Pastors & Staff
Dr. Joel Smelley
Pastor
Dr. Joel Smelley brings more than 20 years of ministry experience to Great Bridge Baptist Church, having faithfully served in student ministry, church planting, multi-site churches, and church revitalization. Joel is passionate about helping churches thrive through biblical leadership, discipleship, and cultivating a healthy church culture. His ministry has also included coaching pastors across the United States and internationally, teaching at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and leading mission efforts around the world. He holds multiple advanced degrees and is completing a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology.
Joel and his wife, Kim, have been married for over 20 years and are the proud parents of three daughters. Together, they share a deep love for Christ, the local church, missions, and investing in people, and are excited to begin this new season of ministry at Great Bridge Baptist Church.
Jesse Stalnaker
Executive Pastor
Jesse joined our staff in 2011. He was born in Cherry Point, North Carolina. After serving in the military, he received his undergraduate degree from Longwood University, a Master of Education from Regent University, and a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University.
Jesse has served in ministry since 1999 in Virginia. He is married to Joan, and they have two children: Grace and Gunnar, and a dog named Maple.
Dr. Jake Dunlow
Discipleship & Young Adults Pastor
Jake joined our staff in 2025. A native of Chesapeake, Jake received his undergraduate degree from Old Dominion University and his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Education from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
He has served in ministry since 2007 at churches in North Carolina and New York. Along with his ministry responsibilities at GBBC, he is the Program Director for the Ed.D. In Christian Leadership at Liberty University's School of Divinity. Jake is married to Laura, and they have two children: Elijah and Marcy.
Richard Castleberry
Senior Adults Pastor
Richard joined our staff in 2006. He was born in South Alabama, in a rural area outside Red Level. He received his undergraduate degree from Troy State University and a Master of Arts in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Richard has served in ministry since 1985 in North Carolina, Alabama, and Virginia. He is married to Ruth Anne, and they have two grown children, Anna Rebekah McKay (husband: Daniel) and Jon Andrew (wife: Emily), and two grandchildren: Poppy and Max.
Megan Perry
Preschool & Children's Ministry Director
Megan joined our staff in 2021. She is a Hampton Roads native and was born and raised in Chesapeake. She received her undergraduate degree from Mary Baldwin College and has been an elementary school teacher for over 15 years in both the public and private school systems.
Megan has served GBBC in the Children’s, Youth, and Women’s Ministries prior to coming on staff. She is married to Adam, and they have a son, Walker.
Rebecca Reynolds
Interim Student Ministry Director
Rebecca joined our staff in 2024. She was born in Washington, DC and grew up in Bowie, MD. She received her undergraduate degree in Finance from UMUC. She has served in various ministries and military organizations across the country as a Navy wife.
At GBBC Rebecca has served in Student and Worship Ministries as well as on the Media Team. She is married to Erik and they have two children: Kate and Jack, and a dog named Maverick.
Karen Pierce
Financial Ministry Assistant
Becky Atwood
Worship Ministry Assistant
Teresa Black
Education & Senior Adults' Ministry Assistant
Katie Castelow
Administrative Ministry Assistant
Tina McMillan
Church Hostess and Cafe Manager
Jimmie Forbes
Facilities Manager
Alan Brown
Orchestra Director