Pastoral Leadership & Church Staff

Nansemond River is led by a plurality of elders.  Some elders are employed by the church (vocational), while others make a living through other means. We use the terms "pastor" and "elder" interchangeably to describe all these men.  Together, the Elders of Nansemond River lead, feed, and protect the church. 

Vocational Elders

Ryan Brice New Headshot

Ryan Brice     Lead Pastor

Ryan began serving as Lead Pastor in 2015 after serving 18 years as a Student Pastor in churches across the southeast U.S. He earned a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry in Expository Preaching from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Ryan uses his giftedness in teaching, preaching, leadership, and administration, as well as his passion for discipleship and missions, to equip the saints for the work of ministry. He is committed to expositional preaching and a lifestyle that demonstrates personal discipleship and evangelism. As a native of Louisiana, Ryan loves cooking and eating all the Cajun food he can get his hands on. He has been married to his wife, Cristy, since 2001, and they have two sons, Brody and A.J.


Brian Lee New HeadshotBrian Lee
    Pastor of Worship and Administration

Brian began serving as Pastor of Worship and Administration in early 2018. He earned a Master of Arts in Worship Leadership from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Christian Leadership at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He uses the experiences gained from both of his degrees in his role here as he leads the congregation in worship in our weekly services with a gifted team of vocalists and musicians, and as he works with ministry our deacons in their areas of service. He has been married to his wife, Caitlyn, since 2012, and they have three children: Rebekah, Isaac, and Mary-Grace.  Brian enjoys music, spending time with his family, being outdoors, cycling, and the occasional sprint triathlon.

Jay Haywood New Headshot
Jadrian Haywood
  Pastor of Adult Discipleship & Outreach

Jadrian began serving as Pastor of Adult Discipleship and Outreach in February 2022. He has earned a Master of Divinity from Gateway Seminary of the Southern Baptist Convention and a Bachelors in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. Before joining the staff at Nansemond River Baptist Church, Jadrian served as an Associate Pastor in northern California. He also comes to us with 17 years of experience in the United States Air Force in various roles in the medical field, training, and leadership. He is passionate about leading teams and creating a strategy to advance God's kingdom here on earth. Jadrian married the love of his life, Rykeshia, in 2008, and they have four children: Kirsten, Kennedy, Christopher, and Caleb. Jadrian enjoys roasting coffee, long-distance jogs, and reading from a wide range of genres. He grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina.

   

Non-Vocational Elders


Barry Hobbs New HeadshotBarry Hobbs

Barry has been married to his wife, Debbie, since 1974. They have two children and four grandchildren. He has managed a local remodeling company, Addition Associates, since 1980. He was born again at NRBC in 1971 and has served in many roles (as a deacon for over 20 years and an elder since 2008). He leads a small group on Sunday mornings. His simple desire is for the NRBC church family to walk as a unified body and “press forward to reach the lost world for Christ.” Barry has served as an elder of Nansemond River since 2008. 


Steve Smith New Headshot
Steve Smith

Steve grew up in Hampton Roads (Chesapeake). He met his wife Traci at church; they have been married since 2005. Steve and Traci have two daughters, Evelyn and Sophia. He currently works as an administrator with Suffolk Public Schools. At NRBC, he leads a small group, is the elder on the personnel committee, and serves with the CRT. However, his big passion is missions. He leads our Pray. Send. Go. Partnership on the Appalachian Trail, which ministers to the hikers through fellowship, prayers and support.

                                       Steve De Mik Headshot New
Steve de Mik                                                   

Steve and his wife Angie met in college at Southwest Baptist University and were married in 1987. They have two adult married children who both attended Norfolk Christian Schools and Liberty University. They have one grandchild. Steve and Angie lived their married lives in Missouri, Tennessee, and Virginia and have been in the Hampton Roads region since 2000.  Steve is the Deputy General Manager/Chief Financial Officer for the Hampton Roads Sanitation District.  He leads a small group on Sunday mornings and is involved in a Christian orphan ministry based out of Williamsburg.  Steve has served as an elder of Nansemond River since January of 2024.

Don Coley New Headshot

Don Coley

Don and his wife Susan have been married for 53 years. They have 2 children, 5 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Don has been a member of Nansemond River Baptist Church for 43 years and faithfully leads one of our adult small groups. He also serves on our worship and finance teams and enjoys going on mission trips to the Eastern Shore and Appalachian Trail to serve in those ministries. Don has been an elder of Nansemond River Baptist Church since 2009.

Nathaniel New Headshot

Nathaniel Winslow

Nathaniel and his wife Lauren have been married for 10 years. They have four young children and stay active in our student ministry. Nathaniel has faithfully served at Nansemond River Baptist Church in a number of different ways, including serving as our Facilities Director for a time as well as our Student Ministry Director. He continues to faithfully serve in our Student Ministry each week and is passionate about seeing our students grow in their faith.  He has served as an elder since March of 2024. 

 

Church Staff

Debbie Compton– Administrative Assistant for Operations

Teresa Phillips– Administrative Assistant for Finance

Kristi Houghton– Director for Kids' Ministry and Custodial Care

Carolyn Duke– Director for Preschool Ministry

Casey Clark– Director for Facilities and Maintenance

Zach Watson– Pastoral Assistant (Student Ministry)

 

Elder Position Papers

The below position papers reflect the current views and understanding of the elders on specific topics and issues as they pertain to the life of the church.  These documents are for informational purposes and only reflect the views expressed by our current elder council.

Biblical Qualifications for Elders and Deacons (Amended 12-21-2023)

Children, Baptism, and Church Membership

 

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