Resources
More about WillPastor Will Montgomery is a life-long United Methodist from Farmville, VA born into a family of educators. He received his B.A from Hampden-Sydney College in 1993 and Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School in 1996. In the summer after his junior year in college, he served as a worship leader and youth director for Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel in Topsail Beach,NC. He served there for three summers, and while there he met his wife, Elizabeth. After graduating from Duke and Elizabeth from UNC, they were married in1996. Will received his first appointment in the Virginia Annual Conference that same summer and has now served for 27 years. Elizabeth is a Registered Nurse Unit Supervisor in the MedicalI CU at Inova Fairfax. Will has served as the Associate Pastor at Heritage in Lynchburg. He served Zion east of Charlottesville and Trinity in Smithfield before returning as the Lead Pastor for Heritage. He is currently serving at Centreville in Northern VA where he has been for 7 years. Will has served small, mid-sized and two large congregations. Will served on the Board of Ordained Ministry for 8 years and served as the Chair. of the Provisional Process for 7 years. Will and Elizabeth have three children. Matthew, 23, is a recent graduate of Randolph Macon College and now works as a Legislative Aide for a State Senator. Maggie, 20, is finishing her first year at James Madison. Lucy,18, is graduating from high school and will attend college in the fall. They have a Mini-Aussie Shepherd named Maya who was bred in of all places, Great Bridge. Pastor Will looks forward to coming to Great Bridge to lead a church that has been doing great work for God and the community. He enjoys preaching and working with people of all ages and stages in faith. He enjoys leading worship in modern and traditional ways and is excited to be in a church that embraces both styles.
More about DevonDevon was appointed as the Associate Pastor of Great Bridge in July 2022. Her main responsibilities include serving alongside laity in missions, fellowship, and adult learning. Devon was appointed to her first church in 2018 after graduating with her M.Div from Duke Divinity School.
Devon is passionate about helping others grow closer to God through a commitment to discipleship and service. Devon’s strengths are Empathy, Connectedness, Responsibility, and Inclusivity. Devon is married to her husband, Eric. They have three dogs, two cats, and even more nieces and nephews. Devon loves kayaking in the warmer months and watching Duke basketball when it’s cold outside.
More about MikeMike has been the Director of Contemporary Worship and Arts since March of 2022. His main responsibilities are leading worship for the contemporary service, participating in the planning of worship services, and building and shepherding the contemporary worship team.
Mike has been a professional musician for over twenty years and his guitar playing has been heard in the show "Supernatural" and in several shows on HGTV. When not leading worship you can find him playing various kinds of music in various locales.
Mike lives in Great Bridge with his plucky son, Rowan, and his large, hard loving dogs. Mike's strengths are Intellection, Input, Arranger, Developer, and Learner.
Randall began serving at Great Bridge United Methodist Church in December of 2015. His primary responsibilities include planning Traditional Worship, directing the Chancel Choir, Joyful Praise Ringers, special ensemble Vox Caeli, Children's Music and the GBUMC Orchestra. He most enjoys discipleship development for all ages through the music ministries here at GBUMC. During his tenure the music ministry has grown in various ways to where it is today, but Randall is most excited by the gradual development of the GBUMC Orchestra of local community instrumentalists that has the opportunity to help lead worship at least once a quarter in special services at the church.
Randall has been serving in the roles of Worship and Music Director for over 12 years at two different United Methodist Churches in the Virginia Conference. Randall started to discern his call into full-time music ministry while working on his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at James Madison University while also serving as the Music Director of Mount Clinton UMC. He is passionate about helping others discover how worship is the action of their human spirit being alive in Jesus.
Randall is married to his amazing wife Kristin. Together they have three children, three cats and two dogs. Randall loves all things Dallas sports, so feel free to talk to him about his Cowboys, Mavericks, Rangers or Stars during their respective seasons. His ministry by strengths are Communication, Includer, Arranger, Activator and Connectedness.
More about JenniferJennifer joined the staff at GBUMC in April of 2006 and has been the Business Administrator since 2017. Jennifer's Ministry by strengths are deliberative, harmony, belief, adaptability, and connectedness.
Jennifer is married to her husband Scott, and together they have one daughter Ashleigh and five dogs.
When Jennifer is not at GBUMC she spends her time running various distances, tending to her vegetable and pollinator gardens, and reading.
Jackson began serving at Great Bridge UMC in the Spring of 2018. His primary responsibilities include discipleship development with Children and Youth. During his tenure, the church has established The Agape Food Pantry, our signature mission which serves hundreds of families in our community.
Jackson is passionate about the role of the church and is currently working on his Master's of Divinity Degree at Regent University.
Jackson is married to his wife Jenni. They are expecting their first child in the fall of 2022. Jackson loves his dog Tiger (named after the LSU Tigers) and The Green Bay Packers. Jackson's strengths are Competition, Activator, Command, Significance, and Woo.
Paula began her ministry of visitation and congregational care at Great Bridge United Methodist Church in 2021. Although she has been ministering to folks for over 30 years after she heard a call from God to “teach the Word, preach the Word and give comfort”.
Whether it is at a coffee shop, the Table between services, or over a cup of tea in someone’s kitchen, her passion for listening to the stories that make up lives is infectious. She can be found chatting and praying with folks after service on Sunday.
Paula shares life with her hubby Preston. (You will find him on Sunday morning carrying Paula’s purse. Go ahead and ask!) Her two sons have blessed her with 5 grandchildren. Paula’s strengths are Commu nication, Responsibility and Strategic Planning, WOO (winning others over). If you have an idea, she’s the woman to make it happen.
Liz Simmons has worked with GBUMC as the Office Administrator since July of 2018. She loves to greet office guests with a friendly smile and is thankful to work in an environment full of laughter and support.
Liz graduated from Liberty University with her bachelor’s degree in Special Education in 2013 and was a teacher for five years before beginning her position at the Church.
She is married to her high school sweetheart, Tyler, and they have two daughters and two dogs. Liz's favorite activities include family beach days, cooking with her children, and anything craft related. Her strengths include Individualization, Achiever, Discipline, Restorative, and Developer.
More about AaronAaron came on staff in May of 2020.
His main responsibilities include planning and operating of our worship service technology including livestreams and front of house audio engineering. He also contributes to various ensembles playing cello and guitar(s). He also enjoys the opportunity to train and teach audio to our volunteers.
Outside of church Aaron is a composer and recording engineer. He loves to share his knowledge with those who are interested. His passion as an artist is to always bring out the best in those he works with.
Aaron is married to his wonderful wife Tricia, and together they raise their giant Anatolian Shepherd named Huan.
More about DebbieDebbie became organist in August of 1992. Her main responsibilities include accompanying the Chancel Choir and other ensembles, as well as providing music for the traditional worship services of the church.
In 2004, she helped start the infamous Master's Men chorus which provides music and entertainment for the church family. She is very interested in providing an opportunity for men to fellowship, develop lasting friendships, and become confident in their ability to help lead worship through their music.
Debbie is a widow and the proud mom of Geoff , the great mother-in-law to Nicole, and Nannie to their perfect little boy, Grayson. Her ministries by strengths fingerprint include Achiever, Responsibility, Intellection, Strategic, and Restorative.
"To be disciples of Jesus Christ, for the transformation of the world,
so that no one misses out on the grace of God.”
