About
GCI recruits, coaches, and mentors chaplains who advance God’s Kingdom throughout the U.S. military and other agencies through the proclamation of the gospel, making disciples, and demonstrating the love of Christ.
The GCI Team
The Department of Defense recognized Grace Churches International (GCI) as a chaplain endorser in 2007. At that time GCI was also the name for an association of like-minded churches headquartered in Fayetteville, NC. This association has planted hundreds of life-giving churches across the United States and around the world through the power of the Holy Spirit and deliberate focus on leader development. In 2012 the association changed its name to mPact Churches. GCI is now the chaplain endorsing agency only, still part of mPact Churches and still committed to developing leaders in support of the Great Commission.
While the military is our primary focus, GCI also endorses Federal Bureau of Prisons chaplains, Veterans’ Administration (VA) chaplains, Hospital chaplains and Corporate chaplains.
The GCI Difference
The GCI team is committed to being pastors to our chaplains. We support our chaplains and their families through consistent prayer, pastoral care visits, and by helping them navigate challenging situations while guarding their consciences and theological integrity. Our staff has a total of over six decades of military experience and stands ready to support our chaplains and families as they advance God’s Kingdom in our armed forces.
Our Team
Endorsing Agent
Dr. Jim Murphy, Chaplain (COL) USA Ret., and wife Sandy
Jim Murphy is the endorsing agent for Grace Churches International. A native of Springfield, PA, he was commissioned in 1988 as an infantry second lieutenant. He served with 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment at Fort Bragg, NC, conducting a peacekeeping tour in the Sinai Desert and taking part in Operation Desert Shield/Storm. In July 1991 he committed his life to Jesus Christ and shortly afterward felt God’s call to the Army Chaplain Corps. He left active duty to attend seminary and reentered active duty as a chaplain in 1996.
Pastoral Care Team
Dr. Ron Crews, Chaplain (COL) USAR Ret., and wife Jonda
Dr. Ron Crews and his wife Jonda serve as the Pastoral Care Team for Grace Churches International. Ron served as the GCI Endorsing Agent from 2008-2022. He came to GCI after completing a tour of duty as a mobilized reserve chaplain serving as the Deputy Installation Chaplain for Programs at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. This tour culminated a 28-year career as an Army chaplain on active duty and in the reserve component.
Updates In Your Inbox
Subscribe to our email list to get the latest of what matters most to you!