Meet the Pastors
John Hershman senior pastor John has served at WEAG since 1977. He became Senior Pastor in 1991. John is known for his gift as a communicator, for his humorous, yet insightful Bible-based teaching and for his passion for global missions. He is a strong, personal collegial-style leader who values the input of his teammates and friends. John has received a B.A. from Evangel College, an M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Seminary, and a Th.M. from Princeton Seminary. John and Helen are the parents of three adult children, Jake, Anna, and Sarah.
Tom Christmas visitation pastor 
804-754-0723
Tom has served at our church since 1980. He became Visitation Pastor in 2006. Tom is known for his compassion for those in need, for his Bible-based teaching and for his passion in serving. He received his B.A. from Virginia Commonwealth University and his M.Div. from Virginia Union University. Tom and Shirley have one adult son, Dwayne.
Marlyn DeFoggi women's ministry pastor
Marlyn oversees the Women's Ministry at WEAG. She has served at WEAG since 1987. Marlyn is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God as well as a published writer whose articles appear in Christian magazines. She has recently authored a devotional book, Daily Meditations for Life's Journey. Marlyn was trained for ministry through Central Bible College and Global University. She and Paul are the parents of two adult children, Daniel and Leah.
Lisa Eggert kids pastor 804-622-0142
Lisa came on staff in 2008 and oversees WEAG’s Kids Ministry. Prior to WEAG, she served as a Chi Alpha campus missionary for 3 years. Lisa has a desire to disciple others and to share her passion for loving the world. Lisa is a credentialed minister with the Assemblies of God, received a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado, and an MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Bob Laughlin music and fine arts pastor Bob oversees all of WEAG's Music and Fine Arts programs, from Sunday worship to evangelical broadway-style productions. He has served at WEAG since 1981. Bob has a special knack for identifying and utilizing the creative talents of hundreds of people and is constantly working to develop new ways of creatively expressing the message of the gospel through the arts. Bob has a B.A. in Music Education from Lee College with graduate studies in Community Counseling from Georgia State University. He has two adult children, Jeff and Kara.
Chuck Maddux finance pastor Chuck oversees our business department and serves as the church treasurer. He has been on staff since 1996 and has a B.A. in Mathematics/Education from VA Tech, a M.Div. and a MBA from Regent University, and is a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA). As part of his ministry at WEAG, Chuck assists church members with their financial planning and investment goals. He and Betsy have three adult sons.
John Kelly youth minister
John grew up attending West End Assembly of God and is youth minister for our middle and high school students. He wants to help create the same atmosphere of fun and learning for our youth that he believes helped form him into the person he is today. John received his B.A. in Marketing from Virginia Commonwealth University and is married to Nikki, our middle school director.
Bill Martin associate pastor/assistant to senior pastor Bill has served as a Pastor at WEAG since 1979, and is currently working as an assistant to the Senior Pastor. An outstanding Bible teacher and counselor, Bill is known for his approachability and compassion. Bill has a B.A. in Education from Lee College, an M.A.C.E. from Union-P.C.S.E., and a D.Min from Baptist Theological Seminary. He has written four books: First Steps for Teachers, The Church In Mission, The Holy Spirit in Christian Education, and Commitment to Maturity. Bill and Linda have three adult children, Joni, Andy, and Stephen.
Tony Robinson worship pastor Tony joined the WEAG staff in 2010. He is passionate about seeing the lives of people impacted by worship and oversees the development and ministry of the WEAG worship team. Tony received his BA in Church Music/Vocal Performance from Lee University. Before coming to Richmond, he served as a Worship Pastor for 12 years in Texas and Alabama. He is a native Virginian and is so glad to be home to enjoy all things Hokies! Tony and his wife, Amy have three children, Leighton, Olivia, and Hagan.
Shane Schlesman family life pastor Shane oversees all of WEAG's ministries relating to parents and children. With a background in business, youth, and counseling, Shane understands the needs of families today. Shane has a B.A. in Humanities and attended Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary and Masters Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Sue, have 3 sons--Bruce, Brent, and Brady.
Micah Voraritskul discipleship pastor / group life pastor
Micah has served WEAG as Youth Pastor and Community Life Pastor since 1998. He rejoined our staff in 2012 as Discipleship and Group Life Pastor after spending two years as a Missionary in the Philippines. He received a B.A. in English from Lee College and an M.Div from Union Theological Seminary. Micah and his wife, Kristy, have two children, Ethan and Molly.
