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Meet the Team

Our pastors, staff, and deacons love Jesus,
the Bible, Newport News, and the nations

Daniel Tripp

Lead Pastor

Daniel is originally from Western North Carolina and then graduated with his B.S. in Religion from Liberty University. It was at Liberty that Daniel met his wife, Kristen, and they were married in 2014 in Western North Carolina. They later moved to Rocky Mount, NC in 2016 for Daniel to finish his M. Div. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and to eventually serve as the Executive Pastor of Redeemer Church – another Summit Collaborative Church. Daniel was then commissioned by Redeemer in 2022 to be the Lead Pastor of Catalyst Church. The Tripps have two children, James and Joseph. Daniel leads through preaching and vision and serves as one of the elders/pastors of our church.

Kenny Bristow

Lay Elder

Kenny is a life-long native resident of the peninsula along with his wife, Laura. He is a retired nuclear pipe-fitter at Newport News Shipbuilding. He has three children: Kristie, Audrey, and Kenneth and three grandchildren: Kambrie, Owen, and Sebastian. Kenny serves as one of the elders/pastors of our church.

Bill Flowers

Lay Elder

Bill is a lifelong resident of Newport News along with his wife, Susan. He is retired from Huntington Ingalls Industries and currently is a part-time leadership and organizational development consultant. Bill has a Masters in Business Administration from Regent University. He has two sons, Tim and Philip, and three grandchildren, Daniel, Hannah, and Etta. Bill serves as one of the elders/pastors of our church.

Jacob Williams

Lay Elder

Jacob is a longtime resident of Hampton Roads and a longer-time Christian. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 2015 with a degree in civil engineering. That same year, he married his high school sweetheart, Tess. Jacob serves as one of the elders/pastors of our church.

We Don't Do This Alone

Our church staff are instrumental in carrying out the mission and values of our church.

Ridge Miller

Ministry Teams Coordinator

Ridge was born and raised in Rocky Mount, NC. He earned a B.M. in Worship Leadership from Liberty University and an M. Div. in Christian Ministry at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Ridge runs the operations of our church and coordinates all of our ministry team leaders. Additionally, he leads our worship team.

Leah Monelly

Catalyst Kids Coordinator

Leah has over five years of experience working in children’s and youth ministry, with a love for sharing the gospel with children of all ages. She lives in Newport News with her husband, John. Leah prepares for and coordinates Catalyst Kids.

Grant Lunsford

Catalyst College Director

Grant is originally from all over the state of North Carolina. He developed a passion for reaching college students while in school at Appalachian State University (Go Mountaineers). That passion for college ministry is still the heartbeat of his ministry today! He and his wife, Ariel, along with their son, Micah, relocated to Newport News in order for Grant to help lead and drive the college-centered vision of Catalyst as we disciple and send to Newport News and the nations!

Ella Herrmann​

College Ministry Resident

Ella was born and raised in central Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of Penn State University, where her passion for college ministry began. She is so excited to be a missionary for the college campus and lead the student worship team. Outside of Catalyst, Ella enjoys trail walks, board games, and finding good restaurants in the area!

Katie Myers​

College Ministry Resident

Katie grew up in the mountains of Charlottesville, Virginia and then moved to Newport News to get her Masters in Teaching. After graduating from Christopher Newport University in 2014, she was a public school teacher for 3 years. In 2018 the Lord called her to Southeast Asia to serve in ministry with college students. Katie works to share the gospel and disciple university students at CNU as a part of Catalyst’s efforts to disciple and send college students to serve the Lord wherever He sends them.

Rebecca Miller

Deacon

Rebecca is originally from England and has since lived in Indiana, South Carolina, and Virginia. Her husband, Nick, is a Navy veteran. They have two children, Lucy and Lily. She is currently a stay-at-home mom, but her career as a librarian first kindled her joy of serving and helping others. She also loves to make blankets and clothes–look for the lady crocheting in the front pew!

Brian Loh

Deacon

Brian is originally from Los Angeles, California and was brought to the Hampton Roads area by the Navy. He currently works at the Newport News Shipyard as an Engineering Technician. Brian is married to Mary, a social worker, and they lead a community group in the Hilton area. Brian has a passion for serving the church! You can find him setting up, volunteering in the kids hall, or serving on our safety team. Feel free to come up to him and ask him about his two dogs!

Caleb Tupper

Deacon

Caleb is a born and raised Virginian and graduate from Christopher Newport University. He lives in Newport News with his wife, Victoria, and two dogs. Leveraging experience in ministry leadership and corporate management, Caleb serves on the worship team and provides logistical support for projects and ministries throughout Catalyst.

Anna Lynn Thornsberry

College Ministry Resident

Anna Lynn is originally from Houston, Texas and lived in Luanda, Angola for three years. She is a graduate from Christopher Newport University (Go Captains)! As a College Ministry Resident, she is a missionary on CNU’s campus and is part of our efforts to disciple and send college students!

Ella Herrmann

College Ministry Resident

Ella was born and raised in central Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of Penn State University, where her passion for college ministry began. She is so excited to be a missionary for the college campus and lead the student worship team. Outside of Catalyst, Ella enjoys trail walks, board games, and finding good restaurants in the area!