Leadership

Father Buchanan joined the Galilee team in 2009. At a young age he felt called to ordained ministry, and after completing his undergraduate degree at Sewanee and a year studying classical bagpipe music in Scotland, he completed his M.Div. at Trinity Seminary outside of Pittsburgh, was ordained in 1997, and served for 12 years in Connecticut. He holds an additional master’s degree in theology from Yale, and a doctorate from The University of the South. He is a fifth-generation Californian and is married to Dr. Dana Buchanan, an internist and pediatric physician. Together they have three children. In his free time he plays bagpipes competitively and reads widely.

“Father Ben” was born in the medieval university-town of Cambridge, England, to an Australian-Swiss immigrant couple. His boyhood dream was to be a tank-commander with one of the old, historic cavalry regiments, and though briefly an officer cadet for the Queen’s Royal Lancers at the Military Academy, Sandhurst, felt called by God to serve in a rather different army – the “Lord’s Army,” that is, the Church: he was ordained to the priesthood in 2015 at Leeds Minster, and has served parishes in Yorkshire and rural Tennessee. Along the way he gathered various degrees, both undergraduate and postgraduate – in International Relations and Philosophy (St. Andrew’s, Fife), Conflict Resolution (Bradford), and Theology (Ridley Hall/St Edmund’s). He’s married to Rebekah, an American; and they’ve a daughter, Poppy. He’s passionate about Jesus – of course!, the Bible, and history (particularly ancient and of Islam); and enjoys gardening and table-top war-gaming.

Involved in the healing ministry since 1991 and ordained in 2005, Fr. Nigel is an author, International speaker, and founder of By His Wounds, Inc., a ministry committed to restoring the healing gifts of Jesus Christ. He served in the Royal Marine Commandos for 7 years, and for the last two years was a Drill Instructor at the Commando Training Center. A great deal of his ministry is the Welcome Home Initiative, reaching out to all veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress or moral injury. Central to his ministry are the words of Jesus: Preach the Kingdom and heal the sick (Luke 9:2).

Melissa has served in church and parachurch ministries for over 16 years in Canada, the United States, and overseas. She has served as an Associate Pastor, Pastor of Discipleship, director of Adult Education, Elder, and worship team member. Since 2017, she has partnered with various ministries to train and equip men and women in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda for ministry. She founded Equipping Ministries Global in 2023 to train pastors and church leaders with biblical, theological, and discipleship training.

Lillie Tillar grew up in the Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia, and holds a B.A. in Studio Art and a NK-6th grade teaching certification from Sweet Briar College. Her passion for working with children began as a camper and counselor at Camp Seafarer in North Carolina and continued through her career as an elementary school teacher, where she combined her love for art and education. Since becoming a mother, Lillie has remained dedicated to mentoring and supporting students through volunteering and tutoring. She and her family have been active members of Galilee since 2009. Lillie enjoys spending time with her husband, Rick, and their two daughters.

Ezra grew up in Richmond, Virginia, and attended James Madison University for a B.S. in Speech and Communication Studies. He was able to serve and lead with InterVarsity as a small group leader and a member of their exec team. He graduated in 2024 and came to Virginia Beach for the VB Fellows program. He is passionate about music, enjoys reading, and is attempting to surf.

A native of New Hampshire, Mary earned degrees in organ from Westminster Choir College and Yale Institute of Sacred Music. She has performed extensively as a solo concert artist and has sung with numerous choral ensembles, touring internationally and being recorded professionally. Prior to coming to Galilee, she was the Associate Director of Chapel Music for St. Paul’s School in Concord, NH. Mary has been blessed to serve as organist and/or choirmaster for churches throughout the northeast, and is thrilled to be part of the team at Galilee. She enjoys spending time outside with her husband, Eric (also an experienced church musician), their two sons, Eric Jr. and Abe, and their two dogs.

Ruth Wilkins attended Campbell University and received a BA in Religion and Youth Ministry. She grew up in North Carolina where she met her husband of 29 years, David. She and her family moved to Virginia Beach and started attending Galilee in 2010. Her passion is people, hospitality, and bringing people together. She started working at Galilee Church as the Director of Adult Programs/New Members in 2012. She enjoys exercising, traveling, being with friends, watching the sunrise on the beach, and being with her family--husband, David, and daughters, Stewart and Kate. Contact Ruth at this email.