Rev. Eric Hartman, Elder, Pastor

Eric "Gunny" Hartman has a BA in Speech Communication and MS in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University, a ThM from Dallas Theological Seminary, a MSt from Oxford University, and is working on a PhD in Rhetoric from the University of Texas at Arlington. He has served as an adjunct professor at Dallas Theological Seminary and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has been in pastoral ministry since his ordination in 1997. Gunny and Mary Ellen were married in 1993 and they have four children (Sarah, Rachel, Eric Jr., and Victoria). His hobbies include sports (Dallas Cowboys, St. Louis Cardinals, Dallas Stars, the Mighty Lakers and the Aggies) and riding his Harley. You're invited to check out his personal blog, Semper Reformanda.

Rev. Jay Porterfield, Elder

Jay earned a BBA in Accounting and Finance with honors at East Texas State University where he later received a MS in Economics. Jay has been in the commercial real estate business in Dallas for over ten years. Jay grew up in a small Baptist church in East Texas, where this grandson of a preacher began participating in the music ministry of the church at an early age. He began teaching Sunday school as a teenager and became an ordained minister in 2000, which helped prepare him for his present role as an adult Sunday school teacher. Jay and Amber (his college sweetheart) have been married since 1996 and have three children (Castleton, McCleary and Noelle). The Porterfields have lived in Murphy since 2001. As for hobbies, Jay was a good golfer... before having children.

Fred Busch, Elder

Fred Busch received his Associate Degree in Electronics from DeVry Tech in 1960. His work experience consists of the following: technician, engineer, program manager, and business owner. Fred is presently retired. Through the years, he has accumulated experience teaching children's Sunday School, working with boys in Boys' Brigade and serving as a deacon. Fred and his wife Pat have been married since October, 1964, and have been blessed with two children (Mike and Lisa) and their spouses (Mary and Matt) plus seven grandchildren.

Bob Helmick, Elder

Bob Helmick was born in Pennsylvania and graduated from Indiana Tech University in 1950, after having his studies interrupted by serving with the Army in the Pacific during World War II. He has had experience in various vocations, though is presently retired. But as he'll tell you, he hasn't retired from living, nor from serving the Lord. Among other things, he has been a Sunday school teacher, a deacon, and men's Bible study leader. Married since 1949, Bob and Barbara have 2 children, 3 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.