Our Staff

Leadership

 

Elders

Andrew Bleckley, George Davis*, Mack Hendrix, Stefan Kling, James Murphy, Jeremy Pryor, Barry Saunders

Deacons

David Boyce (chair), Alex Brito, Barrett Clark, Stephen Day*, Jacob Hotinger, Will Jarret, Eric Morgan, Carter Neal, Blake Parrott

Diaconal Assistants

Quentin Dill, Ryan Jenvey, Daniel Lawler, Allison Murden, Christopher Murden, Sabrina Parrott, Emilie Saunders, Tracye Woodfin

Trustees

Barrett Clark, George Davis, Kasey Hayes

 

*Leaders currently on sabbatical

About Our Staff

 

Erik Bonkovsky

PASTOR

Erik was born in Vermont and went to high school in Massachusetts–a New Englander through and through. He graduated from Princeton in 1998 with a degree in History and a Certificate in Teacher Preparation, and went on to complete his Masters of Divinity in Pastoral Studies at Westminster Theological Seminary in 2001. He completed his Doctorate in Ministry (focusing on faith, vocation, and culture) from Covenant Theological Seminary in 2017.

Erik served as Area Director of Young Life in Bucks County, Pennsylvania from 2001 to 2004. In 2005, he and his wife, Sarah, moved to Virginia where he served at Grace Community Church in Mechanicsville, first as Assistant to the Pastor and then as Associate Pastor. City Church named Erik our Church Planter and Founding Pastor in 2008. He was installed as our Senior Pastor in 2011.

Erik and Sarah live in the Fan with their son and two daughters.

Contact: erik@citychurchrva.com

Harrison Ford

PASTOR OF SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Harrison grew up in Blue Springs, a tiny town in northeastern Mississippi. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2010 with a degree in International Studies.

After working with college students in Romania through Mission to the World and a brief stint as a research associate for a financial research firm, Harrison went on to serve as the Pastoral Intern for young adults at Uptown Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Shortly after Harrison received his Masters of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte in May 2016, he and his wife, Brittany, moved to Richmond so Harrison could serve as the Campus Minister for Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) at VCU. In July 2019, City Church called Harrison to serve as our Assistant Pastor of Spiritual Formation; in 2023, he was called to Associate Pastor. He currently oversees our City Groups and our Spiritual Formation efforts.

Harrison and Brittany live in just south of the James River with their three kids: two sons and a daughter.

Contact: harrison@citychurchrva.com

Val Catrow

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Val is a life-long Richmonder. She graduated from the University of Richmond in 2003 with a degree in English and her teaching license. After spending a few years teaching 5th grade language arts, science, and social studies in nearby Chesterfield County, Val worked as a copywriter, editor, and freelance columnist for Richmond-area publications.

Val joined the City Church staff in August 2008. Her primary roles at City Church include managing the church’s financial and membership records; leading our communication efforts; and supporting her fellow staff members with any-and-all administrative needs.

Val is married to Ross, her high school sweetheart. They live in Richmond’s Northside with their son.

Contact: val@citychurchrva.com

Meg Haden

DIRECTOR OF WOMEN’S MINISTRY

Meg was born and raised in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. After graduating from the University of Virginia in 2002 with a degree in Religious Studies, Meg moved to Austin, Texas, and spent over seven years working for Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) at the University of Texas. After her time with RUF, Meg was Special Projects Manager at the Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library and Museum where she worked on special exhibits, events, and a book project. Meg moved to Richmond in February 2011 after marrying Jon-Marc, the area director of FOCUS in Richmond and Central Virginia. She joined City Church’s staff as the Director of Women’s Ministry shortly thereafter.

As Director of Women's Ministry, Meg coordinates the efforts to care for and disciple the women of City Church by leading Bible studies; meeting with women to mentor and encourage them; and planning events and experiences for women to grow in their relationships with Jesus and one another.

Meg and Jon-Marc live in the Near West End with their two children—a boy and a girl.

Contact: meg@citychurchrva.com

Katherine Malanoski

Katherine was born and raised in Laurel, Maryland, halfway between Baltimore and DC. 

She first came to Richmond to attend the  University of Richmond. She graduated in 2017 with a degree in Theater and with minors in German and Education. Post college, she moved to Vienna, Austria to teach through the Fulbright Program. After two years there, Katherine returned to the DMV area. There, you could find Katherine on (or rather behind) the stage, putting on educational puppet shows for schools up and down the east coast, or in the classroom, teaching art and theater to K-12 students. In her free time, she enjoys freelancing as a wedding calligrapher, making invites, signs, and place cards for many a special day.

Katherine joined the city church staff in 2022, as the Director of Children's Ministry. In this role, she plans curriculum and lessons for Sunday Formation and Children’s Worship; equips teaching volunteers; and works to educate children and help them build deeper relationships with Christ.

Katherine lives in the Museum District. 

Contact: katherine@citychurchrva.com

jennifer.jpg

Jennifer Murphy

DIRECTOR OF PRESCHOOL MINISTRY

Jennifer was born and raised in Hopewell, Virginia, where she lived until heading to Williamsburg to attend William & Mary. She graduated in 2002 with a degree in Psychology. Jennifer went on to serve as a missionary in Scotland with her husband, James. She spent some time as a full-time mom following the birth of their oldest son in 2009.

Jennifer joined the City Church staff in 2011 and currently serves as our Director of Preschool Ministry. In addition to overseeing the City Church nursery, Jennifer helps coordinate many of our family-related outreach events throughout the year, including our Christmas Pageant and Easter events.

Jennifer and James live in Chesterfield County with their three boys who keep them laughing…and on their toes.

Contact: jennifer@citychurchrva.com

Adam.jpg

Adam Bailey

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC & YOUTH

Adam was born in West Palm Beach, Florida to his parents, Tom and Mary, and older brother, Marshall. They lived there for two more years until his younger sister, Sarah, was born. Adam’s family then moved back to Richmond where his parents grew up to be closer to family and old friends.

Adam was raised in Midlothian, Virginia, and graduated from Midlothian High School. Adam studied Vocal Performance at VCU from 2011 to 2015 and worked various part-time church music jobs in the Richmond area. In addition to his work at City Church overseeing our music teams and Student Ministry, Adam works part-time for Chesterfield County Young Life.

Adam and his wife, Alycia, live in North Chesterfield with their son.

Contact: adam@citychurchrva.com

JB Burtch

DIRECTOR OF MENTORING

JB was born in Youngstown, Ohio, and raised in Niles, Ohio. He graduated from Wesleyan University in 1969 and Vanderbilt Law School in 1972. He has practiced labor and employment law here in Richmond since 1973.

As City Church’s Director of Mentoring, JB helps people discern where God may be leading them and encouraging them in their lives and careers.

JB lives in Ginter Park with his lovely wife, Susie. They have two grown sons and five grandchildren.

Contact: jb@citychurchrva.com