Transitional Leadership Named

On behalf of the Council of Richmond Hill, I am delighted to share the news that we have called three people to acting leadership. The Rev. Lorae Ponder has accepted the role of Acting Pastoral Director, and she will be assisted by the Rev. Sheryl Johnson and the Rev. Tom Baynham as Acting Assistant Pastoral Directors.

We are excited about this decision and have been truly blessed in this nomination process. Staff and residents shared their ideas around the structure of this transitional leadership, and many of you reached out to me and other members of Council with suggestions and offers of help. In just two short weeks, we were able to have important conversations, pray deeply together, and – with the guidance of the Holy Spirit – arrive at this inspired conclusion.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to our acting leadership team.

• The Rev. Lorae Ponder has served on the Council of Richmond Hill since 2021. She currently holds the office of Vice President of the Council and has been the driving force and organizer of our strategic planning process over the past two years. She works as a consultant to faith-based and non-profit organizations, with expertise in the areas of leadership and management, staff training and development, and program planning and development, among many others. She is the Associate Minister for Community Engagement and serves on the Multimedia Ministry at the Mount Tabor Baptist Church.
• The Rev. Sheryl Johnson has been on the staff of Richmond Hill for several years, working part time and wearing many hats. She serves or has served as the individual ministries coordinator, group retreat coordinator, webmaster, marketing and social media coordinator, and is fondly known as the “data guru” for her inspired work with the database. She has been an associate pastor, interim assistant pastor, hospital chaplain, and director of a Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s School. She is a graduate of the RUAH school and serves as a spiritual director.
• The Rev. Tom Baynham joined the residential community at Richmond Hill earlier this summer and serves as the Pastor for Hospitality and Welcome. Before returning to his hometown of Richmond, he served as Senior Pastor of Friedens United Church of Christ in St. Charles, MO. He has been an interim associate pastor and minister of music and worship, among other pastoral roles. He has valuable experience leading congregations through challenging transitions and healing. Tom is also a gifted musician.

All of these changes present some real challenges for the community of Richmond Hill. The Council is confident that our acting leadership will capably and faithfully shepherd the continuing mission of Richmond Hill. Council will continue to work closely with leadership, residents, and staff as they live into this new leadership structure.

Grace & peace,
Katie Johnson
Council President