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 supported by our Wise Council Team (Elder Team) and Ministry Deacons. We operate under the oversight of the Lifehouse Network, have roots in the Assemblies of God, and are connected to the Association of Related Churches. Our leadership team includes dedicated staff ministers who use their unique gifts to fulfill the vision of Lifehouse Church, alongside a strong team of volunteers who serve each week in our kids, youth, production, worship, setup/teardown, hospitality, care, outreach, and group 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.

Telvin and Rebeca Howe

Pastor

Pastor Telvin and Rebeca, born in different states—Telvin a military child born in Georgia, Rebeca in Northern Virginia—found each other and tied the knot in the 757 area. They are united by their passion for spreading the love of Jesus, nurturing transformative relationships with Him, and striving to see people connected to community. 

In his free time, Telvin loves cheering on his beloved Atlanta Falcons, catching the latest movies, and honing his skills on the smoker. He also loves to read, diving into fiction and non-fiction books, and enjoys moments spent with Rebeca and their two boys.

Rebeca, on the other hand, adores being a mom to Grayson, Zayne, and their mini Goldendoodle, Olive (affectionately known as “baby girl”). She finds joy in nature walks, hearing people’s life stories, and expressing her creative side through Interior Design and thrifting. Rebeca also loves sipping Chai lattes with friends and spending quality time with her husband.

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.

Emily Johansson

Spiritual formation coordinator

Emily has the honor of supporting the Lifehouse team as the Spiritual Formation Coordinator. She’ll finish her second year of ministry school in May 2025 and falls more in love with Jesus with every breathtaking layer of theology. She is passionate about seeing the Bride of Christ made radiant, spotless, and ready for her Bridegroom. Emily grew up in Virginia Beach and now makes her home in Newport News, where she and her husband, Andrew, are raising their three children, Caleb, Hazel, and Levi. Her idea of fun is game night with the family, conversation and lattes with a friend, going for a run (bonus points if it’s raining), and getting lost in a book about Jesus.

There are no in-person services at Regal this Sunday. Worship with us in homes this At the Table Weekend!

No services at our Newport News or Hampton locations, Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27. Instead, join us on Sunday for Church at the Park!

No in-person services this Sunday, February 23rd. Join us online only at 9:30 AM.

Join us for Church at the Park on Sunday, November 3rd! After the service, enjoy a chili cook-off, Trunk or Treat, and more.