Bethany Place Leadership

Making Disciples who Make Disciples

Bethany Place is an Elder Led, Deacon Driven, Staff Served Church. We all work together for the glory of God, Kingdom Expansion, and organizational efficiency so that we can focus on the main things, Proclaiming the Gospel, Making Disciples, and Loving Our Neighbors.

Bethany Place is anWe desire to only appoint those who have demonstrated the highest character and spiritual maturity over the years.

The Bible lists the qualifications for Elders in Titus 1, and 1 Timothy 3. Service as an elder is only one of many manifestations of God’s grace in bestowing gifts upon his people. We do not consider elders as “better” or “more Holy” than anyone else, but merely those whom God has gifted for this role. All of our elders service in other ministries, and in that capacity, they follow the leadership of that member who has responsibility for that ministry. The proper exercise of Christian authority is not about self but about service..

Dr. Gene Cornett- Teaching Elder

Gene is originally from Cumberland, KY, located in the southeastern part of the state.  He has been married to Kathleen (Kat) Barnes since 1985 and they have three children: Will is married and serves as a Children’s Pastor in Chesapeake; Hannah is married; and Noelle, whom they adopted from China in November 2008.  Gene has served churches in Kentucky, Texas, and Virginia.  Before coming to Bethany Place in January 2012, Gene served as the Senior Associate Pastor and Minister of Music at Seaford Baptist Church in Seaford, Virginia, from 1996-2011, and also as their Transitional Senior Pastor from 2008 to 2010.  He has been a Board Member of Global Mosaic International since 2005 and has been on mission teams to Jaigon, India and the Dominican Republic.  Gene earned his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX, in 1989, and his Doctorate of Ministry in Christian Leadership from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC, in 2011.  In addition, he has a Bachelor of Music Education from Cumberland College in Williamsburg, KY.

Evan Mackey - Family Ministry Elder

Evan is proudly from Richmond, VA. He has been married to his wonderful wife for almost 10 years, and they have two wonderful children. Evan has worked in ministry in many capacities including the local church and international missions.  He is passionate about serving the families of Richmond, hearing their stories, and empowering parents in the discipling of their children. 

Wes Fortin - Chairman
Term Expires September 2024

Travis Moore
Term Expires September 2024

Bob Morris
Term Expires January 2026