Senior Pastor

The Rev. Sean Smith

A native of St. Louis, MO, Pastor Smith graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in 2010, having previously earned his degree in Communications and Public Relations from Concordia University at Austin, TX, in 2006. His journey in ministry has taken him to diverse places, including a vicarage in Bossier City, LA and roles as a hospital chaplain in Austin, TX, and as a pastor in Indiana, Southern Illinois, and Iowa, as well as a brief period as Headmaster of a Lutheran School in Southern Illinois. He also enjoyed 7 years (2015-2022) teaching the Lutheran Confessions with the KFUO Radio show/podcast “Concord Matters” and currently teaches the Lutheran Confessions as a teacher with Wittenberg Academy in Paideia III. Pastor Smith is happily married to Heather and is the proud father of four children.

(931) 647-6750 Ext 104

Associate Pastor

The Rev. James Martin

The Rev. James Martin was born in northern Minnesota and grew up in Illinois and Wisconsin. He is a 2024 graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN, and is serving Grace as his first call as pastor. Prior to coming to Grace, he served his Vicarage in Moline, IL. Before attending seminary Rev. Martin first studied Theatre: Design/ Production at Illinois State University in Normal.  He was employed for 9 years as a Technical Director at a municipal Performing Arts Center in Bloomington, IL and later for 5 years as an Audiovisual Electronics Install and Service Technician in Peoria, IL. Rev. Martin is married to Amanda and is the father of four children.

(931) 647-6750 Ext 106

PASTOR Emeritus

The Rev. Larry A. Peters

The Rev. Larry A. Peters is a native of Nebraska and a graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN. Prior to coming to Tennessee in 1993, Pastor Peters vicared on Long Island, NY, and served for nearly 13 years at Resurrection Lutheran Church, Cairo, NY. Pastor Peters also serves as Secretary for the Mid-South District of the LCMS and as a member of the Synod’s Commission on Constitutional Matters. Pastor Peters is married, the father of three adult children, and grandfather of two.

(931) 647-6750 Ext 105

Cantor

Dr. Jonathan Rudy

Jonathan Rudy is a native of Illinois and a graduate of Valparaiso University and Indiana University at Bloomington, earning there a Master’s degree and a Doctorate. Dr. Rudy served congregations in Terre Haute. IN, Cookeville, TN, and Chicago, IL, before coming to Grace in 2019. Dr. Rudy serves as the second Cantor at Grace and also teaches piano and organ. He has won several organ competitions and been a featured recitalist in various places before coming here to direct the music program of Grace Lutheran Church. Dr. Rudy is married and the father of two children. Katie Rudy, also an accomplished organist, accompanist, and choir director, serves as our Assistant Cantor.

(931) 647-6750 Ext 503

Additional Staff Contacts