We are grateful for the faithful staff, leaders, and volunteers who help guide the ministry and mission of
Branchs Baptist Church. We invite you to learn more about the people who serve our church
family and community.
Serving Christ together at Branchs Baptist Church.
Church Staff
Meet the staff members who serve our church family through pastoral leadership, worship, administration, and care.
Raised and educated in Europe and the US, Pastor Sam Grozdanov brings a fresh perspective to the Christian faith and life to contemporary US culture. He is a serious student of the Bible who loves helping people connect with God. He and his wife, Snezana, enjoy reading, gardening, fishing, traveling, and spending time with their two children and five grandchildren.
Pastor
Arlene Guzmán
It is a pleasure to greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico in a Christian family, where from an early age I was able to learn about God and His Word. In 2004, I made my home in Richmond, Virginia, where the Lord has allowed me to continue growing, serving, and developing in different areas of His work.
In 1996, I graduated from the Carlota Alfaro Academy as a haute couture designer. Later, in 2003, I completed my studies at the Theological Institute of the Assemblies of Christian Churches. In 2004, I received a certificate from the Ministry of Training at the John Leland Center for Theological Studies in Arlington, Virginia.
In 2012, I was ordained as a pastor by Branch’s Baptist Church. Since then, by the grace of God, I have had the privilege of serving and pastoring the Casa Refugio de Amor Latino Ministry. This ministry holds a very special place in my heart, as I consider it a great privilege to walk alongside people in their journey with Christ, teach the Word of God, and share the message of the Gospel.
I have also had the opportunity to serve through radio ministry. Since 2007, I have been a radio program host at the Christian station Poder 1380 AM in Richmond, Virginia, and 88.1 FM in New Jersey. Through this ministry, God has allowed me to share His Word and His message of hope with many people.
Looking back, I can recognize that it has been God’s hand guiding me through every season and every ministry. He has shaped me, taught me, and prepared me to serve Him. I have learned that, both in times of abundance and in times of need, God remains faithful. Every trial, every challenge, and every blessing has been an opportunity to know His grace and faithfulness more deeply.
Therefore, I can gratefully say:
“Thus far the LORD has helped us.” — 1 Samuel 7:12
My desire is to continue serving the Lord and to be an instrument in His hands for the glory of Christ. God continues to fulfill His purpose, and my prayer is that through this ministry, many lives will come to know Jesus Christ, grow in His Word, and experience the transformation that only He can bring.
It will be a privilege to meet you, walk together in faith, and share with you the riches of God’s Word.
To God be all the glory!
Un poco sobre mí
Es un placer saludarles en el nombre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Nací y crecí en Puerto Rico, en el seno de una familia cristiana, donde desde temprana edad pude conocer acerca de Dios y de Su Palabra. En el año 2004 establecí mi hogar en Richmond, Virginia, lugar donde el Señor ha permitido que continúe creciendo, sirviendo y desarrollándome en diferentes áreas de Su obra.
En 1996 me gradué como diseñadora de alta costura de la Academia Carlota Alfaro. Posteriormente, en el año 2003, completé mis estudios en el Instituto Teológico de las Asambleas de Iglesias Cristianas. En 2004 obtuve un certificado del Ministerio de Formación del Centro John Leland para Estudios Teológicos, en Arlington, Virginia.
En el año 2012 fui ordenada como pastora por Branch’s Baptist Church, y desde entonces, por la gracia de Dios, he tenido el privilegio de servir y pastorear el Ministerio Latino Casa Refugio de Amor. Este ministerio ocupa un lugar muy especial en mi corazón, pues considero un gran privilegio poder acompañar a las personas en su caminar con Cristo, enseñar la Palabra de Dios y compartir el mensaje del evangelio.
También he tenido la oportunidad de servir a través de la radio. Desde el año 2007 participo como conductora de programas en la emisora cristiana Poder 1380 AM, en Richmond, Virginia, y en 88.1 FM, en Nueva Jersey. A través de este ministerio, Dios me ha permitido llevar Su Palabra y Su mensaje de esperanza a muchas personas.
