Contributors
The Forge Journal contributors are pastors, leaders, and mentors who are committed to equipping a new generation to stand strong in truth, lead with conviction, and impact their communities for the Kingdom of God. Each voice brings biblical insight, real-world experience, and a passion to see pastors rise in this critical hour.
PASTOR STEVE RIGGLE
Founding Senior Pastor, Grace Church
Steve and Becky met in college, and for Steve it was love at first sight. They were married nine months later (Steve was 19 by two weeks, and Becky was 20). They have now been partners in life and ministry for over five decades. While doing ministry in a prison in the Philippines in 1978, Steve and Becky were taken hostage by four prisoners armed with knives. During the attempted escape from the prison, the four prisoners were killed by police. Steve was stabbed seven times and almost died, and Becky was shot – after which she spent nine months in a body cast with five surgeries and another nine months learning how to walk again. They have shared their amazing story of God’s presence and power in the crisis on many TV programs and in venues around the world. (Watch their Daystar interview about this amazing story!) In 1983, Steve and Becky moved to Houston, TX to plant Grace Community Church. During their tenure, the church grew to 17,000 members and constructed a 250,000 sq. ft., 10,000-seat worship center, located on 80 acres. Steve and Becky currently serve as the Founding Senior Pastors of Grace Woodlands in The Woodlands, TX. Along with pastoring, Steve also serves as the President of Grace International, a fellowship of over 5,400 churches and ministries with more than 500,000 members in 130 nations. Steve and Becky are both actively involved in the launching of the Cathedral Life Centre, a compassion ministry on the Grace Woodlands property for women and families in need. They also have founded FORGE, a pastoral training program that is committed to shaping pastors who will shape the nation. Steve has a Master’s degree from Oral Roberts University and a DMIN from The King’s University. Steve and Becky have been married for fifty five years, and they have two children, six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
DR. JASON NELSON
Editor-in-Chief, The Forge Journal
Associate Pastor, Grace Woodlands
Jason J. Nelson is one of the teaching pastors at Grace Woodlands Church. He holds B.A., M.A., M.Ed., M.Div. and Ph.D. degrees from Trinity International University, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Houston Christian (Baptist) University, Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, and Destiny Bible College. In the Spring of 2021, Jason was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) degree for his service to the Church, commitment to his community, and contribution to the fields of theological and biblical studies. For almost twenty years, Jason has pastored within four different congregations in the Greater Houston area as both an associate and senior pastor. After graduating from college with an emphasis on pre-law, Jason began ministering to elected officials and is currently Co-Founder and President of Acts 17 Ministries, a non-profit focused on impacting and influencing governance with the values of the Kingdom. Jason has also served as one of the governing Directors on The Woodlands Township Board in The Woodlands, Texas. Before entering full-time Christian ministry, Jason spent seven years in public education as a teacher, department head, and coach. He is also a published author, as well as an advocate for education, mental health awareness, breast cancer research, and community/global missions. He and his wife Tiffany have six children and reside in The Woodlands.
DR. SAM THOMAS
Teaching Pastor, Grace Woodlands
Dr. Sam Thomas is one of the teaching pastors at Grace Woodlands. He holds a Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. Prior to that, he earned a B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Pune, India, as well as a B.D. (Bachelor of Divinity) and M.Th. (Master of Theology) from the Senate of Serampore College (University) in India. Sam has taught at New Theological College - a premier theological institution in North India - from 2009 to 2015. He has also served as an Assistant Pastor at two churches in India. Sam and his wife Sheeba have been blessed with two boys: Stephen and Timothy.
PASTOR JUAN CARLOS
Apostolic Elder/Leader of Nations (Grace)
Director of Ministries Vision International and co-founder of Ministries Vision International (MVI), founded in 1990. His passion for God’s presence and advancing His kingdom has expanded MVI's reach to over 15 nations. He is committed to training leaders, planting churches, and equipping the next generation to serve in the power of the Holy Spirit. In addition, the Grace Woodlands leaders, and adjunct instructors from across the country give the Forge participants broad exposure to training in ministry, business, personal development, and acquiring and using influence in the political world and the public square."
DR. JEFFREY SEIF
D.Min. Southern Methodist University
PhD Cambridge University attending an Orthodox Yeshiva. He came to faith in Jesus and pursued ministry, earning a master’s and doctorate in theology. Jeff is also a graduate of the North Texas Regional Police Academy and holds a master’s in Applied Criminology and where he received his PhD.
PASTOR HOWARD KALOOGIAN
Founding Pastor, Grace New England
Pastor Howard Kaloogian is the founding pastor of Grace New England in Weare, New Hampshire, and a dynamic leader in the global Grace International family. With a vision to "re-dig the ancient wells" of revival, he and his wife Martha are restoring a Biblical foundation in one of America's least churched regions. Mentored by Pastor Jack Hayford and trained under Dr. Steve Riggle, his ministry journey includes service on The King's University and Seminary Board and ordination into Grace International in 2023. Before embracing full-time ministry, Pastor Howard worked with the Planned Giving Department at Hillsdale College for over 20 years. A licensed attorney with a J.D. from Pepperdine School of Law, he also served three terms as a California State Representative. Pastor Howard's unique blend of legal, political, pastoral, and philanthropic expertise enables him to advise donors who want to leave a legacy of significant impact.
