Rev. Mark Matzke
Pastor Matzke is serving St. Mark as Senior Pastor
Pastor Mark Matzke is a graduate of Concordia University–Chicago and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. His entire 25+ year pastoral career has been served across four LCMS congregations in Northeast & Central Ohio.
In addition to preaching and teaching at St. Mark, Pastor Matzke has been elected to serve in roles for our LCMS Circuit and District, including LWML Zone Counselor, Circuit Visitor, and current chair of the Ohio District Board for Student Aid and Recruitment.
Pastor Matzke is married to Sue, who is a homemaker, small business owner and synodically trained educator. They are excited to serve together as facilitators for the Post-Seminary Applied Learning and Support program (PALS) in partnership with the LCMS. This is a support program for new pastors and their families. The Matzkes have one adult son, Andy, who is currently pursuing a degree in theology.
In his spare time, Pastor Matzke enjoys hiking, reading, and recording podcasts. He is also a regular contributor to the independent production company Small Town Monsters, based in Ohio.
Pastor Mark can be reached at: email: PastorMark@Stmarkchester.org phone: 740-297-9724.
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Rev. Chris Ryan
Pastor Ryan is serving St. Mark as Associate Pastor
Pastor Ryan’s journey into pastoral ministry began in 2016 through the LCMS Michigan District’s Deacon/Pre-SMP program, followed by enrollment in the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program at Concordia Seminary in 2019. He was ordained into the pastoral ministry of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in 2022. He continued his studies at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, completing the General Pastoral Certificate (GPC) program and earning a Master of Arts in Theology in 2025.
While pursuing his theological education, Pastor Ryan faithfully served St. Mark in a part-time capacity while also working full-time in the information technology field at Progressive Insurance. After prayerful discernment, he accepted St. Mark’s call to serve full-time as Associate Pastor. He is now devoting his full vocational focus to the ministry of Word and Sacrament.
Pastor Ryan has a passion for working with youth and family ministry. In addition to preaching and teaching, he leads St. Mark’s annual Vacation Bible School. He is committed to supporting young families through Christian education, resources, and encouragement rooted in the Gospel.
Pastor Ryan is married to his wife, Kimberly, who is a nurse. Together, they are the parents of four grown children: Jessica, Mark (fiancée, Emma), Hannah, and Nathan. In his spare time, Pastor Ryan enjoys spending time with his family, 3D printing, and reading.
Pastor Chris can be reached at email: PastorChris@stmarkchester.org phone: 440-264-3825