Meet the team.

We recognize that all believers are called to minister to all people (1 Peter 2:5, 9-10). We also affirm that among the priesthood of all believers that God calls some men and women to specific and public ministry even as Christ ordained the 12 apostles. 

Danny Rester

Interim Pastor
Pastor Danny joined GracePointe in 2004. He served as Worship Leader for a few years until becoming Associate Pastor in 2014. He earned a bachelor's degree in Church Music from Louisiana College (now Louisiana Christian University) and an Master's of Education in Educational Leadership from LSUS, and was ordained as an Elder in the Church of the Nazarene in 2020 after completing the Nazarene Course of Study.  Danny is a high school science teacher in addition to his pastoral role at GracePointe. He and his wife, Valinda have three daughters, Jeralyn, Jaylie and Joy, and one son, Jaryd, as well as two sons-in-love, Kheyon and Jimmy, and a beautiful granddaughter, Ginny Kate.  Danny enjoys playing the piano, traveling, reading, and solving crossword puzzles.  Danny assumed the role of Interim Pastor at the end of August, 2025, and joins the rest of the GracePointe congregation in praying for God's will and wisdom in finding a new Lead Pastor.

Emily Taylor

Associate Pastor
Pastor Emily came to know Christ as her Savior at the age of ten. She felt a call to ministry at the age of fourteen and went on to pursue that call at Trevecca Nazarene University. Pastor Emily has been serving at GracePointe since 2013, and was ordained in 2021. She is currently working full-time outside of church while also serving our student and media ministries. Emily earned her bachelor's degree in Christian Ministry through Northwest Nazarene University in 2025. She has three children, Toby, Malachi, and Leah.

Serenity Love

Pastor of Congregational Care
 Pastor Serenity joined our ministry team in 2023 after receiving her district minister's license. She has served in our worship and youth ministries, and is developing our congregational care ministry. Serenity has a passion for the Lord and sharing His love with others.  While working full-time outside the church, she is also pursuing a course of study in ministry in preparation for ordination.  

Jeralyn Rester-Smith

Children's Director
Jeralyn serves in our Children's and Worship ministries in addition to her roles in the community as the Director of the Academy for the Arts and teaching elementary music. Jeralyn earned her Bachelor's in Elementary Music Education from Northwestern State University in 2013 and was ordained in 2020 after completing the Nazarene Course of Study.

Support Staff

Valinda Rester
Office Administrator
Kevin McCoy
Sound and Media
Kristy Smith
Custodian