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, group life pastor Marlyn oversees the Women's Ministry and all of the Life Groups and Table Groups of West End. 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.
Brian King young adult pastor Brian served at WEAG from 1992-1997 as youth pastor, and has served again, since December of 2005 as Young Adult Pastor. Brian is passionate about developing a truly missional church in a constantly changing world. He also deeply values community and relationships, reflected in his approach to ministry and pastoral style. He received a B.A. from Bethany College and a M.A. from Fuller Theological Seminary. Brian and his wife Laura are the parents of two children, Asher and Canaan.
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 sons, two daughters-in-law and one granddaughter.
Bill Martin congregational care pastor Bill organizes WEAG's pastoral care and counseling initiatives. He has served at WEAG since 1979. 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.
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.
