Meet the staff
Rev. Brandon Candee (Lead Pastor)
I’m a sinner who has been saved by the grace of God through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ. In regards to life,
I don’t always get it right. I don’t always perfectly love people.
You will find in me an incomplete man, but you will likewise find
in me a passion for God, for people, for prayer, for the Bible,
and for my family and friends. Thank God for His mercies which are new every morning.
I’ve served in pastoral ministry since 2010 in both Kentucky and South Carolina, and volunteered with youth groups for several years before that. I retired from the Army as a Chaplain in 2021. Prior to arriving at Grace in August 2018, I was deployed to Afghanistan for a year
and had the privilege of serving in the military since 1992.
I am a graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary (M. Div.) and of the University of South Carolina. Before finally surrendering to God’s call upon my life to ordained pastoral ministry in the UMC, I was a US Secret Service Agent in Miami and West Palm Beach, FL. My first career, beginning in 1999, was as a full-time Training Officer with the SC Army National Guard (similar to a project manager). My wife, Angela, is a Keller Williams realtor who previously served as the Associate Director of Youth Ministries for the SC Baptist Convention. We’ve been very happily married since 2004. We have three children: Colton (2005), Cade (2006) and Caroline (2011). My wife and children are my favorite and add joy to my life every day.
I love them passionately.
Gamecock football, golf, oyster roasts at my house and trips to the mountains for hiking and camping are near to my heart.
Favorite Bible Verses:
The first is a promise from Jesus: “In this world you will
have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33).
Next has to do with God’s direction for my life: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”
(Proverbs 3:5–6).
Finally, it is another hope of God in the midst of our pain: “The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5).
Please check out our “About Us” page if you’re interested
in some of my core beliefs.
Brian Arant (Worship Pastor)
Born and raised in Charlotte NC, Brian has over 15 years experience in music and pastoral ministry at churches in North Carolina, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio and South Carolina. Combining his love for The Lord and music, Brian has a passion for creating engaging worship services that clearly communicate the Gospel of Jesus and the mission of the local church. Brian is a graduate of Liberty University and resides in Gastonia with his wife Kimberly. In their free time they enjoy spending time with their children, hiking, exploring new places, cooking and cheering on the New York Yankees
and UNC Tarheels!
Favorite Bible Verses:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23)
"He has shown thee, O man, what is good; and what the Lord requires of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God." (Micah 6:8)
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23)
"O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all gods, In whose hand are the depths of the earth, the peaks of the mountains are His also. The sea is His, for it was He who made it, and His hands formed the dry land. Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand." (Psalm 95:1-7)
PJ Rodriguez (Youth Pastor)
PJ and Dani Rodriguez
PJ and his wife Dani just moved here to join us from Germany. They have been serving as kids and youth pastors for the past 7 years and have recently made the decision to move back to the states and join our team at Grace Community Church. They both have a huge heart for teenagers and want to see them grow into their own personal relationships with God. If asked what the most important part of youth ministry is, they would both say that the key of any good youth ministry is relationships then discipleship. Without a good foundational relationship with the teens we can’t make good disciples. We are excited to have them here with us and we are looking forward to seeing what they will do with our amazing youth.
Favorite Bible Verses:
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Philippians 4: 4-7
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds
as you live in Christ Jesus.
Dr. Cindy Hopper (Director of Christian Education)
I am pleased to say I have been affiliated with Grace Community Church since the summer of 2007. The first week I visited, I was asked if I would be interested in working with the children and I have been working with them ever since! Children are my passion and God has blessed me by allowing me to work with them for more years than I can remember.
Church and my relationship with God guide my life, my decisions and my thoughts. I cannot remember a time I was not in church either as a child, a youth, or an adult and I have worked with children all this time.
I have been blessed with three grown sons: Toby, Colbey (with wife, Katie), and Joey (with wife, Stephanie). I have been further blessed with two granddaughters—Olivia Katherine (age 6) and Winnie Mae (age 5), and two grandsons—Graydon Malcolm (age 3) and William Maddox (age 4). They keep me busy, but they also remind me of what is important in life! I was married to a wonderful Christian man who was a great husband and father. He died as a result of cancer in 1997.
Education has played a huge role in my life. I have been an educator for more years than not. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from UNC Greensboro. Later, I earned my Master’s degree in Education from UNC Charlotte. In addition, in May, 2016, I earned my Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Urban Literacy. I have taught in public education, have served as an administrator and have worked on the university level.
As I hope is evident, my passions revolve around children. My first passion is my relationship with my Savior. My second passion is my family. Then, my passions become meshed between children … education … sharing the Word with children … watching growth in all areas.
My favorite verse: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)