Our Team
Jonge Tate: Lead Pastor ()
Jonge is a graduate of Northside High School in Roanoke, VA and holds a Bachelor degree in Religion (with an emphasis in Youth Ministry) from Liberty University. He also holds a Masters Degree in counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. While at Liberty University he served as an associate pastor at Fincastle Baptist Church in Fincastle, VA. While in seminary he served as the youth pastor to Bethesda Baptist Church in Durham, NC. Upon graduating from seminary in May of 2002 God called his family back home to Roanoke to serve at First Baptist Church. God led Jonge and his family to Bedford in December of 2006. He is married to Lynnea and they have four beautiful children named: Tabor, Jordan, Cherith & Moriah.
Chris Dowd: Executive Pastor ()
Chris is a graduate of Liberty University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Pastoral Ministries. He has also received his Master of Divinity and his Doctor of Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served as the senior pastor of Harvest Baptist Church in Rural Retreat, VA and as the Pastor of Discipleship and Singles at Bethesda Baptist Church in Durham, NC. He has been a featured speaker at many single adult events, on college campuses, as well as several church-wide revivals. God led Chris and his family to Bedford in December of 2007. He has been married to his wife Jessie for over eight years and they are the parents of two handsome young men named Andrew and Jonathan.
Jeremy Minor: Associate Pastor ()
Jeremy is a graduate from Southeastern College in Wake Forest, NC with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies and he is currently enrolled in the Master of Divinity program at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to Tonya and they have three wonderful children named Austen, Luke, and Elle. He has served as the Middle School Pastor at Bethesda Baptist Church in Durham, NC for several years as an intern, a part-time employee, and a full-time staff member. In February of 2008 God moved Jeremy and his family to Bedford. He has worked with Jonge and Chris for several years and is excited to be a part of this church planting team.