Our Elders
“The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (1 Pet. 5:1-4).
Bruce Dean and Mark Ullman
Elders, shepherds, and overseers. All refer to the same persons who are engaged in doing this good work. They are charged with seeing to the flock. This involves ensuring the sheep are safe, sound, and well cared for. Those entrusted with this work have shown themselves trustworthy (1 Tim. 3:1-7, Tts. 1:5-9). They, and the flock, have their charge. “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” We are thankful to have the following men serving as elders.
Bruce Dean
I am a native Buckeye and was born on the 4th of July in Elyria, OH. In 1973, I married Brenda Warner, "the love of my life". Together we have raised two children and are grandparents of five precious grandchildren. The brethren at the North Ridgeville church of Christ appointed me an elder in 1999. My hobbies are hunting, fishing, hiking and reading the words of the Lord. My outdoor activities lead me to meditate and contemplate on God's creation. I love to lead the singing in our worship services.
Mark Ullman
My wife Shelia and I live in Parma, Ohio. We were married in 1984. We have three daughters, Abigail (1987), Elizabeth (1990), and Hannah (1994). Abby is married to Jason Blackaby and they live in Franklin (Dayton area), Ohio. They were married in 2011 and now have two boys, Micah (2012), and Lucas (2014). They are members of the Knollwood congregation in Beavercreek, Ohio. Elizabeth is married to Nathan Matthews (2011), and they now live in Canal Winchester (Columbus, OH), area. Hannah is attending college in the Columbus area. Elizabeth, Nathan, and Hannah are members at the Laurel Canyon congregation in Columbus, Ohio. I teach Social Studies at Copley High School in Copley, Ohio. I also coach the Boys Varsity Tennis Team at the school.