Our Leadership

Jonathan Matías, Lead Pastor
Jonathan Matías, a son of a missionary family from Guatemala, Central America, serves as our church's lead pastor & elder. He married his best friend, Christy, in 2007, and soon after they relocated with friends to Alexandria to start Grace Church of Alexandria.

Jonathan was the Vice President of Web Strategies at The Worthwhile Company, a thriving web technology firm. He completed a Master of Divinity degree (M.Div.) from Central Baptist Theological Seminary of Virginia Beach, Virginia. He and Christy are in process of adopting domestically. You will often find them enjoying espresso at Cafe Aurora, Starbucks, Buzz Bakery, and other Alexandria coffee houses.

Garrett Lee, Pastor

Garrett Lee grew up in New Jersey in a family that loves God and the church. After high school, he went south for college and seminary. In 2006, he married the love of his life Amanda, and since then they've been blessed with the addition of three children to their family.

Since relocating to Alexandria in 2007, Garrett has been working at a local non-profit that facilitates organ & tissue donation in the DC metro region.

As an elder at GCA, Garrett helps lead the worship on Sundays, directs the children's ministry, and partners with Jonathan in the teaching ministry.

In his spare time, Garrett enjoys reading good books, watching good movies, and drinking good coffee.

Shayne McAllister, Deacon

Shayne McAllister was born in Greenville, South Carolina. Through his family, Shayne grew up around church planting, including the founding of Grace Bible Church of Moore, SC. After graduating from college with a degree in political science, he moved to Alexandria, Virginia, where he has lived for the past five years. Shayne is a technology consultant specializing in Apple products such as Apple servers, Macs, and iPhones for various small businesses in the area. As a deacon, he serves the church in various ways including Mercy Ministry  and general church administration. Basically, if it needs done at Grace Church, he gets it done.

Peter Beninate, Deacon

Peter Beninate was born and raised in New Jersey by Christian parents. He spent 4 years in South Carolina for college.

In 2006, Peter moved to Northern Virginia and was involved in the early stages of Grace Church of Alexandria. Two years later, he married his long-time girlfriend, Jessica. Peter works as a field engineer for an electronics company.

As a deacon, Peter is involved in several aspects of Grace Church, including finances, music and audio.

Peter's interests and hobbies include guitars, cars, hockey and hiking.

Elizabeth Wiebe, Deacon of Community

Michael Collins, Deacon of Stewardship