You can call him Minister, Professor, or Family Counselor. Elder Henry Monroe Wright began his ministerial career in 1964 after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Oakwood College. He further qualified himself for the ministry by obtaining a Master's of Systematic Theology from Andrews University in 1965. Sensing the need for additional training, Henry M. Wright received another Master's Degree from Ohio based Methodist Theological Seminary in 1978. He also attended Vanderbilt University from 1979 to 1981 for postgraduate studies in church administration. His ministerial assignments have taken him to Louisville, Kentucky, Greenville and Jackson, Mississippi, Columbus, Ohio, and presently Alexandria, Virginia. During his fourty-two years of ministry, he has received more than forty awards and recognition for pastoral leadership, preaching and evangelism.

Over the years, Elder Wright has been given special assignments to serve on various committees including the Adventist Media Center Reorganization Commission, General Conference Commission on Women's Ordination, and the North American Division Committee for Union and Local Conference Secretaries' and Church Clerk Manuals. He has also written numerous articles in various church periodicals. Pastor Wright has had the consistent opportunity to be guest speaker and evangelist at many events, both in the United States and throughout the world.

Pastor Dean Waterman has 7 years in pastoral ministry, serving in Georgia, Minnesota, and Chesapeake Virginia before arriving at CPC. Prior to pastoral ministry Dean spent a decade in the business world as a Mortgage Broker, Realtor, and Auto Salesman. He and his wife Jody have been married 13 years, and have two children; Andrea (6), and Joseph (9).

While Dean counts photography, technology, Macs, and graphic design among a few of his hobbies, those who know him would say his love for God and passion to communicate the truth about God's character is the first motivation in his life. You might find Dean most often in jeans, but the heart of preaching God's amazing love will still be evident as you hang out with him.

Pastor James Reid, IV is from Virginia Beach, VA. He has three older sisters, 4 nephews and 2 nieces.

A product of Adventist education, he attended Tidewater Adventist Academy for elementary, junior and high school. He is also a graduate of Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, TX. He holds degrees in Broadcasting & Theology.

Pastor Reid has done all kinds of jobs from cleaning up bathrooms to teaching at Adventist schools in South Korea. His main passion is for evangelism, he has preached in evangelistic series since he became serious about his walk with Christ.

Pastor Reid feels that the Young of our church are the most powerful witnessing force we have. He believes in older members training the younger to finish the work.

He likes riding roller coasters, traveling, reading and playing golf. He is currently learning the basics of guitar.

Pastor Jose A. Barrientos Jr. affectionately known as "Josant" is the newest addition to the pastoral team in Community Praise Center SDA Church. He was born to Pastor and Mrs. Jose and Ana Luz Barrientos in San Benito, TX in 1983. When he was still a baby, his parents moved to Montemorelos University in Mexico; where his father finished his studies in theology. At the age of 3 his family moved to El Salvador in Central America, where he had the opportunity to serve in the communication field as a broadcaster, and production manager, in two Seventh-day Adventist radio stations.

Pastor Josant started his upper level education at the Seventh-day Adventist University in Alajuela, Costa Rica, Central America. And on May 2007 Pastor Josant earned his BA in Theology with emphasis on Metropolitan Ministry and a minor on Biblical languages from Columbia Union College, MD, USA.

Pastor Josant has served as an Assistant pastor, Bible worker, Youth Pastor, Teacher and on January 2008 he joined the team at Community Praise Center SDA church as the Children’s Ministries Pastor.

Pastor Josant has a wonderful sister, Anabell and both share the same birthday, February 15. Pastor Josant loves Evangelism, Mission, Youth Ministry, Children ministry, Languages, Pathfindering, Teaching, Community Service, Broadcasting (Radio or Television).

Pastor Smith was born into a family steeped in the Roman Catholic tradition in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1980, he was captivated by an "end of time" sermon series on the Great Controversy. During that same period, William was also influenced by his brother-in-law, Pastor Melvin Janey (currently pastoring in the Northeastern Conference), regarding the Third Angel‚s Message. Both events compelled William to fully accept the Gospel and embrace the doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventist Church through baptism at the Edmondson Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

Within a year of his baptism, William felt a call from God to pursue the gospel ministry. Shortly thereafter, he and his family relocated to Huntsville, Alabama where he attended Oakwood College. After graduating from Oakwood in the area of Bible Instructorship, the Allegheny East Conference of Seventh-day Adventist offered him a position as a Bible Instructor at the Sharon Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church in Wilmington, Delaware and surrounding areas. He gladly accepted and began the work of leading souls to Christ.

Over the last 18 years in the ministry, Pastor Smith has been responsible for baptizing over 600 souls. He has participated in and conducted over 15 crusades, taught numerous Soul-Winning Classes and developed his own Bible Study Course. Currently, he is in the process of designing a Soul-Winning Manual which will be employed as a training tool for those who want to administer Bible studies to baptismal candidates.

