Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan DuBose.
Hi Ryan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My wife and I began our ministry journey in 2007 in youth ministry at Northplace Church in Sachse, Texas, where I served as Associate Youth Pastor for about 18 months. That season was formative, helping shape both my calling and my leadership, and it eventually led us to Sherman, Texas, where I served as Youth Pastor for the next 16 months.
From there, we moved to Midlothian, where I joined the staff of a local church as Worship and Youth Pastor. Over the course of nearly ten years, my role evolved as I transitioned out of youth ministry and into the position of Executive Pastor. It was during that season that God began stirring a deeper calling in me and giving me a vision for what it might look like to one day serve as a Lead or Senior Pastor.
Around the same time, while I was still in Sherman, Michael and Tamara Norman planted Gracehill Community Church in 2008, launching the church at the Dallas Children’s Theater. For ten years, Pastor Michael faithfully labored to establish a strong foundation for the church. In 2012, Gracehill purchased the building we currently occupy and began holding services there in 2013.
In 2018, my wife and I began the transition to become the pastors of Gracehill. Over the past seven years, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing incredible life change—marriages restored, people finding freedom, and hearts healed from deep past hurts. During that time, the church has more than doubled in size. One phrase we often say at Gracehill is, “We are passionate for the one.” We believe every person is called to reach one, and that conviction shapes everything we do.
Today, Gracehill is a diverse and welcoming church made up of people from all walks of life—different backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, and stories. No one here is perfect, but we are united by a shared desire to follow Jesus and live out His mission together.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It certainly hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Like any growing church, we’ve faced our share of challenges along the way. One of the most defining moments came in 2020. We had just announced plans to move to two services—a significant step for us as the church had outgrown our space. Everything was in place to launch our second service on Easter Sunday of that year. Then, as the world knows, 2020 brought unexpected disruption.
Instead of launching a second service, we moved everything online. That season was difficult for everyone, and it stretched us in ways we never anticipated. We had to quickly learn how to record and edit content at a much higher level, discover new ways to stay connected digitally, and rethink what discipleship looked like when we couldn’t gather in person. Those challenges forced us to adapt, innovate, and lead differently.
While that year was incredibly hard, it also refined us. Without the struggles of 2020, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We’ve faced other challenges over the years, but none quite like that season. Looking back, I’m grateful for what we learned through it. God used those difficulties to strengthen our church, and we are undoubtedly better because of it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I feel like we specialize in creating a welcoming environment at church. I know the thought is church should be welcoming, that it should be a “come as you are” place. The reality is, that’s not always the case at church.
Our church is known as a place that welcomes everyone through the doors. Even if you feel like you don’t belong in church, you’re welcome at Gracehill. This didn’t happen by accident. We have worked to create this kind of community.
One of the unique things we do at Gracehill is we have an intermission every Sunday between worship and preaching. We tell people to grab coffee and a donut, but we encourage people to connect and meet new people. This is one of the most life giving moments of our Sunday morning gatherings. I absolutely love hearing all of the people talking and connecting.
What makes you happy?
I love seeing people find freedom—freedom from pain, freedom from anxiety and depression, and freedom from addiction. But most of all, I love seeing people find freedom from guilt. When someone gives their life to Jesus and realizes that He loves them enough to die for them and extend grace to them, there is nothing like it.
That moment is why I do what I do. It’s what I live for. It’s what I was made to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Gracehill.cc
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracehilldallas/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracehilldallas/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GracehillDallas
