Dr. Jonathan Richerson
Pastor
Dr. Jonathan Richerson is founding pastor of our church. He and his wife Mary Beth have two children, Emily and Jon. Dr. Richerson is a graduate of Cumberland University and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served in churches in Kentucky and Tennessee, as well as several universities and seminaries throughout the Southern United States.
chris chavez
Worship Leader
Of the many churches Chris has been fortunate enough to partner with, West Haven, has been his home away from home. It is by far the most kind, God honoring body of people to do life with, and Chris is honored to be able to serve as Worship Leader.
Chris resides in Brentwood, TN and is a Grammy and Dove Award nominated producer and session singer. He has worked for many successful artists and companies including Bill and Gloria Gaither, Ernie Haase, Michael W. Smith, Wynonna Judd, Matthew West, Disney, EA Games, and many more.
Church worship has always been a passion of Chris's. Growing up in a small, musically traditional church, he built a rich foundation on sound theology and lush melodies with the classic hymns. He further went on to expand his understanding of worship by serving musically in many different Christian denominations throughout high school, college, and the 3 years following. He now aims to experience and teach through example a more unconditional approach to worship where one's ability to experience God is based on their own personal allowing rather than a particular style of music or any number of inevitable distractions in a corporate worship setting.
Chris is excited about the growth of West Haven, both in the tangible and intangible and is so appreciative of this church family.
Chris resides in Brentwood, TN and is a Grammy and Dove Award nominated producer and session singer. He has worked for many successful artists and companies including Bill and Gloria Gaither, Ernie Haase, Michael W. Smith, Wynonna Judd, Matthew West, Disney, EA Games, and many more.
Church worship has always been a passion of Chris's. Growing up in a small, musically traditional church, he built a rich foundation on sound theology and lush melodies with the classic hymns. He further went on to expand his understanding of worship by serving musically in many different Christian denominations throughout high school, college, and the 3 years following. He now aims to experience and teach through example a more unconditional approach to worship where one's ability to experience God is based on their own personal allowing rather than a particular style of music or any number of inevitable distractions in a corporate worship setting.
Chris is excited about the growth of West Haven, both in the tangible and intangible and is so appreciative of this church family.
John Stephens
Youth Director
John has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia. He brings over 20 years of Youth Ministry experience. He’s also coached High School Volleyball for over 15 years and is currently a Computer Science teacher at Mt Juliet High School. John and his wife Sophia have 2 boys; Cody and Bentley, and a Golden Doodle named Nash. He has a degree in Education from Middle Tennessee State University and a Masters from Lipscomb University.
Emily Faxas
Children's Director
Emily is the Director of Children's Ministries. She and her husband Paul have two little girls AraBella and SaBella Faxas. Before joining the West Haven Team, Emily was a teacher at First Baptist Church Lebanon’s Parents Day Out Program. While there she developed a passion for creating developmentally appropriate lesson plans, following a Biblical Curriculum. In addition, she has experience in Special Education programs and training. She and her family were actively servings as members and volunteers at West Haven Baptist before stepping into the role of Children's Minister.
Candy Watts
Administrative Assistant and Office Coordinator
Candace (Candy) Watts was born and raised in Rickman, Tennessee and moved to Lebanon with her husband Adam in 2013. They have a son named Beau and two dogs, Ozzie and Ginger. Candy earned her Bachelor's degree at ETSU. During the week Candy serves our church as an administrative assistant and office coordinator. On Sunday she is a volunteer in our children's ministry and worship team. Additionally, she and her husband serve is various leadership roles in our church.