We are blessed to have an incredible group of people serving with us at Ridge.

Reverend Jonathan Howard, Associate Pastor

Jonathan Howard was born on the West Coast but grew up on the East Coast as an Army brat. As the son of a Baptist preacher, he’s been part of the church throughout his life. Jonathan has served in many church capacities as a volunteer greeter, teenage pastor for a day, small group leader, virtual campus pastor, youth pastor, and now associate pastor. Along the way, he earned a Master’s of Project Management from Western Carolina University and a Master’s of Divinity from Liberty University. Jonathan also completed a church-planting internship, an eight-year chaplaincy at a classical Christian school, and eight years teaching Bible, Latin, and Logic to middle and high schoolers. Before coming to the Richmond area and Ridge in early 2023, he served as Youth Minister at Crozet Baptist after his ordination by the Sandy Creek Baptist Association in central North Carolina. Jonathan is passionate about God’s call on his life to challenge the universal church to repentance and reform so we can reach new generations of not-yet-believers.

Jonathan can be reached by email at ridgechurch.jonathan@gmail.com or by calling the church office at (804) 288-5805, ext. 3.

Robert Coffman, Music Ministry Director

Robert Coffman has been the Music Director at Ridge Baptist for more than 14 years. His duties include directing the Chancel Choir and Handbell Choir.  Robert also leads and plays electric bass guitar for the Ridge Baptist Church Praise Band. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master’s in the Science of Education from Shenandoah University. Robert taught music for 37 years and retired from Henrico County Public Schools.  His experience includes middle school chorus, elementary general music, beginning band, and beginning guitar. His middle school choirs received Superior and Grand Champion ratings at national competitions.  Robert teaches private lessons in acoustic and electric guitar, electric bass guitar, trumpet, French horn, and voice for students of all ages.

Phyllis Coffman, Church Accompanist

Phyllis Coffman studied piano with Betty Foster, a long-time member of Ridge Baptist.  Phyllis studied organ with Ardyth Lohuis at Virginia Commonwealth University where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Church Music.  She is the organist and pianist at Ridge Baptist.  Phyllis has served as a church musician for various churches and denominations for over 44 years.  She has directed and accompanied choirs of all ages, from children to adults. Phyllis leads our Worship Celebrations with beautiful music on the organ and piano. She loves to sing and is a member of the Ridge Handbell Choir. Phyllis enjoys teaching piano and working with youth in the Ridge Puppet ministry.

Eliana Trojbicz, Church Secretary/Financial Secretary

Eliana is the newest member of the Ridge staff, joining in Spring 2024 as the Church Secretary/Financial Secretary. She can be reached by email at ridgechurchoffice@gmail.com or by calling the church office at (804) 288-5805, ext. 2.