Ministerial Staff
Rev. Dr. Travis Russell
senior Pastor
Travis has been on staff since June 2018. He received his Bachelor of Science in Education from UNC Greensboro and his Master of Divinity from Campbell University Divinity School, with distinction and languages, as well as a concentration in pastoral care. He recently completed his Doctor of Ministry from Duke Divinity School. As a pastor, Travis seeks to cultivate a Christ-centered community of belonging and believes the church is a transformative place where we connect with God and belong together. Travis met his wife, Whitney, at Campbell University Divinity School, and they have two sons, Carter and Parker.
Rev. Dr. Chris Monroe
Associate SENIOR Pastor: worship
Chris came to Vinton Baptist Church in the fall of 1993. He grew up in Athens, TN and is a graduate of Carson-Newman University, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and The Robert Webber Institute for Worship Studies. He assists the Senior Pastor with ministerial duties, plans and leads most worship events at VBC, and coordinates the Music Ministries. Chris has been married to Mary Beth for 22 years.
Rev. Whitney Russell
associate pastor of youth & missions
Whitney earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of NC at Chapel Hill in Political Science and English and her M.Div. with distinction from Campbell University Divinity School. She also gained additional training in pastoral care through a chaplain residency at WakeMed Hospital in Raleigh NC. Whitney loves working with church members and teachers to provide opportunities for growth, development, and education through programs, studies, retreats, and learning opportunities. She also seeks to provide connection to the church through missions and outreach to the Vinton community and beyond. Whitney is married to Travis, and they have two sons, Carter and Parker.
Jessie Burgess
minister of children & families
Jessie has been an active member of VBC for several years and came on staff in October 2023 after having taught on the elementary school level for several years. Jessie holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Mary Baldwin University and a Bachelor of Arts in Performance/Music from James Madison University. She and her husband, Matt, have two children: Lydia & Atlas.
Barbara Shutt
Leader, JOY Seniors
Barbara has been actively involved in various ministries as a member of VBC for a number of years. In 2019 she became the leader of the JOY ("Just Older Youth") Seniors Ministry. In conjunction with the JOY Council, she coordinates monthly JOY luncheons, helps plan community service/outreach opportunities, and organizes day and overnight trips for our senior adult group. Barbara is married to Ken Stump and enjoys spending time with both children and grandchildren.
Administrative Staff
Patsy Talbert
church secretary
Patsy has been Church Secretary at VBC since January 1983. She is a faithful member of Melrose Baptist Church and jokes that God blessed her with two church families. Patsy knows everyone and everything about Vinton Baptist Church, and we are very thankful for her tenure at VBC.
Carrie Tolley
finance administrator
Carrie joined the administrative staff at VBC in 2017. She is a faithful member of Hollins Road Baptist Church, where she also served as administrative staff. She and her husband Tim have two adult children, as well as a canine child, Charleigh, and a feline child, Lucy.
Kim Yonce
communications coordinator
Kim has been part of VBC's administrative staff since 2017. She loves the creative aspects of her current position, as well as the opportunities for ministry. Kim is currently pursuing her Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies through The John Leland Center. She has two teenagers, Cross & Virginia.