Reverend Bates came to Verona from Central United Methodist Church in Richmond, VA. During his time in Richmond, Reverend Bates also served as an Adjunct Instructor of Religion at Virginia Commonwealth University and Randolph-Macon College where he taught courses in World Religions. Reverend Bates has served appointments in North Carolina and Virginia. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Oral Roberts University, his Master of Divinity degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University and completed a Ph. D. in 2005 in Theology and Ethics at Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond.

Reverend Bates' wife Amy earned her Master's in Music in Piano Pedagogy from Southern Methodist University and has Taught piano privately for over 20 years. They have two children; Rachel attending Wake Forest University and Justin attending Randolph-Macon College.

Shawna is the full-time Administrative Assistant.  She and her husband Tracy are the parents of Anita, and they reside in Staunton.

We are honored to have Soprano Melissa Sumner serving as the Coordinator of Music Ministries at Verona UMC. Melissa received a BA from Emory and Henry College, a MM from the University of Tennessee, and is currently pursuing a DMA at James Madison University. She is the Coordinator of Vocal Studies and Director of the Opera Workshop at Mary Baldwin College. Ms. Sumner has performed with Ash Lawn Opera Festival, Operafestival di Roma, and Knoxville Opera. She lives in Staunton, VA with her husband Shawn Swisher, where she maintains a Vocal Studio.

Tammy is the Associate University Budget Director at James Madison University. She received her BS in Organizational Development from Eastern Mennonite University and is currently completing her Master's of Public Administration from James Madison University. She and her husband Steve reside in Verona and are the parents of Zach and Mark.