The Grove Church Leadership

Volumes have been written on leadership, but there has been no greater work written than God's Word. It is littered with examples and warnings of what good leaders should and shouldn't pursue. From Abraham's faith to Moses' high achievements and Esther's bold requests of a ruthless king, the Old Testament shows leaders who prioritize trust in God. The New Testament doesn't just give us the best leader that ever was in Jesus, but also gives us guidance on how God wants His Church to be structured through elders, deacons, and leaders of various sorts (Acts 20; 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1; 1 Peter 5). It is to these things, that we strive towards by God's grace.

Elders

Lance Williams

Elder & Lead Pastor

Coby Wilbanks

Elder

Kawika Vellalos

Elder

Chris Madigan

Elder

Kyle Tobin

Elder

Rodney Clayton

Elder

Staff

Lance Williams Lead
Pastor

E-mail Lance

Lance is a native Houstonian who grew up in the heart what is now known as the Westchase District. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 2001 and has been in full-time vocational ministry since 2005 when he was the Youth Director at a Korean Church in Houston.
After graduation from Dallas Theological Seminary with a ThM (Master’s in Theology) in 2008, Lance served as an Associate Pastor for six years at a Baptist church in Sugar Land, TX, where He sensed a call to plant a new church where new, record growth was projected in Richmond. In 2014, Lance and his family planted The Grove Church in their living room, starting with 17 adults and 19 children.
Lance has a deep passion for God’s people to integrate a missional lifestyle in everyday life and to fulfill the New Command: “Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13.34). He and his wife, Melissa, have been married since 2003 and have three children, Reese, Ellie, and Moses.
Lance also holds certifications in Enneagram Training from People Launching and Spiritual Direction from the School for Spiritual Direction with Dr. Larry Crabb.

Sam Burns
Associate
Pastor

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Sam grew up in the suburbs of Portland, Oregon, and graduated from Oregon State University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Management. In 2018, he moved to Michigan, where he began serving in vocational ministry. He later earned his Master’s in Biblical Studies from Moody Theological Seminary in 2024.
For more than a decade, Sam has served in both volunteer and staff roles with various ministries. Many of those years focused primarily in youth ministry, where he developed a deep passion for discipling the next generation. He has also gained valuable experience helping to launch a church plant, shaping his heart for building healthy, Christ-centered communities.
Sam joined The Grove in April 2026 as an Associate Pastor, where he oversees Kids Ministry, Student Ministry, Groups, and Connections. He is passionate about helping people take meaningful steps in their faith—from first-time guests finding a place to belong to growing disciples being equipped to live on mission. His desire is to see every person connected, known, and actively engaged in the life of the church.
Sam and his wife, Bekkie, have been married since 2018 and have three children: Solomon, Willow, and Shepherd.

Carissa Vann
Worship & Mission Deacon

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Carissa was born in Houston and raised in Sugar Land, where her love for worship and music first began to take root. For more than 20 years, she has been leading others in worship, blending her passion for music with a heart for ministry. Since 2014, she has served on staff in worship ministry at churches throughout Houston and the surrounding areas. Along the way, Carissa has participated in studio recording projects and songwriting intensives, while also investing in others through vocal workshops, worship team trainings, and leading worship for events and organizations across the city.
Carissa graduated in 2025 with her Master’s Degree in Biblical Leadership from Western Seminary where she deepened her biblical foundation for ministry and developed tools to equip, mentor, and strengthen leaders within the church.
She is passionate about the gathering of the saints to glorify Jesus and edify His church. Her heart is to see the church ignited, pursuing the Lord without hindrance, and living on mission as Gospel-centered worshippers.
Carissa came on board as our Worship Leader in May 2021. She and her husband, Nick, have been married since 2006 and have three daughters, Eden, McKenna, and Jillian.