Where there is no vision, the people perish. —Proverbs 29:18
Leadership
Church Pastor: Jon Casteel
I've been the pastor of Virginia Avenue Baptist Church since Mother's Day of 2024. We've seen a lot of growth and exciting things since then as God has been opening doors and allowing us to serve our community and each other to the glory of Christ!
I hold a Doctorate degree in Church Leadership from Andersonville Theological Seminary. Born and raised in Bristol, TN, and my family having long time ties to the Virginia Avenue area, I have deep roots for this church and this community and it's an honor and a privilege to serve God and to serve the fine people of this community at VABC.
My wife, Lori, and I have been married since 1998, and we have been blessed with 4 amazing children. Joy (born 2002), Zachary (born 2008), Joseph (born 2010), and Faith (born 2014).
Virginia Avenue Baptist Church is a group of loving and dedicated believers who have a passion to serve Christ and glorify God. I invite you to come out each week at 10am for our worship service (9am for Sunday School) and each week on Wednesdays at 6:30 for adult Bible study and 6pm for the VABC Kids and VABC Youth programs.
Jesus loves you, and we love you as well. Come join us soon at Virginia Avenue Baptist Church, 1401 Virginia Avenue Baptist Church in Bristol TN 37620. You can also find me on all social media platforms using @PastorJonVABC for a daily message as I am Creating Community by Sharing Scripture. God bless!
Worship Leader:
Carol Williams
Carol Williams is the music director/worship leader at Virginia Avenue Baptist Church. She became a member of VABC in 1989. She began leading the children's choir in 2000. In 2007, she became the music director. She and her husband, Chuck, have five children: Blakeley and husband, Josh, Brady and wife, Hannah, Bryce and wife, Sofia, Carley, and Cayden. They have three grandsons, Sawyer, Stetson, and Shepherd.
Her son Bryce is the assistant worship leader, playing the guitar and singing, and runs audiovisual. He is married to Sofia.
Carol is passionate about music and believes that God can use music to speak to the soul.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Colossians 3:23
VABC Kids Director:
Lori Casteel
Lori is pastor Jon's wife of 26 years and who has been working with kids church programs since she was a teenager. Lori is a public school teacher and has always been instrumental in children's programs at every church she's been a part of. We would love to have you bring your kids to VABC Kids and learn more about Jesus while having fun in the faith!
VABC Youth Leader:
Joy Casteel
Joy is an education major at ETSU, and has served in kids and youth groups for many years. We are blessed to have her serve as our VABC Youth Leader. Come bring your teens out for a fun and faith-filled meeting each week - Wednesdays at 6pm and Sunday's at 9am.
