Dr. Gene Cornett – Teaching Elder/ Pastor

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 Minister

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. 

Mary Grace Coppedge – Administrative Assistant

Mary Grace has lived in Chesterfield nearly all her life but just began working for Bethany Place in November 2021.  She is a senior at Virginia Commonwealth University and is finishing an Undergraduate Degree in Health Sciences.  Mary Grace plans to continue her education by pursuing a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling but is open to whatever career path the Lord calls her to.  She is passionate about many things, as she loves to sing and loves working with horses on the weekends, but her greatest passions include the love of her large family and growing her relationship with the Lord.

Wes Dunnavant -Music Director

Wes Dunnavant began serving at Bethany Place as Church Pianist in the Fall of 2009 and assumed full leadership of the music ministry beginning in January of 2015. He directs the praise team and adult choir weekly in rehearsals and in Sunday morning worship. Wes holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg. When he’s not at Bethany Place, you can find Wes supporting and coaching Chesterfield educators in his role as a Technology Integrator for Chesterfield County Public Schools.

Ryan Cunningham – Student Director

Ryan Cunningham and his wife, Huong, joined Bethany Place with their three children shortly after moving to Chesterfield in 2019. Prior to serving as Student Director, Ryan served as a deacon and middle school teacher on Wednesday nights. Ryan has a passion for discipleship and seeing believers of all ages mature in their relationship with Jesus Christ.