Pastors and Elders

The Greek word for elder, shepherd, or overseer is used interchangeably in the New Testament to describe one office. We recognize the roles of pastor and elder as one and the same (although some elders are vocational, or paid). Elders are responsible for the oversight of all matters of church life and practice (Acts 14:23, 20:28).

Elders must be qualified according to the biblical standards of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Elders are to serve the body willingly, eagerly, exemplary and humbly, modeling Christ’s sacrificial, servant leadership in love (1 Peter 5:1-5). While an elder is qualified until they are biblically unqualified or choose to resign, each elder (except pastoral staff) serves a three-year term on the active board and may serve a second consecutive three-year term if desired, followed by a one-year break.

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Justin Franchino

Teaching Pastor - Elder

Justin came to know Jesus as a child and grew steadily in his faith through a Christ-centered home, church community, missions trips, and Bible school. He became Lead Pastor of Peninsula Grace in 2016 after earning degrees in Intercultural & Biblical Studies from Ethnos360 and Elementary Education.
Justin and his wife Jill were married in 2019, they have two daughters and love serving the church together. Fun facts: Justin once wore inside-out yellow t-shirts for nearly a decade and visited all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums in one summer road trip.

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Ross Skjold

Family Pastor - Elder

Ross was born in Soldotna and raised in Kasilof, where God used his family and church community to draw him to faith at a young age. During high school, Ross came to more deeply understand the Gospel and God’s grace in his life. After studying at Columbia International University and serving in ministry in South Carolina, Ross and his wife Monica felt called to return home to Alaska. Ross joined the Peninsula Grace family in 2019. Together, Ross and Monica have four sons and a daughter.
Ross enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, reading, and drinking Dr Pepper.

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Daniel Mangione

Youth Pastor - Elder

Danny came to Alaska in 2009 and since then has developed an incredible love for the state and the people. He began his Youth Ministry journey in 2013 and looks forward to the many years to come. He and his wife, Brandi, have been married since 2016 and have four children, Eliza, Wesley, Fletcher and Atticus. They love getting to know new people over a meal, games, and our weekly gatherings.

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Thomas Hickey

Associate Pastor

Thomas and his wife Melody met at a worship school in Kansas City in 2011. After attending Asbury Theological Seminary together, they helped plant a church in downtown Lexington, Kentucky before following God’s call to Alaska in 2020. Thomas is passionate about discipleship, church planting, and storytelling through videography. Together, Thomas and Melody are raising their three daughters and son as part of the Peninsula Grace family.