Growing up in Ohio, Eric learned the value of being a good servant from his mother, a strong and faithful follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. He has always felt a strong desire to serve the Lord and be guided by His Spirit. Eric's passion for ministry grew when he worked at Camp Chautauqua and discovered his love for working with teenagers. After graduating from Tennessee Temple University and marrying his wife, Vanessa, in 1999, they started serving in her home church in Bear, Delaware. During this time, Eric took on various roles as teacher, coach, youth worker, and bus driver. While also learning vital lessons about ministry, God blessed them with two children: Izabel and Andrew.

After six years, they moved to Richardson, Texas, where Eric became the Facility Administrator at a church and school. At this time, they were also blessed with their third child, Matthew. In Texas, they helped initiate a Saturday night worship service and began a homeless ministry. It was during this time that they felt called to be part of a church planting team. Eric was ordained in 2012 and, together with his family, was sent to build a church in St. Cloud, Florida. Once there, Eric took on the roles of Production Pastor and Youth Pastor and opened their home to teens every Sunday night. God gave Eric a deep desire to help people build a personal relationship with Christ.

In 2021, the opportunity arose to serve as Family Ministries Pastor at Kelleytown in Hartsville, SC. At Kelleytown, Eric led teams, oversaw various ministries, and was involved in different community programs. In May 2024, God brought Eric to Emmanuel to serve as the Youth Pastor. "It is with great humbleness and excitement and a great privilege I can serve our Savior and His bride through Emmanuel." - Eric Groves.