Our Pastor

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Kendrick Vinar joined the pastoral staff at Grace Church of Chapel Hill in 2002 and was asked to become the lead pastor in 2005.

Kendrick’s leadership style is upbeat and energetic. His positive grace-filled perspective in life comes through his speaking as he builds people’s lives. You’ll enjoy his intellectual but practical messages that will inspire and challenge you.

Kendrick’s wife, Nana, is a UNC grad from the School of Public Health. They have five children ranging in ages from 16 to 28 years old. The Vinar family enjoys country living on their hobby farm. Kendrick loves training his English Springer Spaniels. His other pastimes include golf, personal fitness, photography and hunting.

Kendrick is not only active in leading Grace Church but currently serves or has served on several boards (Grace Churches International, Freedom Firm, Catalyst, and the Chapel Hill Country Club). He is also an Associate Trainer with John Maxwell’s leadership organization, EQUIP.

Kendrick is originally from Stillwater, Minnesota. He received his B.A. from St. Olaf College in Math and Religion and his M.A. in Teaching from the University of St. Thomas.

Kendrick taught high school math and physics and coached basketball for 5 years at Bethany Academy in Bloomington, MN. He also served as a staff pastor at City Hill Fellowship in Eden Prairie, MN for 8 years.