Pastors and Staff
Get To Know Us
Reverend Nate Atwood
Lead Pastor
Our “Fearless Leader” Nate thrives on making the Bible come alive. He delights in showing us (often by building stuff) how to practically apply Scripture to everyday living. Nate is a ‘Bernard W. Boyd Fellow’ graduate from UNC Chapel Hill (B.A.) and received his Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. more . . .
Reverend Stephen Ruckel
Executive Director
A world-famous Kadima champion (sorry, you can ask, but we don’t know what that is either), Stephen’s role is to oversee staff and their ministries so that KPC continues to be effective. A pastor himself, he has a heart for God’s people and their service. As a former bank president, Stephen fully understands organizational leadership. more . . .
Reverend Neil Ellison
Pastor, Deeper Ministries
Once upon a time, Neil awoke to find that he was no longer a trial attorney but a pastor—one with a compassionate nature, a kind spirit, wise insight, and a love for people. Neil is a renaissance man with an undergraduate degree in Education and a Law degree from the University of Kentucky, as well as a Masters in Counseling Psychology and a Masters of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. more . . .
Reed Sprague
Director of Administration
Our newest addition to KPC’s senior staff, Reed is responsible for keeping us on track financially and administratively. He comes to us from a large denominational church in Florida. His experience also includes that of financial, administrative, and risk management consultant to churches nationwide. more . . .
Bill Gualdoni
Director, Community
Italian? But he doesn’t look Italian! Bill’s really a ski bum who (by the grace of God) ended up in sunny Virginia Beach. Need a friend? Bill has you covered! He’s here at KPC to make sure we’re all meaningfully connected to the KPC community through Life Groups, Men’s and Women’s Ministries, and New Members classes. more . . .
Matthew Dussia
Coordinator, Mobilization
Matt has a passion for helping you discover your spiritual gifts and making it easy for you to find out where you can plug in and make a difference. He’s such a cool guy; it’s hard to believe he ate the same thing every day in high school—all four years. more . . .
Chris Krimsier
Coordinator, Assimilation
“Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.” [The Borg/Star Trek]
With Chris’s loving heart and gift for making people feel welcomed and appreciated, you’ll enjoy becoming part of KPC! more . . .
Kara Hanger
Coordinator, Serve Hampton Roads
Kara is responsible for overseeing our outreach and service ministry to the Hampton Roads community. If you’re interested in spreading the love of Christ by meeting tangible needs of those less fortunate, Kara will point you in the right direction. more . . .
Dana Petrelli
Coordinator, Serve the Nations
Dana’s first career dream came true when she earned her BA degree from Philadelphia University in Fashion Apparel Management and worked in the fashion industry for three years (in New York City). Then she found Christ—and EVERYTHING changed! more . . .
Reverend Orlen Stauffer
Director, Media
Orlen is responsible for our graphics, artwork, lighting, cameras . . . well, okay, everything “media.” Recognized by his peers nationally as a great talent and thinker, he served three years as the Chairman for Church Media for the National Association of Religious Broadcasters (NRB) and has been on the Church Media Committee since 2002. more . . .
Reverend Gary Walter
Director, Worship & The Arts
Singing! Dancing! Orchestra! Worship Band! Puppets! Flying banners! Gary does it all! Actually, he makes sure all the ministries in Worship and the Arts flow as easily and smoothly as the music in his veins. more . . .
Adam Whitescarver
Family Ministries, Youth Director
Think of your typical youth pastor. Now forget all that, and let’s talk about Adam. So when was the last time you read a book about the Byzantine Empire or Napoleon, or spent a morning listening to Gregorian chants?
Terri Turley
Director of Family Ministries
Administrator of Oaktree Academy
You can’t talk to Terri for more than two minutes without discovering her mission in life: introduce kids to Christ. And she does it winsomely, creatively, and with joy. Terri brings decades of Christian Education experience to her oversight of KPC Family Ministries (preschool, elementary, and youth). more . . .
Margaret Duffy
Children's Ministry Coordinator
Spend just a couple of minutes with Margaret Duffy and you’ll want to be her best friend. For 18 years she’s followed the whisper of the Lord telling her to “focus on family”—and so she does—her three kids (and husband Kevin) and now KPC’s kids from grades 1-5. more . . .
Tara Powell
Early Childhood Coordinator
Tara means “tower”—and she is certainly a tower of wisdom, creativity, and good humor. Tara teaches and demonstrates God’s love with insight, dedication, and delight, watching over our children 6 weeks to 6 years old. Like several KPC staff members, her ministry success and expertise is such that other churches seek her out as a consultant. more . . .
Phyllis Nix
Director, KPC Day School
It’s a mystery how Phyllis can manage 200 kids and a staff of 30 and keep everybody (including herself) smiling. Maybe it’s a combination of her love and commitment for all God’s children and those wonderful smells wafting from the Day School kitchen!