Leadership

Pastors & Staff

jonathan barbee

Lead Pastor

Jonathan is married to his college sweetheart Brandi. They have two daughters Chloe and Caroline. Jonathan has a deep love for God's Word and discovering truths in his personal study. In addition, he enjoys hunting, fishing, tennis, running, basketball, and anything related to UNC, Mets, and NY Giants.
Education: BA in Christian Studies from North Greenville University. Masters of Divinity in Biblical Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Devin warfield

Associate Pastor of Children, Family & Discipleship

Devin was born and raised in Enid, Oklahoma. He met his wife Nikki during college on a mission trip to Guatemala, and they later lived there for four years. They have two children, Micah and Della. Devin loves to preach and teach God’s Word and disciple young believers. His hobbies include drinking coffee, playing golf, eating Mexican food, and playing “Sorry” with his family.
Education: BA in Religion from Oklahoma Baptist University. Currently pursuing a Masters of Divinity in Christian Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

tanner dobson

Associate Pastor of Worship & Students

Tanner was born and raised in Durham. Tanner is married to Grace and they have a son, Samuel. During his free time, Tanner enjoys playing basketball, spending time with his wife and son, and making music with one of his many beautiful guitars.
Education: BA from Liberty University. Currently pursuing a Masters of Divinity in Christian Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Kelly Johnson

Administrator

Kelly was born and raised in Ohio. She married Dan 2 decades ago and has since moved across the country and back for ministry. She is momma to Adelyn and Ila. She loves travel, taking walks, and organization while sports bore her. 

van lilly

Elder

Van is married to Glenda and they are the parents of 2 children. He enjoys teaching and listening to Southern Gospel music. 

skip marsh

Elder

Skip is married to Julie for over 45 years and they are the parents of 2 children.  The Lord led them to Bethesda in 1997 and they are grateful to serve along with this wonderful leadership team.  Skip's focus is teaching and men’s discipleship.  Skip and Julie are also college football fans (especially the University of Tennessee).

Floyd Pearce

Elder

Floyd is retired and so is his wife, Betty. He enjoys classic cars and Nascar racing as well as spending time with his son, Brian. Floyd and Betty both enjoy working in the yard and serving at Bethesda.

Bethesda christian academy

Dr. Sherrill

Interim Head of School

Dr. Sherrill is the Founder and Superintendent Emeritus of North Raleigh Christian Academy where he served at its helm for 24 years. Over the past 52 years of serving Christ, he has had the joy of serving as a youth pastor, executive pastor, and senior pastor the first 20 years of ministry and has been a teacher, coach, and head of school for the past 32 years. God has also used a ministry he began, Christian School 101, to help start 70 Christian schools. Holding two doctorate degrees, one in Theology and one is Christian education, Dr. Sherrill currently serves as the ACSI Field Director for NC, SC, and VA ministering to 219 schools.
His life verse is Phil. 3:14, “I press toward goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14). His heart’s desire is for Christ to have preeminence in his heart and life. It is his joy to serve the church, staff, families, and students of Bethesda. 

Brenda brown

Lower School Principal

Ms. Brown has faithfully served at the academy since its inception. many of those years as an assistant principal. She is a graduate of Appalachian State University.  Ms. Brown has two grown children Susan and Andy.  Her granddaughter attends BCA.  She has also served at Bethesda Baptist Church working with children, teaching adult Sunday School, and helping in the church video ministry.  Many say, “Ms. Brown came with the building in 1997.”  

Jennifer Carr

Upper School Principal

Jennifer Carr, a BCA staff member since 2009, has been teaching for over twenty-one years. Born in Ohio, Ms. Carr came to know the Lord at the age of twelve and surrendered her life to serve him that same year. She attended Christian schools from elementary through college where her degree focused on both language arts and history.
Though she can have fun with her students, her classroom atmosphere is very structured. Her favorite part of teaching is watching students research and prepare class presentations. She loves a little-known history fact and the well-written/well-spoken word.
Apart from her Lord and Savior, her greatest joy comes from her three sons Cody, Conner, and Carson.