Staff
Team Members
Pastor Justin Smith
Senior PastorMeet Pastor Justin Smith. He is the pastor of Warwick Baptist Church in Newport News, VA. He has been guiding his church family since 2016, but his calling to serve as a pastor started years earlier, in his late twenties. Feeling the Lord’s leading, Justin began his journey of serving the Kingdom and helping others grow in their faith. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Theological Studies from Liberty University, which has given him a strong foundation for his ministry.
However, he knows that the most important lessons come from his relationship with God and his experiences ministering to others. Justin shares his life with his wife, Melissa, and their five children, who bring him immense joy and fulfillment. Their family has also expanded to include six grandchildren (so far!), and Justin is grateful for every moment he gets to spend with them.
Despite his accomplishments and experience, Pastor Justin remains humble and focused on serving others. He knows that he is merely a vessel for God’s work, and he is committed to being a faithful and obedient servant. He cherishes the relationships he has built with his congregation and considers it an honor to serve alongside them in their spiritual journey.
Team Members
Bill Cloonan
ElderBill Cloonan is a respected member of the Warwick Baptist Church community in Newport News, Virginia, where he serves as an Elder. He has been a faithful member of the church for several decades, and his contributions have made a lasting impact on the congregation. Bill is known for his kind and compassionate spirit, and his dedication to serving others is evident in everything he does.
As an Elder, he has taken on many responsibilities, usually involving various acts of service to those in need, and providing spiritual guidance to members of the congregation. Outside of the church, Bill is a devoted husband to his wife, Dolly and father their two children. Together, they have built a life based on love, faith, and commitment to one another. They are often seen helping those in need and spreading kindness wherever they go.
Bill’s strong faith and his unwavering commitment to his beliefs is an inspiration to those around him. He is a true servant leader, always putting the needs of others before his own and striving to make a positive difference in the world. Bill is a beloved member of the Warwick Baptist Church community and a shining example of what it means to live a life of faith and service.
Team Members
David Amick
ElderMeet David Amick, a beloved member of the Warwick Baptist Church family in Newport News, VA. As an elder, he serves with dedication and devotion to his faith, always leading by example. Additionally, David takes on the responsibility of leading an adult discipleship class, sharing his knowledge and wisdom with others in a humble and kind manner.
David is highly regarded within his community for his genuine kindness and humble nature. He has earned a reputation as a respected leader who prioritizes his relationship with God above all else. David’s unwavering faith is evident in every aspect of his life, and his example inspires others to follow in his footsteps. In addition to his ministry work, David is a devoted family man.
He shares his life with his wife, Lisa, and their three children, who are the light of his life. David cherishes the time he spends with his family and finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. Above all, David remains committed to his faith and the people he serves. His unwavering dedication to his church family is an inspiration to all who know him, and his kindness and humility have earned him the love and respect of many. He is a true embodiment of what it means to be a servant of God, and his ministry has touched the lives of countless people.
Team Members
Dennis Albers
Finance DirectorDennis Albers is a valued member of the Warwick Baptist Church community in Newport News, VA. As the Finance Director, he plays a critical role in managing the financial affairs of the church, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively. Additionally, Dennis oversees building and ground maintenance, ensuring that the church is a welcoming and safe space for all who enter its doors.
His kind and welcoming nature make him an invaluable member of the church family, Dennis is known for his light-hearted and caring nature and is loved and admired by so many. Beyond his work at the church, Dennis is a loving husband to his wife, Kathy, and they share the joys of life together. They have one adult son, and their family is a testament to the values of love and commitment.
In all that he does, Dennis remains grounded in his faith and dedicated to his role at the church. He knows that his work is an essential part of the church’s mission, and he approaches each task with humility and sincerity. Dennis is an inspiration to all who know him, and his impact on the community will be felt for years to come.
Melissa Smith
Children's Ministry DirectorMelissa Smith is a dedicated and passionate leader who…
Read moreTeam Members
Melissa Smith
Children's Ministry DirectorMelissa Smith is a dedicated and passionate leader who has been serving as the Children’s Ministry Director and Women’s Ministry Director for several years. She has a deep love for God and a desire to see others grow in their faith and relationship with Him. Melissa has been married to her husband Justin for almost 30 years and together they have raised 5 children and six grandchildren.
As a mother, Melissa understands the importance of providing a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow in their faith. Through her leadership, she has been instrumental in creating a dynamic and engaging children’s ministry program that inspires young hearts to follow Jesus. In addition to her work with children, Melissa also serves as the Women’s Ministry Director.
Her heart for women is evident in the way she creates opportunities for them to connect with one another and grow in their faith. She is a gifted communicator and teacher who has a heart for helping women discover their God-given purpose and potential. Melissa’s love for God, her family, and her church is evident in everything she does. Her commitment to serving others has impacted countless lives, and she continues to inspire others to live out their faith in meaningful and impactful ways.
Team Members
Becca Ashley
Music Worship LeaderBecca Ashley is the Worship Leader at Warwick Baptist Church, located in the vibrant community of Newport News, Virginia. With a deeply rooted passion for music, Becca has made it her mission to use the power of music to unite the congregation in worship to God. She believes music has a unique ability to transcend barriers, touching the souls of all who gather to worship.
Beyond her role as Worship Leader, Becca extends her musical talents to the youngest members of the church community, teaching the gift of music to elementary-aged children. Through her patient and passionate instruction, Becca helps these young hearts find their voices and grow their faith through song.
In Becca Ashley, Warwick Baptist Church has found a true musical visionary, a leader whose love for music is only surpassed by her love for God and her desire to inspire others to express their devotion through the universal language of melody. Under her guidance, the congregation experiences the beauty of worship through music, drawing closer to each other and their faith in the process.
Team Members
Kaleb Gabbert
Youth LeaderKaleb Gabbard serves as the Youth Ministry Leader at Warwick Baptist Church in Newport News, VA. Kaleb is driven by his deep faith and his desire to raise up the next generation of spiritual leaders. He approaches his role with humility and a non-formal demeanor, which has endeared him to the youth he serves. Kaleb’s infectious energy and cheerful nature make him a joy to be around.
He is always willing to lend a listening ear or offer a word of encouragement to anyone who needs it. His genuine love for the youth he serves is evident in every interaction, and his enthusiasm is contagious. Kaleb takes his role as Youth Ministry Leader very seriously, knowing that he has a significant impact on the lives of those he serves. He is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment where young people can grow in their faith and develop as leaders.
Kaleb’s passion and dedication are an inspiration to all who know him, and his impact on the youth he serves will be felt for years to come. Above all, Kaleb remains grounded in his faith and devoted to the mission of Warwick Baptist Church. His humility and approach to his ministry make him an invaluable member of the church family, and his positive spirit and infectious energy make him a cherished friend to all who know him.