The Grace Institute
Raising up another generation of pastors and ministry leaders.
What Is The Grace Institute?
The Grace Institute is the focused effort of Grace Evangelical Free Church to raise up and launch the next generation of ministry leaders.
The Institute has multiple tracks for people in various seasons of life, but each track has the three core pillars: formal seminary education, ministry skills training, and personal spiritual development.
Why Does It Exist?
We believe firmly in disciple multiplication at all levels of our church, and it begins with the elders and pastors. There are few things that the church at large needs more than faithful shepherds who love God, love His people, and love His word. To that end, we labor under His mercy.
By God’s grace, we aim to entrust what we have heard to faithful men who will be able to teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2).
Our Residents
Dylan DuMoulin
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I started the three year pastoral residency program at Grace Evangelical Free Church in September 2024. A few years ago, I never would have thought I would do something like this. Growing up in a Christian home, I always claimed to be a Christian, yet never thought much about faith nor actually followed Jesus. Yet, in God’s loving kindness, He transformed my heart in 2021, and as I seek Him, God continues to make me more like Christ and directs my path. The Lord has been gracious to provide this opportunity and I am grateful to be equipped at Grace with the hopes of faithfully serving God’s people for a lifetime. It fills me with great joy to share Jesus with others and point them towards Christ. God has also blessed me with my wonderful wife, Callie. Callie and I love to explore God’s nature, cook delicious meals, and grow in godliness together.
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☏ (952) 388-8960
Alex Lawson
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I began attending Grace in September of 2024, and started a full-time pastoral training residency through the Grace Institute in February of 2025. I became a member of Grace soon afterwards and I currently serve as a volunteer leader here at Grace Church’s young adults ministry. After 16 months of training through the Grace Institute for a future in full-time ministry, I returned to the workforce, pursuing a pastoral apprenticeship at Grace instead. Through this pastoral apprenticeship, I’ll be working full-time while helping lead the young adults ministry and receiving some training through the Grace Institute that will prepare me for vocational eldership. If you see me at Grace, please reach out! I'd love to meet you.
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☏ 612-459-7150
Dan Haugland
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My family and I joined Grace EFC in September 2024 after nearly twenty years of rich fellowship and growth at our previous church. My wife, Kelly, and I have been married for 27 years and are blessed with two sons—Aaron (21) and Joshua (12). Through many joys and trials in our lives, God has proven His faithfulness and continually grown us deeper in our love for His Word and His church.
Professionally, I’ve spent many years in sales and business, but I’ve always felt a strong pull toward deeper ministry training. Pastor Jon’s invitation to be part of this church opened the door to pursue both.
We are grateful to belong to the GEFC family and count it a joy to labor and walk alongside this body. Through the Grace Institute, my desire is to grow in spiritual leadership and hands-on ministry experience, seeking what God has next for us.
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☏ 612-247-4353