In his current post at Community Praise Center, Pastor Smith continues to develop and implement programs with the express purpose of carrying out the Great Commission: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Matthew 28:19 The driving force behind Pastor Smith is his sincere love for Christ and his passion for teaching the Word. He seizes every opportunity to utilize his spiritual gifts and stand as a "defender of the faith" In an effort to further develop his spiritual gifts to serve, he is now pursuing his Masters in Divinity.

Pastor William L. Smith fills many roles: a loving husband to Yvonne, devoted father to William Jr. and Aaron, a loyal friend to many, a Bible Instructor, and most important - a servant of God.

Dr. Cheryl Wilson-Bridges is the Minister of Worship at Community Praise Center (CPC) Seventh-day Adventist Church in Alexandria, Virginia. In August 2000, Dr. Wilson-Bridges accepted the call to be CPC’s first Minister of Music and became employed in this position by the Potomac Conference of Seventh-day Adventist in January 2005. She assembled a team of artists, musicians, and singers who empowered by the Holy Spirit, use their specific gifts to lead others in worship, uplift the broken, and change lives. And as the founder and first director of CPC’s sanctuary choir Higher Calling, she used each musical selection to witness, testify, heal, strengthen, and encourage.

Dr. Wilson-Bridges also serves as presiding pastor for worship services. She is a rotational pulpit pastor and ordained elder delivering the word with power and conviction. She has presented sermons and worship seminars for congregations both nationally and internationally. She is the author of the recently released book by Creation House Publishers entitled Levite Praise: God’s Biblical Design for Praise and Worship.

A former student of Andrews University and graduate of Howard University, Dr. Wilson-Bridges returned to academia in 2001. In May 2004, she received her Master of Arts degree in Practical Theology and Worship Renewal from Regent University’s School of Divinity. In May 2008, she received her Doctorate in Strategic Leadership with an emphasis in Worship Leadership from Regent University’s School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship. She is supported in God’s call by her husband, Conrad, and son, Darius.

Pastor Glenn Palmer is a native of beautiful Claremont, Jamaica. In 1970, he left the sunny Caribbean isle to make New York City his home. In 1973, he was impressed to move his family to (the country) Alexandria, Virginia. Pastor Palmer has been an active member of CPC for 31 years.

Born a Seventh-day Adventist, he has served the Lord in various capacities, including AYS Leader, Personal Ministries Leader, Head Deacon, Sabbath School Teacher, Sabbath School Superintendent, and Head Elder. He is currently serving as Lay Pastor of Community Praise Center.

Pastor Palmer has three adult children, Glendon St. Mark, Glenda Dorette and Gabrielle Melody. His greatest joy is seeing souls give their lives to Christ and enjoy the blessings of Christian living.

Hi, I am Debra Carroll. I am the Church Administrative Assistant. I keep things running smoothly in the office. I oversee the equipment, coordinate the church calendar and keep communication going and up to date in the weekly Church Bulletin.

I love this job because it has so many surprises. I never know who or what the next phone call will bring. You can reach me at 703-548-5998 Ext 10. I have been a member of CPC for eleven years. I am a member of Higher Calling Mass Choir, a member of Health Ministries, Director of the CHIP Program and a supporter of Sisters for Christ. My favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

Hi, I am Don Powell, church Building Superintendent and Engineer. I make sure the church physical plant is operational from the heating and air conditioning system to the roof, from ensuring a clean worship environment to grounds and snow removal. If its broken I want it fixed for optimum worship and use.
I have been a member of CPC for eleven years. I am involved with the Deacons', and Church Boards, Building Committee, Exalted Praise, Senior's Ministry and Artistic Design Ministries.
My favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Hello, I am Ron Gadsden Church Administrator. I have oversight for the Treasury, Building Engineer, Comptroller, Church Equipment and Property. I report in to the senior pastor and am a part of the church administrative staff. I love this job and the opportunity it provides me to work on a daily basis for the Lord in his facility as the ancient Levis did.
I have been a member of the CPC church family for nine years. I have met a lot of wonderful people here. Hats off to Don and Rosie Powell who were the first ones to welcome us when we first visited the church. My wife, Deria, and I are forever grateful for the kindness shown us by the CPC members through the years.
The verse that means so much to me is Isaiah 42:16 "And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them."
We in the office want your visit to the church during the week to be the best it can be. We look forward to serving you.

Hi, I am Charlene Bates. I am one of the church administrative assistants supporting pastors Boyd, Hayden, Smith , Children's Ministry Leader, Lana Gosine and Minister of Music, Cheryl Bridges. I backup Debra Carroll and handle the Weekly Children’s bulletin. I can be reached at 703-548-5998 Ext 19.
I am involved in Children's Ministry and Women’s Ministry. I have been a member of CPC for eleven years. My favorite scripture is Psalm 27:1 "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"