Our Speakers

Marney Fritts

Married to Barry, with two children, Marney is a professor of systematic theology at St. Paul's Lutheran Seminary who is on the pastoral staff with her husband at Zion Lutheran in Kent. She studied under the simultaneously holy and unholy trio of Gerhard Forde, Steve Paulson, and Jim Nestingen. She is grateful to be a part of the ragamuffins at Real Life Grace.

Jim McNeely

Jim is father to 4 boys, husband of Betty, and author of two amazing gospel-centered books: Romance of Grace and Grace in Community. He has been and continues to be a pastor, musician, poet, magician, and sinning ragamuffin. From Bach to computer code, his passion is the wonder of Christ in all things.

Jeff Pierce

Jeff pastors Summit Lake Community Church in Olympia, WA, where he focuses on preaching, teaching, and counseling that connects the good news of God’s grace to the struggles of real life. He and his wife, Jill, live in Tumwater with their three girls, Juliana, Jenna, and Jocelyn. Together the Pierces enjoy exploring the outdoors, traveling, playing sports, and rooting for New England sports teams (ed: we'll pray for them). 

Dax Swanson

Dax serves here at Grace Church Bellingham. He and Dani have two girls, Hope and Grace. He's amazed that his family has allowed him to leave medicine and journey through life proclaiming the incredible gospel of Jesus. If you find any irreverence in this page, it is his fault.