Bob Ballance, our pastor since 1999, is a native North Carolinian.  He is a graduate of Mars Hill College, Southeastern Seminary, and attended The Theological School of Drew University, where he earned a doctoral degree, and North Carolina State University’s School of Education and Psychology for a second doctoral degree.  A “hands-on” pastor, he shares his life with Catherine, who is on staff at Advocates for Bartow’s Children.  They share their lives with Lora, a graduate of Berry College, and Emily, a student at Georgia State University.

Heather Ayer, our part-time minister of missions, is a Georgia native and graduate of the University of Georgia. With a master's degree in communications and experience as an executive director of a local non-profit organization, Heather leads our missions efforts in Bartow County and around the world. She lives in Cartersville with her husband, John, and her daughter, Lily.

Rusty Gunter, our minister of music, is a music performance graduate of Kennesaw State University.  Besides his ability to play piano and guitar, he is blessed with a tenor voice through which he honors God and with which he enhances the worship experience for us all.  He is a gifted conductor, leading our sanctuary choir, handbell choir and youth ensemble. He is also the webmaster for the church's website. His wife, Erin, a soprano, is the choral director at Cobb County's Harrison High School.  Erin also leads the senoir summer music theater camp program for Cartersville’s Grand Theater. They have a beautiful daughter, Jillian.

Debbie Guyton skillfully manages our church office, publications and communications for our entire church family.  She has three and half decades of experience with skills far greater than using a computer and running office equipment.  A native of Bartow county, Debbie joined our church staff when Heritage was born in 1987 as its very first employee.  She shares her life with her husband, Marvin.  Their son, Craig, lives in Euharlee with his family, and their daughter, Janet, married to Henry, lives in Cleveland, Ohio.  Debbie has two grandchildren, Bailey and Griffin.  You can see their pictures on her desk any day of the week.

Susan Tumlin, our minister of congregational life, is a graduate of the University of Georgia.  Though only part-time, she provides leadership for our educational and recreational activities at Heritage, which means she wears many hats and wears them all well.  A long-time member of our church, Susan grew up a very active member of Shallowford Presbyterian Church (USA) in Atlanta, bringing us a wealth of knowledge and good experience from that tradition.  In 1999, she led us in our change from traditional Sunday school for children to a “rotation” model of learning that is far more active and engaging.  She shares her life with her husband, Lewis, son Hank, who attends The University of Georgia, and daughter Bonnie, who attends Cartersville High School.  Susan joined our staff in 2004.

Jeff Wright, our minister of youth and children, is a graduate of Shorter College and Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta where he earned a master of divinity.  His interests and gifts for ministry include a witty way with youth, a love of children, spiritual formation, alternative ways to worship and discover God, and music via guitar.  He also brings the ability to manage sound and visual systems that enhance the worship and web experience for emerging generations.  Jeff is available for one-on-one counseling in spiritual direction.  He joined our staff in 2002.  His wife, Jorie, is a third grade teacher at Cartersville Elementary.  They have a bright-eyed son, Will, and a beautiful daughter, Jocelyn.