LEADERSHIP TEAM

Get to know the Lifehouse Church team

CHURCH LEADERSHIP

We Aim to be Servant Leaders

Our goal as a leadership team is to submit ourselves to the authority of scripture and use our God-given talents for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We Don't Do This Alone

The Wise Council Team provides oversight, spiritual guidance, and care at Lifehouse Church. They lead with wisdom and compassion, ensuring that Lifehouse stays true to its mission that all are welcome to come and experience the uncommon life that Jesus offers.

Three gentlemen on the elder team at Lifehouse Church in Newport News, VA

From left to right: Evan Bartley, Arthur Lee, and Andy Scott

Lifehouse is a pastor led church that is supported by our Wise Council Team (Elder Team) and Team Captains (Deacons); has oversight from the Lifehouse Network, roots with the Assemblies of God, and connected to the Association of Related Churches. Our church leadership is supported by a team of staff members who use their various gifting’s to carry out the mission and vision of Lifehouse Church, along with a strong team of volunteers who serve each week in our kids, youth, production, worship, set up/tear down, hospitality, care, outreach and group teams/ministries.

John & Kristen Ware

Lead Pastor

Pastor John and Kristen were born and raised in the 757 (Hampton and Smithfield!), so it’s no surprise that they decided to raise a family and plant a church here! Their passion is to build a church that helps all people experience the uncommon life that Jesus promised. 

John enjoys working out, playing basketball, coaching his son’s sports teams, spending time and traveling with Kristen, and cheering for the Jacksonville Jaguars (that’s a football team in case you didn’t know, lol). 

Kristen enjoys being a mom to the Ware Hurricane (the Ware boys!), working with people to make their home a more welcoming place, grabbing coffee with friends, taking pictures of sunsets, and spending time with the love of her life.  

Edward Arias

Associate Pastor

Edward, born in New York to Dominican parents, has been actively involved in ministry since 2014. He currently serves as a full-time pastor at Lifehouse Church in Newport News, where he provides teaching, pastoral care, and counseling, in addition to overseeing various Sunday morning teams. Edward also enjoys creating art. He is married to Anny, and together they have two sons, Israel and Yamil.

Clarissa Furrow

Worship Director

Clarissa grew up in Newport News, Virginia in a family of 8 kids. She’s always had a passion for music and has served in worship ministry since she was 12 years old. She now gets the honor of serving as the Worship Director at Lifehouse! After graduating from Bible College in 2016, Clarissa got engaged and married to her college sweetheart, Andy, and together they have two children, Elyza and Liam. Clarissa enjoys slow mornings with her family, playing guitar with her husband, a cup of coffee with a friend or loved one, and learning new skills or hobbies.

Jessica McNash

Family Life Director

Jessica came on staff at Lifehouse in April 2022 and currently serves as the Family Life Director, Youth Pastor, and Outreach Coordinator. Though she grew up in Washington State, she now lives in Newport News with her husband, Sean and their 2 year old son, Jace. Jessica is passionate about seeing young people follow the Lord. Because of this passion, she received her bachelor’s degrees in Bible & Theology and Youth Ministry in 2011 and has done ministry in many capacities ever since. She loves making her husband and son laugh, being outside and active, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and learning new things.

There are no in-person services at Regal this Sunday. Worship with us in homes this Sabbath Sunday!