church

LEADERSHIP & STAFF

"For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45

Reverend Scott Benson

Interim Pastor

Pastor Benson is a graduate of Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, OH. He has served 40 years in ministries that have included urban, suburban and rural churches located in diverse locations from Long Beach, CA to Shenandoah County,VA and Suffolk, VA. Most recently, Pastor Benson was the interim pastor forLakeside Lutheran in Littleton, NC (Lake Gaston). During his career, Pastor has worked with youth groups, including Virginia Synod youth events, small groups, shut-ins, retreats, music and various other aspects of church ministry. Pastor Benson and his wife Babs live in Chesterfield County and enjoy hiking, gardening, traveling and meeting new people.

James Ingraham

Commissioned Lay Preacher, 
Council President

Jim began his current term on council in 2022 and was elected to serve as president in 2023. He previously served as Congregation President from 2015-2017. In addition to our council, Jim has previously served CLC as our financial secretary, and as a member of our finance, faith formation, stewardship, call committee and communication ministries. Jim earned his MBA degree from Northeastern University in Boston.  After initially working in corporate finance, he retired from the Virginia Department of Taxation where he managed cigarette and tobacco tax compliance and worked on tax policy and legislative issues.  Jim has been a Virginia Synod Commissioned Lay Preacher since 2023. He also serves on the Virginia Synod's Ministerial Candidacy Committee and is currently studying to become a Virginia Synod Authorized Minister (SAM).

Patty Franz

Council Vice President

A member of Christ Lutheran Church for forty years, Patty has been active in food ministries, soup suppers during Lent, and receptions to name a few. She been a Lay Assistant, has preached, and has taught Faith Formation many times. Patty also is active  in the Richmond Weavers Guild that meets at the church, having woven two paraments, including a funeral pall, for the church.

Carol Jones

Council Secretary

This is Carol’s fourth time serving on council. In addition to serving on council, Carol has been part of the Evangelism, Social Ministry, IT/Communication, and Quilting ministries. Carol and the quilting ministry have provided quilts to disaster victims worldwide, including making two mission trips to Guatemala to provide aid and relief to victims of a volcanic eruption.  Closer to home, the quilters have also created quilts for the Virginia State Police to provide aid and comfort to those in accidents and other traumatic situations. Carol is also our liaison to Casa de Dios, a Hispanic congregation that shares our facility.   

Linda Keener

Music Director

Linda has been our Music Director since 1992. She is an accomplished organist providing accompaniment for our Sunday worship.  She also directs the Chancel Choir and Bell Choir.  Linda  aims to offer a variety of musical styles in worship and frequently engages area musicians to join our worship service or provide concerts in our sanctuary. 

Sybil Bowman

Administrative Assistant

Sybil has been with CLC since 2022. Prior to coming to CLC, she had a 21-year career as an Executive Administrative Assistant at Altria as well as being the Director of Marketing for Regency Square Shopping Center prior to that.  Sybil enjoys gardening, playing guitar and singing, and hot yoga along with spending time with her dog, Swan.

Dr. William Franz

Commissioned Lay Preacher

Dr. William (Bill) Franz is a retired Professor of Physics and Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs at Randolph-Macon College. As a long- time member of Christ Lutheran Church, he has served as a member of the planning group for the Virginia Synod’s annual Power in the Spirit conference and is also a frequent presenter at these convocations.  He has served in several other leadership roles in Synod ministries.  Bill has been a Virginia Synod Commissioned Lay Preacher since 2022 and regularly leads worship services at congregations throughout Virginia.