WILLIAM PHILLIPS
Executive Director of Planned Giving, Hillsdale College
William Phillips is a seasoned expert in charitable estate planning with more than 20 years of experience as the Executive Director of Planned Giving at Hillsdale College. Since joining the college in 1999, he has helped thousands of individuals steward their resources in ways that honor their values and create lasting legacies. Bill has also served as the Executive Director of Planned Giving for Young America's Foundation, bringing his extensive expertise to another national organization committed to shaping future leaders. His professional background includes directing planned giving for the School of Engineering at the University of Maryland and teaching U.S. and British History as an adjunct instructor at California State University. He holds a CPGE (Certified Planned Giving Executive) designation and multiple certificates from the Conrad Teitel Tax Institute. With decades of experience in both education and philanthropy, William Phillips continues to guide mission-minded donors in making wise, impactful decisions that extend their influence for generations.
PASTOR JOSH PIERCE
Executive Pastor, Grace Woodlands
FORGE Executive Leadership
Josh Pierce has served in full-time pastoral ministry for over 20 years in multiple roles, including planting a church in Utah. He currently provides executive leadership for both Grace Woodlands and FORGE, and serves on the Grace International Board of Directors. He is passionate about shaping a new generation of courageous pastors and leaders to advance the Kingdom of God around the world.
PASTOR STU JOHNSON
Executive Administrator, Grace Intl.
Retired Colonel U.S. Air Force
M.B.A. UCLA
Pastor Stu Johnson is the Executive Administrator of Grace International, where he oversees the operational and ministry efforts of the organization. A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, he combines his leadership experience with a deep commitment to serving the church and to spreading the Gospel worldwide.
PASTOR JOHN MANZEWITSCH
Associate Pastor, Grace Church
FORGE Executive Leadership
B.Th MVI
Pastor John Manzewitsch serves as an Associate Pastor of Grace Woodlands, leading Grace Latino ministries, and provides executive leadership for FORGE. With a deep passion for ministry, he is dedicated to fostering spiritual growth and guiding individuals to experience the transformative power of Jesus.
WILLIAM J. FEDERER
Hon. D.Hum., American Christian College
Hon. D.G.L., Midwest University
William J. Federer is a nationally-known speaker, best-selling author, and president of Amerisearch, Inc., dedicated to researching America's noble heritage. He is widely recognized for his powerful presentations connecting faith, history, and culture, inspiring audiences to understand and defend the foundations of freedom.
Tiffany Nelson
Elected Official & Ministry Leader
Tiffany Baumann Nelson is a ministry leader at Grace Woodlands, leading in the ministries of worship, prayer, and governance. She is also an impactful community leader as an elected official, a philanthropist, and an education advocate. Tiffany’s leadership and philanthropic work span the nonprofit sector, where she has served in various roles, including Founder and President, Executive Director, and Consultant. She has also served on multiple leadership boards spanning two decades. In 2022, she was elected to the Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees, the seventh-largest school district in Texas, where she currently serves as Vice President. In addition to her leadership roles, Tiffany is a sought-after media contributor, podcast co-host/guest, international vocalist, and recording artist. She has also appeared as an actor in both television and feature films, is a former Miss Ohio, and a proud 13-year breast cancer survivor. She holds a B.B.A. in Marketing and a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry from Liberty University. Tiffany is also a certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach and Speaker. She and her husband, Jason, share six children and reside in The Woodlands, Texas.
Becky Riggle
Founding Pastor
Becky Riggle has faithfully served in ministry alongside her husband, Pastor Steve Riggle, for over five decades. Together, they planted and pastored churches, led global ministry efforts, and shaped generations through their leadership and sacrifice. Becky’s courage and faith were tested in 1978 when she and Steve were taken hostage during a prison ministry outreach in the Philippines. After being shot during the ordeal, she endured months in a body cast and multiple surgeries, learning to walk again by God’s grace. Their miraculous testimony has inspired people around the world. In 1983, Becky and Steve moved to Houston to plant Grace Community Church, which grew to over 17,000 members and became one of the largest churches in the region. Today, Becky serves as the Founding Senior Pastor of Grace Woodlands and remains deeply involved in ministry efforts, including the launch of the Cathedral Life Centre, a compassion outreach hub serving women and families in need. She is also a co-founder of FORGE, a pastoral training initiative raising up bold, Spirit-filled leaders to impact communities across the nation. Becky is a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, known for her strength, kindness, and unwavering trust in the Lord. Her life is a living testimony of God’s healing power and the beauty of enduring faith.
Brooke Pierce
Executive Pastor at Grace Woodlands
Brooke Pierce and her husband, Josh, are Executive Pastors at Grace Woodlands in The Woodlands, TX. She oversees community outreach and women's ministry and has a heart for helping people feel loved, connected, and cared for inside the church as well as in the community. She is also on a journey toward minimalism in her home and has a passion for sharing everything she has learned about it over the past few years. In her free time she loves reading (a lot), spending time outside, crafting, trying different foods, and being with her family and dogs. She has known Josh all of her life, and they have been married for 19 years. They have 3 kids - Landon (13), Nate (10), and Summer Joy (2). They consider it a true blessing and privilege to serve the Lord and be in ministry together as a family.