Next Gen

Ben Kraihanzel is the Kids Director at GRACE Church Bethlehem. Ben loves getting the privilege to teach kids about Jesus and interact with GRACE families. He is passionate about building and encouraging volunteer teams.

Ben received a B.A. in both Youth Ministry and History from Eastern University.

Ben coaches baseball at Bethlehem Catholic High School. Ben is married to Jess and they recently welcomed their son, Casey. Ben enjoys golfing, building LEGO, and spending time with their dog.

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Ellsbeth Hvizdak is a Student Ministry Associate at GRACE Church Bethlehem. Ellsbeth cares deeply about supporting students as they take steps in their journey with God. It is her joy to talk through tough questions and create a supportive community where students can grow closer to God and his family.  

Ellsbeth received a B.S. in Music Therapy from Roberts Wesleyan University with a minor in Social Work, and she has spent the past several years working in the camping ministry setting.  

Ellsbeth has found a home at Grace Church since moving from Albany New York. Ellsbeth enjoys working on all types of visual art, being outside as much as possible, and baking for her friends and family.

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Michelle Tompkins is the Preschool Coordinator at Grace Church Bethlehem.  Michelle loves being one of the first people to introduce our youngest children to the love of Jesus. She is passionate about supporting parents of young children through all the ups and downs of parenthood.

Michelle has a B.S in Health and Human Performance from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and a M.S in Sports Medicine from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga.

Michelle and her husband Jon have 3 sons, Bryce, Cole and Troy. She enjoys watching her sons play lacrosse, traveling and fitness.

Taylor Shade is the Next Generation Pastor at GRACE Church Bethlehem. Taylor loves to help kids and students learn about who Jesus is and how to follow him. He is excited to be a part of the incredible things God is doing in Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley.

Taylor received a B.A. from Colorado Christian University and an M.A. in Theology and Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. After working in student ministry for over a decade in Colorado, Taylor and his wife, Emily, became house parents on a Texan ranch for at-risk teenage boys.

Taylor is married to Emily, who has spent her career working in ABA Therapy with both families and children. Taylor enjoys anything sports-related, traveling, and exploring and discovering all kinds of food.

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