Al mirar hacia atrás, puedo reconocer que ha sido la mano de Dios la que me ha guiado a través de cada etapa y cada ministerio. Él me ha formado, enseñado y preparado para servirle. He aprendido que, tanto en los tiempos de abundancia como en los tiempos de escasez, Dios permanece fiel. Cada prueba, cada desafío y cada bendición han sido oportunidades para conocer más profundamente Su gracia y Su fidelidad.
Por eso puedo decir con gratitud:
“Hasta aquí nos ayudó Jehová.” — 1 Samuel 7:12
Mi deseo es continuar sirviendo al Señor y siendo un instrumento en Sus manos para la gloria de Cristo. Dios sigue cumpliendo Su propósito, y mi oración es que, a través de este ministerio, muchas vidas puedan conocer a Jesucristo, crecer en Su Palabra y experimentar la transformación que solamente Él puede producir.
Será un privilegio conocerle, caminar juntos en la fe y compartir con usted las riquezas de la Palabra de Dios.
¡A Dios sea toda la gloria!
Worship Minister
Becky Hopkins
Becky Hopkins got an early start in worship music, landing her first church staff job at the age of 15. After completing her education at Liberty and Florida State Universities, she worked as a musician, teacher and worship minister before coming to Branch's in 2020. Becky is grateful for the opportunity to oversee church music programs, finding great joy in inspiring others to connect with God through song. She draws on God's Word and a wide range of musical style to help children, adults, and seniors know, love, and worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth. Becky is married to her ministry partner and best friend, Kevin. They are parents to three amazing children and two of the most beautiful grandchildren in the world. Becky loves discovering new music, traveling, reading, spending time with family, and sewing with friends.
Office Manager
Cathy Marshall
A long-time resident of Branch's local community, Cathy joined our staff on January 20, 2020, bringing over 30 years of experience in church administration to her new role. With a sense of true calling, she finds great joy and contentment in serving God's church and His people. In addition, Cathy answered a call to serve in church music over 40 years ago and is the accompanist at Bethel Baptist Church in Midlothian. Her passion for music is matched only by her lifelong love of animals—fostered through 4-H programs that included music, horse, and veterinary science projects. Cathy met her husband, Dennis, through their shared love of horses and rodeo, and they married in 1982. Today, Dennis is a beekeeper, and together they care for five very spoiled cats. In her spare time, Cathy enjoys Southern Gospel music, knitting, crafting with her mother, and spending time with family.
Office/Worship Assistant
Barbara Bowen
Barbara Bowen is a lifelong Virginia resident who began serving at Branch’s in June 2025. She joined the team at the conclusion of a nearly 35-year career in federal and state government communications. Her last position as the state public information officer for USDA Rural Development offered a great opportunity to share the stories of people living in small towns across the Commonwealth.
In this next phase of life, Barbara is committed to using her time and talents to serve the Lord. She is active in her home church, Winn’s Baptist, chairing the Missions Committee and participating in various ministry activities. When she’s not working, Barbara enjoys reading, beach trips, walks in nature, and spending time with friends and family.
Security Manager
Stephen Oliver
Stephen Oliver serves as the Security Manager for Branch's Baptist Church, helping to provide a safe and welcoming environment for our congregation and guests. He works behind the scenes to support the ministry of the church and the well-being of all who gather here.
Church Treasurer
Lois Jennings
Lois Jennings faithfully serves as the Church Treasurer for Branch's Baptist Church. Through her dedication and careful stewardship, she helps support the ministries and mission of our church by overseeing its financial responsibilities with integrity and care.
Sunday School Superintendent
Steve Williamson
Steve Williamson faithfully serves as the Sunday School Superintendent for Branch's Baptist Church as a dedicated volunteer. He works alongside our teachers and church leaders to support the Sunday School ministry and help create opportunities for people of all ages to grow in their faith and understanding of God's Word.
