The Session (Elders)
PASTOR (TEACHING ELDER):
DAVE BENTZ
Dave grew up in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and is a graduate of James Madison University. After college, he taught history and geography and coached track and volleyball at Turner Ashby High School in the valley. The love of his life, Chris, has patiently tolerated his antics for over 25 years now. They have 4 children (2 of which are now married) and two dogs named Bungee & Indie. Dave is a graduate of Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL. He was an associate pastor in Fredericksburg, VA before working with a group of people to plant a church in King George in 2002. Dave is an astronomy buff, likes to read, enjoys reef aquariums, suffers as a Mets fan, and likes The Beatles, B.B. King, Mozart, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Michael Card, Ricky Scaggs, Indelible Grace, Motown, funk, Diana Krall, Tolkien, Narnia, The Shawshank Redemption, Groundhog Day, The Dirty Dozen, The Fugitive, and other things/music/movies too numerous to mention.
ELDER: RANDY BROOKS
Randy and his wife Erlene were guided by unknown hands as two teenagers who connected in the hallways of Caroline High School in 1966. Through God’s providence these two young believers’ faith and love endured separation through college years at Virginia Tech, culminating in marriage and a career in engineering with the Navy. Four adult children, eleven grand-children and forty-eight years of doing the Government’s business are transitioning into retirement, just in time to celebrate 45 years of marriage. God’s faithfulness to them through the Church of God has been unfathomable. They look forward to serving Grace Presbyterian Church in the role of elder and wife.
ELDER: JONATHAN FRANKLIN
Jonathan Franklin is a native of King George, VA. He graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. Not forsaking the examined life, he has worked with children and families since 2005 as a Child Protective Services Investigator with the King George Department of Social Services. He met the love of his life, Bethany (who is also Randy's daughter, see above), in high school, and they have shared life and encountered God’s faithfulness and providence ever since. Jonathan has a passion for music of all kinds, ranging from the acoustic harmonies of bluegrass to the digital dissonance of electronic dance music, and has no fear of cranking the distortion with his Les Paul. Jonathan and Bethany have three children, Sylas, Violet and Spencer. As a family they relish Thai food, walks in downtown Fredericksburg, and tabletop games. It is not unusual to find Jonathan immersed in a documentary or podcast, and he welcomes you to join him anytime for the experience.
ELDER: BEN GOLDMAN
Ben grew up in Roanoke, VA and graduated from Virginia Tech with a master’s in mechanical engineering. He moved to King George after college and works in unmanned systems at the Naval Surface Warfare Center: Dahlgren Division. When the robots take over, you can blame him. He and his wife, Anna (also the church secretary) met through Reformed University Fellowship at VT. They have four children: Sam, Elise, Peter & Caleb who constantly keep them on their toes. Ben enjoys woodworking, gardening, science-fiction, historical fiction, bluegrass/Americana music, tacos, and most importantly cheering on Hokie Football.