Meet Our Pastors

Rev. Dana Allen Brones

I am a boy born in the mountains, and now lead a church at the beach. My undergraduate degree is in social work, and my home seminary is St. Louis. I served my vicarage in Guatemala as an Evangelistic Missionary. My fist call was to plant a church named Fuente De Vida, Fountain of Life Lutheran Church in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela. After returning to the States, I lived and received my call in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania before being called to Bethlehem church in Jacksonville. I served as the Associate Pastor for four years before becoming senior pastor. Missions are my passion and this year God afforded me the privilege of being His servant in Florida, Guatemala, and India. My greatest helpmate and support for my ministry is my wife Diane.  Together we have six children and Diane’s mother now lives with us. 
You might not know this, but I co-founded a swing dancing group while in PA.

Rev. Dr. James Balke

I celebrated my 40 year anniversary in ministry in July as the Assistant Pastor at BLC. It is hard for me to believe it has been that long, it has gone so fast! On October 1st I retired from being a Chaplain with Community Hospice. It seems I have worn many hats, I have also served as a therapist for 10 years with troubled children and families at the Child Guidance Center, and for 3 years I was an adjunct professor of religion at Episcopal High School. I graduated from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in 1971 and from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago where I earned my doctorate in 1978. I received my Chaplain Training at Shands Hospital and I am a Board Certified Chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains since 2003. I am so happy to be at Bethlehem during the week, and not only on Sunday.
One thing that you might not know is that Pastor Balke enjoys woodworking and sailing!

Vicar Tim Barone

I am excited to be the second vicar here at Bethlehem!  I have a passion for God’s Word and a strong desire to see what great things God will do with the young generations of Christians in the LC-MS. I love exploring God’s creation and participating in most things active and adventurous.I like to work with my hands, cook, bbq, play board-games and especially, laugh. I am married to Megan Barone who is the Minister to Children and Families here at BLC. If there is anything I can do to help you in your faith walk, please let me know! 

Believe it or not? In 2007 I went to Jakarta, Indonesia for three weeks to serve in a tuberculosis clinic. Ask me about it sometime, it was quite an experience.