Our Staff

Rev. Jane Graner

Senior Pastor

A lifelong United Methodist, Jane grew up in Fort Worth, where her family was very active in the local church. She attended Texas Woman’s University, earning a B.S. in Psychology. After a year of photography school, she spent six years working in various aspects of the photography industry, eventually opening her own photo lab and portrait studio in Denton.

However, Jane could never forget the call to ministry she received as a senior in high school. After a year of prayer and discernment, she enrolled at Perkins School of  Theology at Southern Methodist University, where she earned a Master of Theological  Studies and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction. After many years in lay ministry, culminating in her role as Minister of Discipleship at Northgate UMC in Irving, Jane became licensed as a local pastor and received her first appointment as Senior Pastor of Oak Haven UMC, also in Irving. Jane continued on the path toward ordination as a full elder and, in 2019, became the first openly LGBTQ person ordained in the southern jurisdictions of The United Methodist Church. She was later appointed Senior Pastor of Trinity UMC. There, she shepherded the congregation through a major burglary, the COVID-19 pandemic, and  the complete flooding of the building during the February 2021 winter storm. Despite not meeting in person for nearly two years, the congregation returned Trinity Strong, embracing online ministry and welcoming new members, including many younger adults.

Now living in Denton, family remains foundational for Jane. She is very close with her three siblings, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jane has a soft spot for animals and, over the years, has shared her home with a menagerie of cats, dogs, rabbits,  hamsters, and even a rat. She also loves to read and learn new things. In addition to religion and theology, she is especially curious about history, psychology, and science, particularly astronomy.

Jane has a hopeless case of wanderlust and has traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Middle East, including four pilgrimages to Israel/Palestine. As she likes to say, “I have a passport, and I know how to use it!” She also enjoys hiking, live theater, working out, trivia games, and NFL football. Go Cowboys!

Email jcgraner@graceumcdallas.org

John Bryant

Associate Minister

John Bryant, familiar to many of us as a lawyer, businessman, our former congressman,  and current state representative for our area, joined the staff of Grace as Associate Minister on October 1, 2025.  After teaching spiritual formation for twenty years and  leading the contemplative prayer service at First UMC Dallas for nine years, he enrolled in SMU’s Perkins School of Theology, and graduated in May of 2025. He also received certification as a spiritual director. He and his wife Janet live in East Dallas and have three children and four grandchildren.

Email johnbryant@graceumcdallas.org

Kenton Kravig

Music Minister

Kenton Kravig was led to Grace Church in August 2024 after 40 years of Music Ministry in the Catholic Church. Raised in a family of Church Musicians, the songs of our faith have always played an integral role in his life and his journey of faith. Kenton is passionate about creating powerful worship experiences in which music and language work together to change hearts and minds, and even save lives through the divine gift of music. Kenton spent his childhood in Lacombe, Alberta, Canada, and Caldwell, Idaho, before his collegiate studies in Walla Walla College, WA (Piano Performance), and Southern Methodist University (Organ Performance). He sang with and managed Orpheus Chamber Singers for 22 Seasons and now manages Voices of Change Modern Music Ensemble in his spare time. Kenton has been married to David Williams from Fort Worth since August 1988 and counts him as his greatest earthly blessing.

Email  Music@graceumcdallas.org

Paul Ott

Administrative Assistant

Paul and his wife Janan joined Grace in 2016 and have been active members ever since. Paul frequently helps as an usher and Janan is a member of our Leadership Board. Paul’s career was primarily in the financial services industry, including senior management positions at several institutions. He works part-time in our office creating newsletters and bulletins and generally doing what needs done. Paul has six children, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild…so far. He was born in Kansas and grew up in California, and he loves visits with family, dogs, playing golf and Janan’s homemade pies. 

Email  paulott@graceumcdallas.org

Alan Kernell

Church Administrator

Email Gumc@graceumcdallas.org