Ministry Team

Tom Grafton Worship Leader.   tom.grafton@asburyseminary.edu

Tom Grafton is about to finish his degree at Asbury Theological Seminary and plans on seeking another degree from Asbury.   He comes from Pontiac, IL and has a wealth of life experiences in music and beyond.   He has been in music ministry in various church denominations to both youth and adults.   His primary instrument is the guitar, but is proficient in voice and hammer dulcimer.   Tom shares our vision for what God is doing today and will bring a heart for worship that is authentic and contagious.   We are excited about having him on the team. 
   
 

Don Vanzant, Pastor/Planter  vanzant@gatheringlex.org

Rev. Dr. Don Vanzant entered the ministry in 1984 as his second career from grain farming in Illinois.   Upon receiving a call to enter the ministry at age 30, he returned to college at the University of Illinois and obtained his degree in history.   He served as a retreat leader for a Christian ministry in Florida for two years and then entered Lexington Theological Seminary.   While in seminary, Don and his family of five lived in Bloomfield, Kentucky where he was pastor of Bloomfield Christian Church. 

Upon graduation with his Master of Divinity degree, Don was called to First Christian Church in Versailles where he served as Senior Pastor for over twelve years.   While there, the church grew and he led the congregation to purchase adjacent property for a Family Life Center.   They launched one of the first contemporary seeker worship services in the area and a mid-week program that attracted young families and singles.  Don continued his education with Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Boston, and received his Doctor of Ministry degree in 1999.   His studies were focused in small group ministry, church renewal, and postmodernism.   In 2002 Don and Nina were called to Central Christian Church in Danville, Illinois.   In the five years that Don served as Senior Pastor, Central has grown, launched small group ministry, and has a dynamic contemporary service at 11:00. 

Don has developed skills in worship presentation software, video production and editing, graphic design for church publications, and evangelism to those with no prior faith and with serious addictions and behavior problems.   His heart has always been with the outsider, the prodigals, and those with serious spiritual needs.   His gifts are centered in visionary leadership, communication through preaching and writing, and teaching.

Don and Nina have been married for thirty-eight years and have three married children who live in the Bluegrass area with their growing families.   He still loves the farm, backpacking, Black Labs, the Cardinals, and UK basketball.

Don's Blog   The Vanzant

Story about Don & Nina leaving the church in Illinois