At Redeeming Grace Church, we believe the church is not a building, it’s people serving together to glorify God. We regularly highlight a volunteer or staff member who serves with RGC because they make everything we do possible!
Today we want to introduce you to Eli and Elizabeth Swadener! Here's what one of our ministry leaders had to say about them:
I thank God every time I think of Eli and Elizabeth. I am thankful because of our partnership in the Gospel. Their work and service with our youth ministry is invaluable. I am encouraged in my faith because I observe in them an earnest desire to follow the Lord’s leading and they serve with joy. I am thankful for their involvement in the church outside of youth ministry. Many have been blessed by them. Eli and Elizabeth thank you for demonstrating the value and joy in being a part of the body of Christ. Your love for Jesus is evident and overflows onto our community.
~ Kristo Voda
Elizabeth, what does a “typical week” look like for you in your role?
In my role with Community Life, I help with administrative tasks for Membership Explored, Christianity Explored, baptisms, child dedications, Community Group leader events, Prayer & Worship Nights, and elders meetings. In my role with Five15, I help to plan and coordinate Five15 meetings, organize retreats, communicate with Five15 families, AND I get to hang out with our awesome teens every week!
Eli, what volunteer roles are you involved in within RGC?
Currently I serve as a teacher in Grace Kids, a middle school group leader with Five15, and an usher on Sunday mornings.
Elizabeth, how do you see God and the mission/vision of the church connected to your work?
In Community Life, I have frequent opportunities to connect with new members as I help to coordinate the Membership Explored classes. I have been so encouraged by how the Lord has grown our church over the past few months, and by the way that our new members have sought to exalt and glorify Christ in the ways that they are committed to jumping right in and serving our church!
As a Group Leader in Five15, I am encouraged in walking alongside brothers and sisters as we seek to disciple our teens. God is at work in the lives of our teens, as He continues to reveal Himself and make Himself known to them.
Elizabeth, how do you see God and the mission/vision of the church connected to your work?
In Community Life, I have frequent opportunities to connect with new members as I help to coordinate the Membership Explored classes. I have been so encouraged by how the Lord has grown our church over the past few months, and by the way that our new members have sought to exalt and glorify Christ in the ways that they are committed to jumping right in and serving our church!
As a Group Leader in Five15, I am encouraged in walking alongside brothers and sisters as we seek to disciple our teens. God is at work in the lives of our teens, as He continues to reveal Himself and make Himself known to them.
How have you seen God at work in our church community?
Elizabeth: I’ve seen God at work through the Community Group that we attend. He has brought together people in our group from different walks of life, to come alongside each other, engage God’s Word, and stir up one another’s affections for Christ. I remember on my first Sunday at RGC, Eli invited me to attend his Community Group’s lunch. I felt welcomed and cared for. We are still part of that same Community Group today! Members here at RGC are committed to helping one another grow in their relationship with Christ, and I have certainly been edified through our Community Group meetings.
Eli: God has been at work in the character of the faithful members who serve in different roles throughout our church in the harmony of the Spirit. I mention character because having been involved in many Christian contexts (churches, ministries, etc.) in the past, I can truly say that everyone at RGC comes off as humble and genuine, loving each other well. No matter where I serve at RGC I can be confident that the members involved will be kind, helpful, and willing to get to know me even before I know what tasks we are starting together.
Eli, how do you see God and the mission/vision of the church connected to your work?
I work as the Urban Forester for the City of Falls Church managing the city’s trees, parks, and greenscapes. RGC’s vision to be a church that “... exalts, displays, and declares the gospel of Jesus Christ…” weaves its way into my work especially in the “displays” portion of this vision. I am God’s steward of His world maintaining His beautiful yet cursed creation. I actively work to put His glory on display by making the city beautiful, ecologically healthy, and safe for its residents in the midst of a broken world full of pests, diseases, harsh weather, and human errors. My care of His creation provides a witness testifying to Christ’s lordship over me as a caring steward and provides others with an image of the coming kingdom free from the curse. It is impossible to see the beauty and wonder of God’s creation and to deny His existence. Ultimately then, my work provides ample opportunity to display the beauty of God and to share the hope of the gospel in the midst of a groaning creation.
How have you seen God at work in our church community?
Elizabeth: I’ve seen God at work through the Community Group that we attend. He has brought together people in our group from different walks of life, to come alongside each other, engage God’s Word, and stir up one another’s affections for Christ. I remember on my first Sunday at RGC, Eli invited me to attend his Community Group’s lunch. I felt welcomed and cared for. We are still part of that same Community Group today! Members here at RGC are committed to helping one another grow in their relationship with Christ, and I have certainly been edified through our Community Group meetings.
Eli: God has been at work in the character of the faithful members who serve in different roles throughout our church in the harmony of the Spirit. I mention character because having been involved in many Christian contexts (churches, ministries, etc.) in the past, I can truly say that everyone at RGC comes off as humble and genuine, loving each other well. No matter where I serve at RGC I can be confident that the members involved will be kind, helpful, and willing to get to know me even before I know what tasks we are starting together.
Could you tell us some interesting facts about you? (ex. hobbies, interesting facts, family, etc.)
Elizabeth: I grew up on one of the five Great Lakes in a town that averages 101 inches of snow per year - the one and only, Erie, Pennsylvania! Eli and I have been married for almost 2 years. I enjoy reading (especially historical fiction novels), playing the guitar, adventuring outdoors with Eli, decorating our home, and listening to podcasts.
Eli: I was raised in Northern Virginia and went to high school at Trinity Christian School just down the road from RGC. My parents still live in the area and I’m the middle child of three brothers. I have also just recently become an uncle and am very excited about that. I enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and playing guitar. I’m also a huge podcast listener and love to talk about a wide range of fascinating topics.