Andrew Saunders has been named assistant executive director for the Charis Fellowship. He replaces Tim Hodge, who resigned after he was named to succeed Tom Avey as Fellowship Coordinator. will be stepping into the assistant executive director position, filling the remaining two years of Tim’s elected term. The move was approved by the delegates at the annual business meeting of the Charis Fellowship (Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches) on July 28, 2020.
Andrew grew up in Ephrata, Pa., the son of Charis Fellowship pastor, Mark Saunders. He came to faith at an early age. In 2000, Andrew married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth, and they have been blessed with six children: Malachi, 18; Kailey, 17; Brayden, 16; Gracie, 13; Josiah, 10; and Luke, 7. For the past 18 years, Andrew has lived out his calling as a husband, father, and pastor by serving at two Charis Fellowship churches: seven years as youth pastor at Palmyra, Pa., Grace Church, and 11 years at Penn Valley Church Network, Telford, Pa, where he has served as family pastor, and interim pastor and network coordinator). Andrew has also enjoyed serving on the executive team of the North Atlantic District helping to plan district events as well as chairing the ordination exams.
For fun, he enjoys backpacking/camping with his family, going for runs with his wife, and enjoying a good book by the beach or the pool.
He looks forward to serving the Charis Fellowship alongside Phil Sparling, the current executive director for the Charis Fellowship.