Green Lakes Baptist Church Leadership
Green Lakes Baptist Church is blessed to have a leadership team who are truly dedicated to Christ and accomplishing His will. Following are brief bio's of our leadership team and their qualifications for ministry.
Mark Carman Senior Pastor -Mark Carman serves as Senior Pastor of Green Lakes Baptist Church, bringing decades of ministry experience marked by clarity, compassion, and steady leadership. With a background that includes pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, teaching, music, and community engagement, Pastor Carman is uniquely equipped to lead churches through seasons of transition and renewal. He is known for addressing difficult realities with honesty, guiding change through teaching and clarity rather than force, and helping congregations rediscover hope, unity, and forward momentum. Since arriving at Green Lakes in December 2022, Pastor Carman has focused on stability, healing, trust, and vision, leading the church with a calm confidence rooted in biblical truth and a deep love for people.
Alma Carman - Missionary – Mission Possible (Philippines)Alma Carman is a native of the Philippines and serves faithfully as a missionary through Mission Possible, the missions outreach of Green Lakes Baptist Church. She ministers in the region surrounding Surigao City, working closely with and supporting two local churches through discipleship, encouragement, and community-focused outreach. Alma’s ministry is deeply relational, shaped by her understanding of local culture, language, and community life, allowing her to serve with sensitivity, authenticity, and trust.Alma is married to Pastor Mark Carman, Senior Pastor of Green Lakes Baptist Church. Together, they share a heart for missions and a long-standing commitment to gospel-centered ministry in the Philippines. Alma’s work reflects a steady, long-term approach to missions — one rooted in presence, faithfulness, and partnership with local leaders. Through her service, she helps strengthen churches, support families, and extend the hope of Christ in practical and meaningful ways.
Andrew and Pamela Wood - Elder & Pastors of Prison Ministry -
Andrew and Pam Wood serve together as the leadership team over the Prison Ministry at Green Lakes Baptist Church. Andrew serves as an Elder, providing spiritual oversight, wisdom, and steady leadership, while Pam brings pastoral care, discipleship, and encouragement to those they serve. Together, they are deeply committed to sharing the gospel, offering hope, and walking faithfully with men and women impacted by incarceration.Their ministry is marked by compassion, integrity, and a firm belief in redemption and transformation through Jesus Christ. Through teaching, presence, and consistent faithfulness, Andrew and Pam lead this ministry with humility and conviction, representing the heart of Green Lakes Baptist Church both inside the walls of correctional facilities and beyond. Their partnership reflects a shared calling to reach people often forgotten, reminding them that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.
Tom Thomasson - Pastor of Educational Ministries -
Tom Thomasson serves as Pastor of Educational Ministries at Green Lakes Baptist Church with a deep passion for discipling and mentoring Christians and equipping believers for spiritual growth. He brings a wide range of ministry experience across multiple areas of church life and has partnered effectively with diverse, multi-ethnic congregations. Known for his caring and compassionate demeanor, Tom communicates creatively and connects well with individuals of all ages. Licensed and ordained through Green Lakes Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia, Tom is committed to helping the church fulfill its mission through strong, biblically grounded educational programs.Tom holds a Bachelor of Science in Biblical and Theological Studies with a minor in Christian Counseling from Liberty University. His ministry experience includes serving as an interim pastor, pulpit supply preacher, and ministry leader in multiple churches throughout the region, where he has provided pastoral care, preached God’s Word, and guided congregations through seasons of transition. In his current role, he leads and coordinates educational ministries, develops curriculum and resources, trains and mentors leaders. In addition to his ministry work, Tom brings extensive experience in management and administration through his career with Dollar Tree Stores, Inc., strengthening his ability to lead with both spiritual insight and organizational excellence.
Calvin Vaughn - Director of Security -
Calvin Vaughn serves as Director of Church Security at Green Lakes Baptist Church and is an active Deputy Sheriff with the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Department. He brings professional training, sound judgment, and steady leadership to ensuring a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for everyone who enters our campus. Church security at Green Lakes is approached with balance and wisdom — emphasizing preparedness, awareness, and care for people rather than creating fear or distraction.Through thoughtful planning, trained volunteers, and coordination with local authorities, Calvin helps ensure that families, children, and guests can worship, learn, and fellowship with confidence and peace of mind. His leadership reflects our commitment to stewarding safety responsibly, allowing the church to focus fully on ministry, worship, and serving the community.
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