Our Student Ministries challenge Middle School and High School students to give up self-centered lives for a life of passion for the Lord. This Team works to create a relaxed environment where students can learn what it means to be themselves and experience the reality of a vibrant relationship with God and one another.
John Baxter | Executive Director: Children and Student Ministries
John grew up in Florida and went on to earn a B.S. in Physical/Health Education at Liberty University in 2000, an Ma. Ed. in School Supervision and Administration at Bethel University in 2006, and is currently continuing his education to acquire an Ed. D. in School Leadership at Liberty University. He has been involved in Christian education since graduating college and currently serves our country in the USAF / Virginia Air National Guard. John loves all things outdoors — especially surfing and hunting. John and Ann Baxter, along with their children — Georgia, Virginia “Ginny”, Dakota, and Jack, — joined Graceway in July 2012.
Kent Liles | Student Pastor
God used the influence of believers at work to bring Kent to a relationship with him. He met his wife, Kim, while they were in high school. They served the Lord in Santa Fe, New Mexico for ten years before God called Kent back to Kansas City to serve as our High School Director. They have two adult sons, two daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren.
Nick Hart | Middle School Director
Nick, originally from Indiana, and Sara, from Independence, Missouri, met in Texas in 2004 while working with Teen Mania Ministries. They spent four years with that ministry before relocating to Kansas City to get hitched. After visiting Graceway once, they knew this would be their church family. They joined the church soon after and served in Focus before taking over Middle School in 2011. Both are stoked to share the love of God with these wonderful children and equally excited for the work the Lord will do in their own lives.
