This merger conversation began when Pastor Ernest Custalow, after prayerful reflection with the Grace Church
Board, reached out to Pastor Jeremy Duggins in November 2025, to explore the possibility of Grace Church and
Revive Church coming together. After nearly 40 years of faithful ministry at Grace, Pastor Ernest felt a desire to
steward the next season well ensuring the mission and people of Grace are cared for and led with continued
strength and alignment. From that initial conversation, the elders of both churches entered a season of prayer,
relationship, and open dialogue. Over time, it became clear that there was a shared sense of vision, values, and
calling and that this could be an opportunity for God to bring two church families together with shared history for
greater Kingdom impact in our community.

Through prayer, wise counsel, and a growing clarity around alignment in mission, values, and vision, God’s hand has
become increasingly evident in bringing Grace and Revive together in a supernatural way. Pastor Ernest carries a
deep desire to faithfully steward the legacy of Grace Church and finish this season well, while Pastors Jeremy and
Erica have sensed God inviting Revive into a new chapter of faith and greater Kingdom impact. As both leadership
teams have continued to seek God, there has been a growing confirmation that He is unifying these churches for
something bigger than either could accomplish alone for His purposes in Fredericksburg and beyond.

The merger was approved through a unanimous vote of both the Grace Church and Revive Church Elders and
Senior Pastors on May 4, 2026.

This merger brings together two stories, multiple generations, and a shared vision for what God wants to do in this region and the world. It honors the legacy Pastor Ernest and the Grace family have faithfully built over nearly 40 years, while creating space for a new generation of leadership to carry that legacy forward with fresh vision and faith. What emerges is stronger than either story alone: a church where generations can learn from one another,
build on what God has already done, and believe for greater Kingdom impact.

The merged church will be known as Revive Church. When Pastor Jeremy received his calling to shepherd people,  the Lord made it clear that he was to lead them to a place where they would be “revived” by His presence. From the  beginning, the name “Revive” has been deeply connected to Jeremy’s calling and the vision God entrusted to him.  The new church will carry forward a rich spiritual heritage, faithful ministry, and lasting impact while building upon a  shared vision to reach people, make disciples, and serve our community and the world for generations to come.

Pastors Jeremy and Erica Duggins will lead the merged church together. Having faithfully led Revive Church, they  bring a deep passion for seeing people encounter Jesus, grow in discipleship, and live out their God-given purpose.  Their desire is to build a healthy, Spirit-filled church that reaches all generations, strengthens families, and makes a  lasting impact in the community. As leaders, they are committed to honoring the rich legacy of Grace while helping  steward the church into a new season. Pastor Ernest Custalow will serve as Pastor Emeritus, serving on the teaching  team and providing pastoral care to the merged church body. We also want to honor and release Pastor Ernest to  follow his calling during this next season however God leads him. This transition provides continuity, honors the  past, and positions the church for a strong and vibrant future.  

The staffs of both churches will come together to serve the merged congregation, combining their unique gifts,  experience, and strengths. Rather than losing leadership capacity, the merger creates an opportunity to build upon  the strong foundations that already exist in both churches. By uniting our teams, we believe we will be better  positioned to care for people, develop leaders, expand ministries, and effectively carry out the mission God has  given us. While roles will shift to meet the needs of the church, the goal is to position each employee for maximum  impact in this new chapter.

The new board of the merged church will consist of three elders from Grace Church, three members from the Revive  Church Board, and Jeremy Duggins, who will serve as the Lead Elder. The existing boards of both Grace Church  and Revive Church have been unified to form one new board that will provide governance and oversight for the  merged church. This new board brings together leaders from both congregations, allowing the wisdom, experience,  and perspectives of each church to be represented. The goal remains to create a strong, healthy governing body  that can help steward the mission, vision, finances, and future of the church while supporting the pastoral leadership  and serving the congregation well.  

Both churches will merge into Grace’s existing facilities, and Revive’s lease at Riverbend High School along with its  office lease will conclude. The facilities will be refreshed over time to align with the needs of the ministries and staff.  As we come together and discern where God is leading us, we will assess how each space is used and make  practical, thoughtful improvements to better support ministry initiatives. These updates will be intentional and  phased, focused on creating welcoming, functional environments that serve the mission of the church and support  growth in this new season.  

Sermons will be delivered in a way both churches are accustomed to, with approximately 40–45 minutes of  preaching following a dedicated time of worship. Pastor Jeremy Duggins will serve as the primary communicator,  with preaching also supported by a broader preaching team. This team approach will help ensure consistency,  shared leadership, and a healthy rhythm of voices that serve the overall vision of the church while maintaining strong  biblical teaching week to week.  

Sermons will be delivered in a way both churches are accustomed to, with approximately 40–45 minutes of preaching following a dedicated time of worship. Pastor Jeremy Duggins will serve as the primary communicator, with preaching also supported by a broader preaching team. This team approach will help ensure consistency, shared leadership, and a healthy rhythm of voices that serve the overall vision of the church while maintaining strong biblical teaching week to week.

Finances from Grace and Revive Church will be fully merged into a single, unified budget. The merged church’s  finances will be overseen by the Board of Elders and managed by the staff on a day to day basis, ensuring it aligns  with the mission, priorities, and direction of the merged church. This budget will then be reviewed and approved by  the merged Board, which will continue to provide fiduciary oversight of the church. The Board’s role will be to ensure  financial integrity, accountability, and stewardship, while the Executive Team handles day-to-day financial  management and implementation.  

The merged church will continue supporting all current international and local missionaries and partner organizations  initially. There will be no immediate changes to support structures. It will also continue its existing ministry programs.  Over time, each partnership and ministry initiative will be prayerfully and thoughtfully evaluated to ensure it aligns  with the future direction and priorities of the merged church. Our desire is to honor current commitments while also  creating clarity and unity around long-term vision.

The timeline for the merger will culminate in the first merged church service on November 8, 2026. Prior to that  date, there will be multiple intentional touchpoints as both staffs, volunteer teams, and congregations integrate, align  systems, and build unity across ministries. You can stay up to date on available opportunities to engage with these  gatherings on our website, revivechurchva.com/bettertogether.

First and foremost, we are calling you to pray. Pray for the leaders, staff, members, and the community as we walk  through transition together. We know this transition brings both excitement and change, and we want to encourage  everyone to walk through this season with faith, grace, and humility as we follow God’s leading. We’re also asking  you to stay engaged and informed as the merger moves forward. We encourage you to attend any available  meetings where you can hear the vision, learn more about the process, and ask questions directly. These gatherings are designed to provide clarity, unity, and space for honest conversation. You can also reach out to your pastors,  staff, and elders at any time for pastoral care, support, or specific questions. Our desire is to walk through this  transition together with openness, trust, and ongoing communication.