Peter Bartuska

Peter Bartuska brings to Grace more than three decades of pastoral ministry, along with the energy of a church planter and a deep love for people. His leadership is relational and collaborative, shaped by a desire to build connections, bring people together, and grow dynamic churches grounded in faithfulness and community.

Peter began in youth ministry in central Florida before planting a church in Danville, Kentucky, where he served for twelve years. The church he founded remains a strong and vibrant pillar of its community more than three decades later. He later became Senior Pastor of Christ Community Church in Palm Beach, Florida, leading the congregation through a significant season of renewal and growth. Across those settings, Peter has embodied an entrepreneurial approach to ministry while keeping relationships and the life of the local church at the center.

Peter is a runner and a reader, but by his own account what he loves most is people. He and his late wife, Terri, raised three children - Taylor and her husband, Guthrie; Andrew and his wife, Anna; and Shelby and her husband, Nate — and Peter is also a grandfather to two young grandsons. His own family gives him a particular appreciation for the church as a multi-generational family.

A native of Boca Raton, Florida, Peter earned his BA in Christian Education and Psychology from Taylor University and his Master of Divinity through Westminster Theological Seminary and Reformed Theological Seminary. His Reformed, confessional formation resonates with Grace Church's commitment to the historic creeds, the catechisms, and the five solas. We are pleased to welcome Peter to Grace Church as of September 2026.

Peter welcomes the opportunity to get to know you more. Whether you are part of Grace or part of our wider community, you're welcome to reach out for a conversation over coffee, a meal or simply some time together. Schedule a time here or feel free to reach out via email.

Senior Pastor

Danny Brister

Since 2025, Danny Brister has served Grace Church as Associate Pastor and Director of Mission and Outreach. With more than sixteen years of ministry in Birmingham, he has worked at the intersection of faith, leadership, and community transformation. He is the founder of Forged: Birmingham Leadership Foundation, which mentors, develops, and deploys Kingdom leaders for city transformation. Outside of ministry, Danny devotes his time to his family, including his wife, Cristal, and their daughter, Kaylynn.

Director of Mission and Outreach

Ken Berg

Ken Berg serves as Director of Music at Grace Church, shaping a worship life rooted in congregational singing and established hymns. He is best known as the longtime director and resident composer of the Birmingham Boys Choir, which he has led for more than fifty years. At Grace, Ken's experience is reflected in rich hymnody, our annual Lessons and Carols, and special selections from our men's and women's choirs. When not teaching or playing, you can find Ken at Grace Church with Susan, his wife of more than 50 years.

Director of Music Ministry

Edie Smith Hawkins grew up in Homewood and returned to Birmingham after attending Davidson College, earning both bachelor’s and master's degrees from Samford University. A former NCAA track athlete, Edie now teaches English at Pelham High School and coaches cross country and track at Pelham Park Middle School, bringing the energy of both the classroom and the track to her ministry at Grace.

At Grace Church, Edie directs our Youth Ministry, sharing the good news with the next generation and helping young people grow in faith and in the life of the church. She and her husband, John Kelly Hawkins, are newly married, and John Kelly is often alongside her in ministry at Grace.

Director of Youth Ministry

Edie Hawkins

Lizzy Mitchell has been part of Grace Church since its inception, serving alongside her husband, Spencer, on the church's launch committee. Over the years, Lizzy has played an active role in the life of Grace, coordinating volunteers, supporting church ministries, and raising her two young children, ages one and four, within the Grace Church community.

Lizzy earned her BA in Spanish from the University of Alabama and her M.Ed./Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Clemson University. She brings to her role as Church Administrator both professional experience and a natural gift for caring for and connecting people.

Lizzy and Spencer are active members of Grace and are grateful to be raising their family in the church community they helped launch.

Church Administrator

Lizzy Mitchell

Carter Dukes

Elder

Elder

Thomas Goodrich

Chris Heinss

Elder

Congregational Support

The success of Grace Church over the last four years is highly attributed to the dedicated congregation that volunteers their time and talent towards all facets of the church’s function, including administration, service preparation, teaching, feeding, fellowship, and missional work.