Who We Are
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
-
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.
Carissa
Vann
Worship Leader
-
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.
Cassie Clayton
Ministry
Coordinator
-
Cassie has been in ministry since 2014, when she helped plant The Grove Church. She came on board as a ministry coordinator in 2015. She graduated in 2011 from Monmouth College, IL. Cassie loves all things event planning, from the small to the large details. She was able to grow this love and experience with past positions like Disney Cruise Line with the youth activities team, concert management and a wedding planner for a country club.
In 2015 Cassie prayed for a career change, and the Lord answered with the news that they were expecting their first child. They now have three children, Delcie, Oliver and Oscar. Although they are not originally from Texas, they feel like Texans now and love living in Richmond.
Deacons
Cassie Clayton
Bethany Vellalos
Samantha Wilbanks