On January 10, 2021, members of Grace United Church unanimously voted to call Rev. Dr. Karen Heil Borchert as our new pastor. Dr. Borchert is currently co-pastor of a congregation in Tennessee along with her husband, Dr. Mark Borchert.

Pastor Karen's educational journey began at Houghton College, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and minors in political science and art. She earned a Master of Arts in clinical sociology from University of Northern Colorado, and a Master of Divinity in Christian Education and Doctor of Ministry at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. As a seminarian she was especially drawn to courses in spiritual formation.

Ordained with the American Baptist Church, Pastor Karen eagerly anticipates transferring her credentials to obtain full standing with the United Church of Christ (UCC). She will begin her pastorate with Grace United on April 1.