Rev. T. Bryson Smith – Lead Pastor
Email: pastor@gsumcrva.org
When he’s not turning pens, listening to some sweet vinyl, or trying to take a nap, he’s usually having a dance party with his twin daughters Mac and Madi, listening to his son Jackson play an original song on guitar, or cooking something with wife Lori.
Bryson loves serving and sharing in ministry and seeing people “get it!” He’d love to sit down for a biscuit with you or a bowl of ice cream!!
T. Bryson Smith is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. He earned a BA in Religion from Ferrum College in 1994 and a Master of Divinity from The Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C. Bryson has served churches in Northern Virginia, Blacksburg, and Staunton and began serving Good Shepherd UMC during the summer of 2018.
Rev. Lisa McGehee – Executive Pastor
Email: communications@gsumcrva.org
Lisa is married to Donald, who has a passion for organic gardening. They love to spend time hiking on the trails surrounding Richmond and throughout the mountains of Virginia. Their newest goal is the Master Hiker Certification through the Virginia State Parks – they have hiked 22 of 41 parks.
Lisa is an ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1988 and a Master of Divinity from Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. She also studied at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond. She is a RUAH School of Spiritual Direction at Richmond Hill graduate and is an experienced retreat leader.
Rev. Dr. R. Samuel Rajaratnam – Pastor, GSUMC – Indian Church RVA
Email: samkirubakaran@vaumc.org
Rev. Dr. R. Samuel Rajaratnam (he goes by “Sam”) is an ordained pastor serving in the United Methodist Church.
He earned a Bachelor of Divinity from United Theological College, Bangalore, India, in 2014, under the Senate of Serampore University, a Master of Theology in Biblical Studies from Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, Virginia, USA, and a Doctorate of Ministry in pastoral care and counseling in family systems theory at Virginia Union University, Richmond, Virginia.
Rev. Renee Delgado – Discipleship Pastor
Email: discipleship@gsumcrva.org
Renee and her husband, Mike, have three children. Renee enjoys time with family and friends, listening to music, exercising, cheering on her kids in their many activities, and planning her next trip to the beach!
Renee is a Commissioned Deacon in the United Methodist Church. She graduated from James Madison University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. In 2019, she earned a Master of Arts degree from Wesley Theological Seminary and completed Children’s Ministry and Christian Education coursework at Pfeiffer University.
The Delgado family have been members of GSUMC since 1995, and Renee has been on staff as the Children’s Minister since 2010.
Rev. John Hall – Congregational Care Minister
Email: johnhall@vaumc.org
Pastor John, his wife, Judy, and their two sons, Ryan and Brandon, began attending Good Shepherd UMC in 1992. During a Disciple One Bible Study, John responded to God’s call for pastoral ministry and became a Licensed Local Pastor in the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church on July 1, 1997. He graduated from the Course of Study at Duke Divinity School in July 2002 and became an Associate Member of the Virginia Conference on July 1, 2005.
He served at Brookland UMC, Bethel UMC (22 years), and Centenary UMC (Chesterfield) before retiring and returning to worship at Good Shepherd. He served on several district and conference boards, including the Virginia Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, as the chair from 2016-2020. He was trained as a Stephen Minister (Good Shepherd) and a Spiritual Director (RUAH #11, Richmond Hill, Richmond, VA).
Before entering the ministry, John’s career included broadcasting (disc jockey at several Richmond radio stations for nearly twenty-five years) and operator of an advertising agency/marketing firm serving primarily non-profit organizations.
Lindy Moore – Director of Music Ministries
Email: musicminister@gsumcrva.org
Lindy is married to Doug, and they have five sons: Austin, Joseph, David, Daniel, and Bradley. They enjoy family time together at the beach whenever possible!
Lindy Moore has served local churches as organist, pianist, and/or choir director since the age of 17. Her passions include singing, leading creative arts ministries, and directing choirs for children, youth, and adults.
Lindy studied music at Virginia Commonwealth University and has a degree in Business Administration from Strayer University.
JP Maher – Worship Media Director
Email: mediaministry@gsumcrva.org
Born and raised in Richmond, VA, you can usually see JP, his wife, and their daughter roaming around the city and checking out the latest events! JP’s favorite activities include spending time with family, new technology, and fixing things he may or may not have broken!
JP is a VCU School of Business graduate with a degree in Information Systems.
Laura Maher – Social Media Director
Laura is married to JP, the Good Shepherd UMC Media Director, and loves working with him on all things church technology. She also enjoys being Room Mom for her daughter’s classroom, writing as a book reviewer for NetGalley, baking, and hiking with the family across Virginia.
Laura has a Bachelor’s Degree in American History with a minor course of study in Communications from the University of Mary Washington. In January 2020, she began freelancing as a social media manager for several small businesses and has enjoyed growing that role while staying at home with her daughter. She is excited to pair her love of influencing through social media with her love of ministry and reaching into the digital world to make disciples of Jesus Christ! Laura serves on the VAUMC Conference Board of Communications and is enrolled in the Conference’s first cohort of students studying as part of a two-year process to become a Certified Lay Minister.
Mark Nedervelt – Youth Minister
Mark is married to his wife, Debbie, and has three grown children and several grandchildren. Mark enjoys time with his family and working outside. He enjoys almost any sport and likes camping, fishing, and dabbling in cooking when he has time.
Mark has a Bachelor’s Degree from Farris State College in Printing and Business Management. He has worked in Sales and Business management for most of his life. He has thoroughly enjoyed working with and mentoring children throughout his adult life – whether it be through coaching and refereeing soccer, working with the church youth through Sunday school, or back in the day working with Karen Albro and others putting together Vacation Bible School.
Working with children has always had a special place in his heart, and in the last ten years, he felt called to work with the Youth more. He began volunteering with the Youth, and when the opportunity came about to become a staff member for the church, God had answered some unspoken prayers.
He has been a member here at GSUMC for 26 years and feels blessed to have been a part of such a wonderful church family for almost half his life.