Ministry Bio
Dr. Jason L. Groce is an elder, husband, and accomplished young professional in state government.
Groce was born and raised in Gary, Indiana where he graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School. Groce earned his Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in History from Lincoln University in Jefferson City.
While attending Lincoln University, Groce started attending the Jefferson City Church Of God In Christ and rededicated his life to Jesus Christ. He began the preaching ministry in 2008, and was licensed as a Minister in 2014.
After receiving his undergraduate degree, Groce went on to earn his Master’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Public Administration and Policy from Lincoln University.
While working on his Master’s, he married the love of his life, Evangelist Missionary Courtney M. Groce in 2010.
Upon graduation, Groce began a career in public service working as Chief of Staff to various State Senators for the City of St. Louis.
As the Chief of Staff to various Senators, Groce helped the Senator pass 39 pieces of bipartisan legislation that were signed into law by both Democratic and Republican Governors, while securing $72 million in additional state funding to support programs and services in the City of St. Louis.
In 2013, Groce was recognized as one of Missouri’s 100 people to know in Missouri State Government.
In November 2019, Groce earned his Ph.D., in Public Policy and Administration with an emphasis in Management and Leadership.
Groce continues to serve in his capacity as Chief of Staff, while receiving such honors as being a member of American Society of Public Administrators; Pi Alpha Alpha National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration; the National Society of Leadership Success; the Top 100 list of Who’s Who in the Missouri Times.
Active in his faith community, Groce has served the Jefferson City Church of God In Christ, as Minister of Music and Member of the Missions/Evangelism Dept.; Armor Bearer to Senior Pastor Gregory T. Reeves, President of the Sedalia District Youth Department; Vice President of the Jurisdictional Youth Department of MO West 2nd Jurisdiction; and as the President of the Life Changers Youth Ministries at the Jefferson City Church of God In Christ.
In 2019, Groce received his first two jurisdictional appointments from Bishop John M. Johnson as Vice-Chairman of the Auxiliaries in Ministry (AIM) Convention and the Secretary of the Executive Board, making him “the Youngest Jurisdictional Official in the jurisdiction”.
Groce was then appointed to the Assistant Jurisdictional Secretary and Chairman of the Evangelism Transitional Executive Board in December of 2020.
In July of 2021, Dr. Groce was recognized by the National Church of God in Christ AIM Convention as a recipient of the 20 Under 40 COGIC Achievers Award for his work in government. In September 2021, Groce was appointed as the Jurisdictional President of the Department of Evangelism by General Board Member Bishop Johnson.
In January 22, 2022, Dr. Groce was ordained an Elder in the Church of God in Christ, Missouri Western Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. Making him now, “the Youngest Elder in the jurisdiction”.
Dr. Jason Groce continues to live, minister and work in Jefferson City, Missouri with his wife, Courtney and their beautiful twin girls Naomi and Olivia.