Pastor John is excited about the future of Graceview Church. God has blessed this work since its beginning in 1974. The first mission developers, Drs. Bobby Penny and Jac Coad labored hard to reach people with the Gospel and build them up in their faith. He follows in that tradition of ministry that is centered in the Scriptures and the Reformed faith to the glory of God.
God continues to surprise us at Graceview. It is a small Church, but God is greatly blessing. He has brought a number of new people in and there is spiritual growth in grace. People are often hesitant to come to a Presbyterian Church, but once they are here they seem to flourish in the grace of God. That is so encouraging. Inspite of the difficulties of the present situation the ministry of the Church goes forward. Thank the Lord.
This past May their youngest child, Karis graduated from Belhaven University in Jackson, MS Magna Cum Laude. This was a big day in the lives of the Tucker family. God has blessed them with three wonderful children and granddaughter Ava.
Pastor John and Kathy came to Southaven over 25 years ago. Their oldest son Josh is 32 and he and his wife Lindsey are the proud parents of a lively 2 year old, Ava. Their middle son Caleb is 27 and Karis is 22. The Tuckers have changed since they first came here as we all have. They are thankful for the opportunity to serve Christ, and they are dearly loved and appreciated by the members and friends of the Church.
Pastor John graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS with the M.C.E. degree and M.Div degree in December of 1980. He was ordained in the PCA in January of 1981, where he served as Minister of Youth and Christian Education at the Presbyterian Church of Columbus in Columbus, MS. He was called by Graceview as pastor in August of 1984.
Ruling Elders
The Presbyterian Church is governed by a Board of ruling elders. 1 Timothy 5:17 says, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” This verse distinguishes between two types of elders. The first type of elder whose main responsibility is governing the Church are called "ruling elders" and are elected from the congregation. The second type of elders are the teaching elders or pastors whose main responsibility is preaching and teaching God's word. The session, meets monthly. Pictured from left to right Mr Dan Denning, Mr Mark Paris clerk of Session, Mr Gene Adams and Dr. John Tucker pastor
Pianist
Mrs Emily Denning is our long serving and talented pianist. She has been a member for over 15 years and has served the Lord in a variety of ministries in the Church. She has really developed her talents by hard work and devotion to worshiping Christ. She and her husband Dan have 5 children who were all raised in the Church. In 2006, Emily also brought her widowed mother into their home when she had a stroke and could no longer care for herself. By love and care her mother's condition has improved. Emily is truly a servant of the Lord and we are greatly blessed by her ministry of music.
Deacons
The deacons are responsible for receiving and dispersing the offerings according to the guidelines of the session. They are also responsible for the care of the widows and those in need. Every month on the Sunday after Communion they take up a special offering which is used to help those in need. Pictured from left to right, Mr Stan Carroll, Mr Steve Delugach, Mr Robert Minor, Mr Bruce Gilliland and Mr Howie Mays.
Diaconate Officers for 2010
Stan Carroll: Chairman
Bruce Gilliland: Vice Chairman and Secretary
Steve Delugach: Benevolences
Howie Mays: Head Usher
Robert Minor: Buildings and Grounds
If there is a need in any of these areas, please go directly to these men instead of the pastor. These men are capable and competent and willing to serve the Lord. It will free pastor John to devote his time to the ministry of prayer and the word. Thanks!
t the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” This verse distinguishes between two types of elders. The first type of elder whose main responsibility is governing the Church are called "ruling elders" and are elected from the congregation. The second type of elders are the teaching elders or pastors whose main responsibility is preaching and teaching God's word. The session, meets monthly. Pictured from left to right Mr Dan Denning, Mr Mark Paris clerk of Session, Mr Gene Adams and Dr. John Tucker pastor 
ly Denning is our long serving and talented pianist. She has been a member for over 15 years and has served the Lord in a variety of ministries in the Church. She has really developed her talents by hard work and devotion to worshiping Christ. She and her husband Dan have 5 children who were all raised in the Church. In 2006, Emily also brought her widowed mother into their home when she had a stroke and could no longer care for herself. By love and care her mother's condition has improved. Emily is truly a servant of the Lord and we are greatly blessed by her ministry of music. 
