LEADERSHIP
We invite you and your family to Worship with us!
Preacher / Evangelist
John Reed
John and his daughter Clara began serving alongside the people of the Oak Grove Church of Christ in January of 2023. John teaches our Wednesday night adult Bible study in addition to preaching for our Sunday morning and evening worship times. A 1999 graduate of Johnson Bible College, now Johnson University, he has served in ministry for 20+ years. He loves Jesus & Clara and enjoys nerdy stuff as well as the outdoors. No title necessary, he simply prefers be called John.
Elders
Jim Culler II
Jim wears many hats at Oak Grove! In addition to being an elder, he is the Chairman of the Board of Men, Adult Sunday School teacher and a member of the Praise Team. A 1996 graduate of Penn State University, he is a 7th grade teacher for the Freedom Area School District. Jim enjoys spending time with his family, golf, following the Pittsburgh and Penn State sports scene and Starbucks. He lives in Patterson Heights with his wife, Stacy. They have two sons, Bryan and Mike.
Brad Keresty
Brad Keresty and his family began attending Oak Grove in 2011. Since then, Brad has been a devoted member of the Oak Grove service team. First as a deacon and now as an elder. Brad has also acted as a Staff member for our youth camp. He is an avid hunter and likes shooting pool. He lives in Chippewa with his wife, Molly, and their son, Sam.
Kevin Phillis
Kevin Phillis has served as our youth leader since 1986. He is a Sunday School teacher for our teen class as well as being an elder at the church since 2009. He also serves as the secretary of the Board of Men. He is an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and loves to golf. He resides in Center Township with his wife, Debbie. They have two children, Chad and Kerri. Kevin attended Robert Morris University and is a co-owner of Jack Bonus Insurance.
Deacons
Bryce Bezdek
Bryce Bezdek is a former Marine and was a sergeant with the Cincinnati Police Department. He is currently helping out with the security team at the Oak Grove Church of Christ. His wife, Toni, is the music leader and can be found at the piano every Sunday morning. Toni and Bryce live in Rogers, OH - just across the state line - with their three children, Aidan, Lauren and Lillian.
Dave Erwin
Dave has been an active member of the Oak Grove Church of Christ since the local congregation began. He has served as a Sunday school teacher for over forty consecutive years and has joyfully witnessed many children grow into Christian men and women. Dave currently serves as a deacon, striving to support both the physical and spiritual needs of the Oak Grove family. He is active in his community and enjoys fishing, golfing and traveling. He is retired and lives in Chippewa with his wife, Connie. They have two daughters and seven grandchildren.
Tom Fortner
Tom (Tommy) Fortner has been attending Oak Grove Church of Christ since 2013. Tom and his wife Beth lead the Big City Studios youth program. Tom enjoys spending time with his wife and kids (Ava and Jack), spending time in nature, playing hiking, camping, boating, and playing guitar. He is a Carnegie Mellon University Engineering graduate and works in the steel industry.
Mark Merritt
Bio coming soon
Steve Ruckert
Steve is a devoted member of the Oak Grove Church of Christ where he serves as a deacon. He is an active leader in the youth worship program assisting and mentoring young lives as they learn about Jesus. Steve has a heart for others and quietly finds opportunities to share his talents and knowledge. He is a hardworking man with a mechanical mind and the ability to fix most anything. Steve enjoys the outdoors by hunting and fishing. He lives in Center Township with his wife, Lou Ann and his two children AJ and Alayna.