Our Staff Team
Contact a specific staff member by emailing them at firstname@gotgrace.info
Dan Steinhart - Pastor
Dan Steinhart joined the Grace team in November of 2016. He brings a varied employment portfolio with him. He spent ten years in healthcare, working in the ER as well as facilitating large process-redesign projects for a local hospital system. He’s also spent significant time working in manufacturing, supporting the auto industry.
Dan’s heart has always been focused on ministry in the local church. While working in healthcare he served as the primary Worship Leader for 17 years at Grace Church in White Lake, MI. He also served there as an Elder and Pastor for twenty years and as the lead pastor at Grace Church in Waterford, MI.
Dan attended Moody Bible Institute where he received a diploma in Bible and Theology. He has a B.A. in History from Trinity College (Deerfield, IL) where he also met his wife, Jeanne (1983). Most recently (2009), he completed a Masters in Spiritual Formation and Leadership through Spring Arbor University (SAU). Dan is also an adjunct professor for SAU.
Dan and Jeanne have one son, Dan, who is married to Casie and lives in Grand Rapids, MI. You would think that with all the house projects he does, that he would enjoy that, but not so much! What he really enjoys is playing his guitar, reading, and taking photographs… lots and lots of photographs!
Jesse Smothers - Pastor of Students and Children
Jesse Smothers came on staff at Grace in June of 2023 following his graduation from Moody Bible Institute with a B.A. in Children and Family Ministry. While at Moody, the Lord grew his heart for the local church and increased his desire to disciple young people towards maturity in Christ. He grew up in the area where he attended Grace Church, White Lake, and was thrilled with the opportunity to serve the body of Christ in Commerce where he had various existing relationships.
Jesse is engaged to Abby and they are joyfully awaiting their marriage once she concludes her schooling at Western Michigan University with a degree in Physical Education and Health.
Jesse loves doing absolutely anything active outside with friends and family, especially going on runs, playing volleyball, or intense games of Cornhole.
Matt Mezak - Pastor
Matt Mezak joined the Grace Staff in April 2018 as the Pastor of Children and Student Ministries. He and his wife Kara grew up in the area, West Bloomfield and Highland respectively. Matt attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and graduated in 2017 with degree in Biblical Studies. He’s currently pursuing a MA in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Kara graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2017 as well, and is now a kindergarten teacher in South Lyon.
Matt and Kara have a son, Jude, born in May, 2022 who is a big fan of Cherrios, naps, and stealing mom and dad’s AirPods.
Matt loves golf, playing outside with Jude, and Arsenal FC
Diane Longo - Administrator
Following high school Diane was part of the support staff at Instituto Practico Ebenezer, a Bible school for adults in Hermosillo, Mexico. Through a wonderful six months there, she recognized a desire to sharpen and learn new skills in administration. Upon return to the States she enrolled at Pontiac Business Institute.
After years of working in the service industry for a couple of different organizations, God brought Diane the opportunity to work in church administration. In 1994 her work ministry began at Shepherd Fellowship Church in Waterford. The ensuing years have been filled with growth and satisfaction, moving from Shepherd, to Grace Church White Lake, and to Grace Community Church in 2009. Working among the families at each church, alongside of passionate ministry leaders and staff who are lovingly connected has spurred on her discipleship and grown a heart for others.
In her current responsibilities, Diane may be talking with people needing financial help, updating the website, working with finances, meeting with the Administrative Team, supporting the pastors, pranking the pastors, and things along those lines. Away from the office look for her at the beach, outdoors, at the library, camping, celebrating life with her family and friends, teaching Sunday school, traveling, housesitting, and building relationships along the way. Outside of her church family she’s known as Aunt Di to her three nephews, their families and friends.
Mitch Thome - Worship Leader
Mitch joined the Grace staff in September of 2023. He joins after previously completing an internship in worship ministry at Grace Church in White Lake MI. Mitch graduated from Moody Bible Institute in December 2023 with a B.S. in Biblical Studies. He grew up locally where he attended Grace Church, White Lake, and built relationships with some who currently attend Grace Community Church.
Mitch also currently works part-time at Costco Wholesale in Commerce. He works in their Tire Center and has been there since August 2014.
Outside of work Mitch loves spending time with friends, being outdoors, and attending concerts.