Born and raised in Los Angeles, Joe Gruber became a professional skateboarder when he was 20 years old. At 22, he had a life-changing encounter with God and became a follower of Jesus.

Joe has consistently served as a volunteer leader and staff pastor in local churches for over 25 years. He also spent many years working for nonprofits, one of which was the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association where he managed a youth and young adults ministry.

In 2019 Joe and his family moved from Santa Cruz, CA to Portland, OR to plant a church. God had so much more in store! He and one of his best friends (Richard Mulder) started a digital movement called Mess Halls (link below) that has spread into the U.S. and beyond. God has been moving powerfully through Mess Halls and All City Church, which had its first public service on Easter of 2021.

Joe is married to his best friend Katrina and they have a daughter named Lauren. His greatest joy in life is his family and helping people find and follow Jesus.