Leadership

Josh loves helping people to discover the hope God has for each of our lives. He studied leadership and organizational change while writing Creative Destruction: Towards a Theology of Institutions to receive his Doctor of Ministry at Duke Divinity School. He's the author of Sacred Hope, a book designed to foster conversation about the role of hope in our lives. Josh also studied at The John Leland Center for Theological Studies (M.Div) and James Madison University  (B.A. English). Josh currently serves on the Board of Directors for: Fresh Expressions US, Mission Possible and Uptick. He also helps lead a re-missioning movement with established churches through the V3 Movement. Josh is married to Shéy and enjoys exploring the world with his two boys  and dog Izzie. He also loves to read, run, and coach soccer.

Tom Lynch lives in Ashland, VA with his wife and two children. He is passionate about sharing Jesus with youth and families so that they might experience the wholeness Christ intended in their lives. He holds a master of divinity from the John Leland Center and a Master of Social Work Administration, Planning, and Policy Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University where he also teaches social justice as adjunct faculty. In addition, he was awarded a bachelor’s in communication from Michigan State University in 2000. Go Green! Go White! He remains active in the community volunteering as the faith community mobilizer for the Richmond Justice Initiative, an anti-human trafficking non-profit. Tom has been published in journals and various periodicals.

Lisa is a native of Pennsylvania and attended the University of Pittsburgh to receive a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She then went on to pursue a career in Software Quality Assurance and Network Engineering while co-owning a fitness facility.  After working ten years in the engineering field, Lisa felt led to get more connected to God and grow spiritually.  She moved to Montpelier, VA in 2005 when she joined us on staff at First Baptist.  For over 15 years, she has served in various administrative roles and currently serves as the Director of Administrative Operations.  Lisa and her husband Steve have three children.  She enjoys spending time outdoors, gathering with her family and watching football. Go Steelers!

A creator at heart, Ross has been writing songs since his early teens. He’s been a part of various worship teams, bands, recording projects, and songwriting groups. In vocational ministry, Ross has served as a worship pastor, teaching pastor, and arts director.
Ross is an active part of the Richmond music scene, regularly releasing original music and performing. He loves to work in the studio writing and recording, collaborating with other artists, and playing gigs solo or with bands.
Originally from Goldsboro, NC, Ross calls Richmond home with his wife, Amanda, and their three kids Henry, Silas, and Eleanor.
The Wrights have been part of the FBCA family since late 2021. They love quality time with their dog and cats, and playing board games and video games together.

In 1993, Laura graduated Magna Cum Laude from Trinity Episcopal School  where she was named “Female Scholar Athlete” by the Richmond Times Dispatch.  She graduated from Randolph-Macon College with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in French in 1997. She was named as an "Outstanding Young Woman of America” in the same year.  She played soccer from kindergarten to college. After college she coached youth soccer.  Laura taught math and science in elementary and middle school for five years. Laura and her husband Jason have two children, Gracyn and Coral. In the Ross household, sports are paramount. Laura can be found either watching Gracyn under the Friday night lights or on the side of the basketball court watching Coral play.  Laura strives to be a positive role model for her children in every aspect of life. She is a sentimental individual and appreciates tradition and family memories.  Laura takes pleasure in vintage decor and organization.  She has been involved at First Baptist Church as a youth intern and volunteer since 1994.

Bethany resides here in Ashland, VA with her newlywed husband Eric and her two pets. She has studied both here locally at Randolph-Macon College, as well as online at Regent University, studying Religion, Gender Studies, and Christian Ministry. She comes from a family of Pastors, and has had vast experiences in many church and missions spheres. She is passionate about reaching and loving the teens of Hanover County, and is deeply passionate about missions within the community, as well as out in the world. She is an enneagram 8 and extrovert who enjoys a nice Starbucks, a trip to Target, decorating for any holiday, as well as spending time with her friends and family!

Todd is from the great state of Kentucky. Go wildcats! He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Union University and went on to get a Masters of Divinity from Southern Seminary. Todd has served in churches for over 30 years. He has worked with students, seniors, internationals, as a church consultant, and interim pastor. Todd is married to his college sweetheart, Jan. They have one son, Zachary, who is the joy of their lives. Todd is passionate about seeing lives changed by God and loves walking through life alongside people.