There is a God who loves you, who made you on purpose, for a purpose.
Matt Merrill serves as Crestwood’s Senior Pastor, and joined our ministry in September 2017. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from North Carolina State University, a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Erskine Seminary. Prior to joining Crestwood, he served as a pastor for 16 years in other congregations.
Matt lives in Midlothian, Va., with his wife and five children. He is passionate about helping people meet the God who loves them so they can take the next step in their faith journey. Outside his ministry, he’s a sports nut (go, NC State!) and enjoys running, reading, and golf. He also admits to having a soft spot for ice cream.
I create experiences that lead to fresh faith in Jesus.
As Crestwood’s Associate Pastor, Rob Burns leads services on our Richmond campus. He has been with our community since 2006, and works hard to create experiences that lead to fresh faith in Jesus. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Eastern University, a Master of Divinity from Union Seminary, and a Doctorate in Worship Studies from the Institute of Worship Studies.
Beyond his ministry, he has a thirst for travel, a hunger for international foods, a love for his family, and an interest in solving jigsaw puzzles. He lives in Midlothian with his wife, Janice, and their daughter, Rachel.
I enjoy walking with students and families on their journeys of making Jesus a part of their everyday lives.
As Crestwood’s Youth Minister since August 2015, Josh Weeks has a passion for walking with students and their families on their faith journeys. A native of Summerville, S.C., Josh graduated from Montreat College and has a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
He has brought many years of experience to Crestwood, serving in both the YMCA as well as the church. Family is one of Josh’s core values, and he enjoys spending his free time with his wife and two daughters (with the occasional workout thrown in). Other hobbies include reading, watching sports, and seeking out the perfect taco.
I love to partner with Crestwood families, leading children to the life changing Jesus.
After spending the past 11 years as Crestwood’s Director of Worship, Peg has taken on a new calling as the Director of Children’s Ministry. If you ask Peg what excites her about her new position she will tell you that she loves working with the children of Crestwood. She is also excited about partnering with parents and the church to disciple their children and lead them to the life changing Jesus.
Peg’s favorite hobby is spending time with her two beautiful grandchildren. She lives with her husband and their “loving and crazy” Jack Russell terrier in Midlothian.
Chipper comes to us from David Bailey’s Urban Doxology, bringing a passion for Jesus and a wealth of musical skill, including a degree in music. Chipper leads our RVA Praise Team and Choir in music ministry.
Chipper’s hobbies include biking and working on bikes and fixing things. He also enjoys building and working on guitars and guitar pedals. When he is not fixing something, he enjoys practicing music, reading and Marvel movies.
I believe in the power of music to tap a unique part of our souls.
Janice Baum has served as Crestwood’s Organist for more years than she cares to remember. A retired schoolteacher, she has a passion for education and making a difference in young people’s lives. She has a Bachelor of Medicine from James Madison University, and has taken graduate courses in Education at Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Virginia, and the University of Richmond.
She believes we were created to worship God, and she feels blessed to be able to worship through music in her role at Crestwood. While she loves music, she is equally passionate about education—and making a difference in young students’ lives (especially, these days, her three grandchildren). She spends her free time reading, knitting, cooking, and enjoying time with her lovely family.
I make sure everything runs smoothly so we can do our best for our community.
Susie Martin has been with Crestwood for more than 10 years. As our Executive Assistant and Church Administrator, she makes sure everything runs smoothly—though she is most passionate about serving God and the congregation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and sociology from Mary Baldwin University, as well as a Master of Public Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Virginia Commonwealth University. Outside the ministry, you might find her out camping, curled up with a good book, or spending time with her family.
I’m proud to serve in a cause that’s bigger than myself.
Cathy Marshall has been with Crestwood for more than 25 years, and as the longest tenured staff member, she has a range of passions for our ministry. She loves the people she works with, and feels honored to extend hospitality to all who enter our doors. She has a degree from the Braxton School of Business.
Outside the church, she has an amazing variety of hobbies and interests, from raising African violets to touring Civil War sites to baking, knitting, and crafting. She has participated in music ministry for more than 30 years (both instruments and vocals), and enjoys mingling with southern gospel music artists. She lives with her husband, Dennis.
