Our Staff

The church has paid staff and many volunteer staff members. Our paid staff has set office hours and may be reached via and/or voicemail. If you need immediate support with a church-related detail, please contact Pastor Ray or Cathy Tallman.

The Reverend Peter I. Ray

Lead Pastor
pastor@bethel-lutheran.org

Pastor Ray is a native of Vandalia, OH and a graduate of Capital University. He graduated from Trinity Lutheran Seminary with a M.Div in 1991. Pastor served at All Saints Lutheran Church in Worthington, OH before being called to Bethel in 1994. Pastor Ray and his wife Valorie are dedicated members of the congregation and the Grove City community. Their son Andrew is currently studying Law at George Washington University. 

The Reverend Jeff Wise

Care & Visitation Pastor
PastorWise@bethel-lutheran.org

Pastor Wise joined Bethel Lutheran Church in 2015 as an assistant pastor. He was born and raised in Toledo, OH and graduated from The University of Toledo and Trinity Lutheran Seminary with a M. Div in 1995. His past calls include Pastor at Reformation Lutheran Church in Columbus, OH (1995-1998), Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio (1998-2006) and Episcopal Retirement Homes (2006-2011).

Cathy Tallman

Church Administrator
administrator@bethel-lutheran.org

Cathy handles scheduling of the building and programs, as well as day to day operations in the office. She is also director of Amazing Kids Academy, a daily preschool owned by the church. Her hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Jennifer Bueter

Youth Director gcbethelyouth@gmail.com

Jennifer and her family have been members of Bethel for many years.  Jennifer has her BA in Education and has worked with our youth in many capacities over the years.

Ward Matthias

Director of Music

With a BA in political science and a minor in organ performance from Dordt University in Iowa, Ward supports our liturgical music through organ playing.

Briana (Bree) Johnson

CHOIR DIRECTOR

Bree has a B.S. in Integrated Science Education and a minor in Music from Capital University. She has directed church choirs for 13 years and proudly serves as Bethel’s choir director.

Ruth Hiles

Associate Musician

Ruth’s primary music responsibilities are to accompany music on Sunday mornings.

Crystal Smith

Director of Child Care Ministries

Crystal is our weekly nursery attendant and assures your child between the ages of infant through 4 yrs. is loved and cared for during our worship service.