Church that provides pastoral leadership for developing churches.

Carl has earned degrees from The University of Cincinnati and The Master's Seminary (M.Div., Th.M., D.Min.), and he serves as the dean of students, associate professor of pastoral ministries, and director of placement at The Master's Seminary.  Currently, Carl co-pastors the Anchored fellowship group.  He and his wife, Joanna, have five children.

George has been at Grace Church since 1977, and has served as an elder since 1996.  George and his wife, Ann, have served in both student and adult ministries at the church for a number of years.

A graduate of Occidental College and the UCLA School of Law, he has served as a prosecuting attorney and administrative law judge for the state.  George has also served as an adjunct faculty member at The Master’s University since 1991.

George and Ann met at Grace Church and were married here after serving in the young singles ministry.  They have two married sons, and two beautiful grandchildren.