The Grace Place began in 1958 as Bethel Assembly of God, founded by a small group of five families led by Pastor Charles Savage. From the very beginning, the heart of the church was clear, a deep passion to reach the community with the hope of Jesus Christ.

One of the primary ways that vision was lived out was through Bethel School, which became a vital ministry, reaching children and families through strong, Bible-centered education.

After faithfully pastoring the church for 34 years, Pastor Savage accepted a call to serve the North Texas District Council of the Assemblies of God as District Secretary-Treasurer and was later named Pastor Emeritus.

Throughout the 1990s, the church was led by several pastors: Leonard Ward, David Barrett, and Dr. Bruce Page. During Dr. Page’s tenure, Bethel sold its property on Park Row Drive and purchased 19 acres of land on South Collins Street, positioning the church for future growth.

In April of 2003, Pastor Mike Benson and his wife Dawn accepted the call to become Bethel’s fifth pastor during a difficult season of significant loss and financial hardship. With courage and wisdom, Pastor Benson made difficult decision so the church could regain stability. During this rebuilding season, they reolcated and services were held in a local elementary school.

Through steady leadership and God’s faithfulness, the church recovered, and in 2005 the dream of a permanent facility became a reality. With hope for the future, the church was named New Bethel Assembly of God, “the place for new beginnings.”

In 2010, while attending a conference, Pastor Benson sensed the Lord speak these words:

“The Grace Place — Caring People Caring for People.”

A year later, it became clear that this phrase was both the new name and the mission of the church. To support this growing vision, construction began on a new facility, and The Grace Place officially opened its doors in October of 2013.

A SEASON OF HEALTHY TRANSITION

In 2020, Pastor Benson began sensing that the Lord was preparing the church for a new season of vision and leadership. Having seen pastors remain in leadership too long, often to the detriment of the church, he made a courageous and selfless decision. His desire was to step aside while the church was strong, healthy, and thriving, positioning it well for the future.

As he prayed and sought God’s direction, Pastor Benson discerned that Shawn and Krista Sanseverino were the leaders God was calling to guide The Grace Place into its next chapter. After a thoughtful and intentional transition process, the church voted and Shawn and Krista became Co-Lead Pastors in April of 2023.

This transition brought fresh excitement, renewed momentum, and a deep sense of unity across the church. Under their leadership, The Grace Place continues to grow spiritually and numerically, with a clear passion to see people find Jesus, grow as mature disciples, and disciple others.

TODAY + BEYOND

Today, The Grace Place is a healthy, diverse church honoring our past while embracing God’s future. We exist to live out the Great Commission, loving God, loving people, and making disciples. God continues to write our story, and we invite you to be part of it, caring people, caring for people.