Who are Grace's Elders?
As Grace Fellowship has continued to grow, we are seeking to fill leadership positions on our Elder Board. As a result, we have the opportunity to affirm two candidates to fulfill this critical role at our church.
Elders function in several critical areas at Grace. Some of the most significant ones include:
- Serving as spiritual overseers of the church.
- Ensuring correct theology is being taught.
- Protecting the vision, mission, and direction of the church through decision making.
- Actively shepherding people, praying for the church, and teaching when needed.
- Managing and overseeing the overall budget of the church.
- Establishing future direction of the church.
Meet our Elder Candidates
While only Grace Partners may vote to affirm or deny Elder Candidates, we welcome feedback or questions from all Grace attendees. Use the buttons below.
Partners - when voting, please know this is NOT an either/or situation. Due to open seats, you may affirm or deny BOTH candidates.
Voting and feedback opportunities close MAY 6
Rothen Bedford
Rothen has been a follower of Jesus for 25 years and has been actively involved at Grace for the past 13 years.
Alongside his wife, LaMarRue, he co-leads a Grace Group, and leads a student group.
Throughout his time at Grace, Rothen has had the opportunity to serve in a variety of ministries, including the Commons (young adult ministry), GraceKIDS, and through Bible study and Grace Group leadership initiatives.
Rothen currently works on Grace’s staff as the Student Pastor at the Pickerington campus.
In his personal time, he enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and engaging in any form of friendly competition.
Phil DiYanni
Phil was raised in a Christian home after his parents came to faith during his early childhood. As one of 12 children, he grew up attending church regularly and made a public confession of faith and was baptized at the age of 12. He has been faithfully following Jesus ever since.
Phil and his family have been attending Grace since 2019, where he and his wife, Teresa, actively serve in Guest Services. In addition, Phil co-leads a men’s morning Bible study and has participated in mission trips to Russia and the Philippines.
Professionally, he builds new homes, and personally, he and Teresa are proud parents of six children and grandparents to eight grandchildren (and still counting!)
Phil enjoys playing a variety of sports, despite not being quite as coordinated as he once was.