Church Staff
Intentional Interim Pastor: Rev. Peter Heckmann
Rev. Peter Heckmann serves as Vacancy Pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, bringing more than 30 years of pastoral experience and a lifelong connection to the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Raised in Houston as the son and grandson of Lutheran pastors, he developed a deep-rooted commitment to ministry from an early age.
Pastor Heckmann earned his Bachelor of Arts from Concordia Lutheran College in Austin and completed his seminary training at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. He began his pastoral ministry at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Edmond, Oklahoma, where he served for 10 years, followed by 20 years at Hope Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas.
After retiring to Tyler, Texas, in 2023, Pastor Heckmann continues to serve the church with wisdom and experience. He and his wife, Terry, were married in 1997 and have four children and one grandchild, all living in Texas. Outside of ministry, he enjoys playing tennis, traveling, and spending time outdoors appreciating God’s creation.
Office Secretary: Tammie Ray
Organist: Mary Bowden
Pianist: Sylvia Frenzel
Church Leadership
President: Jeff Atkinson
Vice-President: James Bowden
Secretary: Donna Hughes
Treasurer: Brenda Roller
Financial Secretary: Kelly Lawson
Chairpersons
Board of Trustees: Perrin Roller
Board of Christian Education: Cori Bowden
Board of Elders: Tim Lawson
Board of Evangelism: Trudy Baraylar
Board of Social Concerns: Lana Bowden
Board of Stewardship: Kandice Herndon
Elders
Don Fortner
Tim Lawson
Mark Sandlin
Larry Schoppe