John Casteel – Grace Mosaic Fellowship, Simpsonville, SC

Many people think of Greenville as a “churched city,” but surveys of Greenville residents show that 50% neither attend church or identify as “religious,” while 40% say that they are religious “nones” or that they “don’t know” what they believe.  And this is even more true in the West Mauldin where we are planting and there is only one church in a 5 mile mostly-residential area.  Enter Mauldin Mission Church.  We want to be a church in Mauldin and for Mauldin.  We want to be a church transformed by the gospel to reflect redemptive ethnic unity, radical generosity, and a commitment to evangelism in Mauldin and beyond.  Our mission is to connect the Gospel to the stories and communities of Mauldin.

John and Kristen Casteel have been married for 15 years and have four kids, ranging from ages 4-9.  They have lived in Upstate South Carolina for  6 years and love the community of Mauldin in its diversity, authenticity, and warmth.  It is a place that our family fits.   John has been a pastor for 10 years and loves Jesus, the gospel, and people.  Kristen is a labor and delivery nurse who deeply loves her family, her friends, her Savior, and opening our home to people “from every nation, tribe, people, and language.”  Our kids love making new friends and are excited about expanding their network of people to have Nerf gun wars, matchbox car races, and play dress up with.   Most importantly, the gospel has been and continues to be deeply transformative for our family and we are excited to share the good news with the community of Mauldin as well.