Local Ministry Leaders
Brody olson
Brody Olson established Community of Grace Church in 2018. He serves as the primary preaching pastor of COG and Executive Director of the local charitable organization, Grace Reigns, that he founded in 2015. Brody received his BS in Business Administration from the University of Northern Colorado in 2003 and after serving a short stint in domestic missions decided to attend seminary and completed his Master of Divinity Degree from Virginia Beach Theological Seminary in 2012.
Brody has been happily married to his beautiful wife Elizabeth Olson since 2009 and they have 4 children: Lucas, Micah, Elijah and Faith.
Joel Martinson
Joel Martinson joined Community of Grace Church in the summer of 2020 after moving to the area from Williamsburg, Virginia. Joel graduated with a bachelor's degree in Cinematography and Film in 2014 from Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. He works with Cru Military (a division of Campus Crusade for Christ, International) as their Creative Director and Communications Director. Joel joined the Elder team of Community of Grace Church in 2022.
Joel is married to a remarkable woman (Leah), and they will celebrate their 25th anniversary in 2025. They have six children: Zipporah, Benjamin, Faith, Selah, Oliver, and Penelope.
Gareth Evans
Gareth Evans was raised in a Christian home and came to faith in Christ in high school. Gareth received his BS degree in Engineering at Letourneau University in 2010. Gareth was working full-time as a mechanical engineer when God called him to Colorado City. In 2016 Gareth and his family moved from Texas to Colorado City to help establish the ministries of Grace Reigns and Community of Grace Church. Gareth joined the elder team in 2024 and is in charge of the children's ministry and oversees our missions ministry at COG.
Gareth married his lovely wife, Kristin Evans in 2009 and they have three children: Elliana, Corban and Gideon.
Bud Cooke
Bud Cooke is a lifelong resident of Colorado City who came to faith in Jesus Christ in 2015. He enjoys a deep study of the Word of God and is a gifted evangelist. Bud owns a framing company and has worked in the industry for 34 years. Bud joined the elder team in 2024, he oversees our local outreach ministry and has enjoyed hosting a community group study for the past 5 years in his home.
Bud is married to his wonderful wife Ruth Cooke and they have six children: Natalia, Bud Jr., Benjamin, Clark, Liam and Lilly