Grace Staff & Leadership

The staff and leadership here at Grace are comprised of men and women who love, care, and pray for every single person in the church.  If you have any questions for any of our staff, feel free to reach out and email them or come talk to them before or after our gatherings.  

Pastor


  • pastor:  Kevin gerdt

    Kevin and his wife Julie have lived in Valparaiso and been part of Grace since 2001. In 2011 Kevin became pastor while continuing at Wesley Seminary in Marion, Indiana to complete his Master's of Divinity degree. Julie serves with Kevin and they have three beautiful girls- Ari, Emma, and Becca.

Elders


  • Steve Reuter

    Steve met his wife Wanda in 1971 while attending Valparaiso University. They attended Grace Chapel where Steve has served as deacon, worship leader, youth leader, associate pastor, and elder. Wanda has served with Steve and in children's ministry. The Lord has blessed them with four children and five grandchildren.

  • Rik ihssen

    Rik has been a member of Grace since 1974 when he was a student at Valparaiso University. He met his wife Sue (also a VU student) at Grace and they were married in 1976. Son Eric came along in 1991. Rik has served as a worship and youth leader and with the jail ministry throughout the years. He became an elder in 1988. His "other" job is as principal at Washington Township Elementary School since 1985.

  • dan balentine

    Danny and his wife Sue have been members of Grace since 1975 where he has served as a deacon. Danny has been a Millwright at Arcellor Mittal since 1975. The Balentines have been married for 40 years and have 2 children and 6 grandchildren.

Ministry Leaders

At Grace, we have a lot of people who use their gifts, passions, & talents in an area of ministry.

Here are just a few of our ministry leaders:

  • sue Ihssen

    secretary

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  • wayne & linda LEA

    congregational care

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  • Steve REUTER

    adult SUNDAY SCHOOL

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  • CHILDREN'S MINISTRY/NURSERY

    Julie Gerdt

    NURSERY

    CHILDREN'S CHURCH

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  • trixie gavelek

    prayer chain

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  • jeff tomich

    greeter Ministry

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  • dan balentine

    building

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  • MATT GAGE

    YOUTH SUnday school

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  • alex and ari hayes

    Youth group

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  • Dan Hayes

    treasurer

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