Who we Are

One Faith

By God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ Jesus alone we are a people, not a building - whose identity being in Christ shapes our behaviors and our lives for the Glory of God in our community and around the world.

One Scripture

We are an expository Bible teaching church, meaning we preach the entire 66 books of the Bible seeking to observe, interpret, and apply all of God’s Word – God’s Story – as our primary guide towards us having a deeper Love of God and seeking to follow His Truth.

One Community

Join us. We welcome each and every one of you to encounter the Lord's unconditional love with us. Inside each of us is a purpose and meaning to be fulfilled by God. 

 Welcome!

Dan Defever

Lead Pastor

 My journey as a follower of Jesus began in January 1998. One morning before work, I prayed to God in my car, asking for forgiveness and for help being obedient to Him and His ways. I went into work a changed person that day. As the day progressed, I experienced an inner peace and passion I had never felt before. I did not realize it then, but later learned that what I had experienced was the Holy Spirit’s presence in my life (Romans 5:5). This led me to an interest in missions and a taking of my family to Poland as missionaries invited by a Protestant Church in that country. This was a drastic change to my life working in Engineering for an aviation company. My family and I spent 9 years in Poland, and 3 years in the Netherlands, where I studied and earned my theology degree. In July 2021, my late wife Christine and I moved from Grand Rapids to Grayling, answering God’s call to pastor EFree church of Grayling. Our initial visit to the church was awesome. We showed up unannounced, (Christine said, “To check them out”) and found a caring group of people who love Jesus and love others. I have two married daughters and 7 grandchildren who live in Kalkaska. I relish spending time with my family, and enjoy playing games, an evening walk (especially on the beach), music, s’mores and a good steak. My desire is to see people using their gifts and talents for the advancement of the Kingdom of God. I invite you to come check us out!

 

Our Elders Team

Steve Detmer

Elder chairman



I'm a native of northern Michigan and have lived in this area most of my life.  I grew up in Houghton Lake and graduated from Houghton Lake High School. I have been married to Marylou for 35+ years. We have 4 children and 9 grandchildren. I'm mostly retired after 45 years of public service. I'm an avid gardener and study herbal medicine. I gave my heart to the Lord when I was 32 years old. I served on the outreach committee and have gone on many short-term mission trips both foreign and domestic. It's been fascinating to watch God change so many lives, including my own. 

 

Wade Davis

Elder



I have been a member of EFree Grayling church since 2012. I grew up in Allen Park, Michigan and worked 30+ years for Ford Motor Company. My testimony of faith happened in 1996 when I realized that I did not have to “clean myself up,” leading me to repent and ask the Lord to save me right where I was. I enjoy serving at church including Bible studies, helping with maintenance, organizing the Woodcarving club and the Baby Bottle drive for the Pregnancy Resource Center in Gaylord. My wife Carol and I live in the Grayling area and are Chaplains to inmates and officers of the local county jail through Crawford County Jail Ministries (supported by people and donations from local churches like EFree Grayling).  

 

Jim Johnson

Elder



 I have been happily married to Mary Ellen since 1976. We both believe our salvation occurred during Bible studies in the home. My spiritual passions are to know the truth and depth of God’s Word as thoroughly and accurately as possible, convey those truths to others (being an encourager), and to serve the Lord according to His will. I desire to see our local church grow, and by that I mean there would be new people come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, as well as those who already follow Christ would develop a greater love and obedience for the things God loves. I have served the church as elder, participating as an online missionary (Global Media Outreach) and continue to be a passionate student and teacher of the Bible. I enjoy playing cards and board games, rock hunting, deer hunting, and participating in and watching sports. I love God’s creation, especially wildlife and pets (cat lover), beautiful landscapes and His amazing heavenly bodies.

Jim Wetmore

Elder


Born and raised in Merrill, a small town west of Saginaw, Michigan. I attended Central Michigan University and taught biology for 19 years before leaving the education field and

becoming an insurance agent. I retired from the insurance business after 20 years and retired to

northern Michigan. My wife Gail and I have been married for 48+ years. We have a son and daughter and 5 grandchildren. I was raised in a Christian home and have believed in Jesus ever since I can remember, but He didn’t become my personal Lord and Savior until later in life. God hung with me through all the peaks and valleys and I believe He has brought me to the EFree Grayling church for a reason that is yet unfolding. My wife and I felt called to a smaller, more intimate church family, so we started attending EFree Grayling and it has become our home socially but most importantly, spiritually. It is the people who make this church special, and I look forward to serving people in whatever way God has for me, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ to unbelievers, teaching His Word, and living as a witness to my Christian faith. 

Children's Ministry

The Gospel has a message for everyone, of every age, and in every language. Exposing your child to the Lord's path when they are young gives them guidance, hope and strength that lasts a lifetime. To learn more, reach out to one of our Pastors. 

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