Pastor

Reverend Chris Luper

Young’s Chapel welcomed Chris Luper as pastor in August 2023. Chris is a native of Grayson County, having grown-up just east of Oak Hill in the Bridle Creek community. He attended Emory & Henry College, before completing his master’s degree at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY. After seminary, Chris met his wife Libby while on a summer mission trip. They have four daughters, all of whom couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the YCBC and Oak Hill community. They love being outside together and the girls are actively involved in several sports. Having served in churches all of his adult life, from Virginia, to North Carolina, to Tennessee, the call to Young’s Chapel Baptist Church was very much a homecoming. 

Music Director

Lucy Phipps

Young’s Chapel Baptist Church has been home for Lucy all her life. The roots of her family are deeply embedded in the YCBC community: her maternal grandfather, Hal Eaton, served as YCBC’s pastor for 22 years, and her parents, Laura and Zane, were married in the sanctuary, where they first met as children. For as long as she can remember, Lucy has sung in the church choir alongside her family and friends. She has served as Music Director since 2019 and is also part of the Technology, Worship, and Health & Well-Being Ministry Teams. Lucy considers growing up at YCBC to be the biggest blessing of her life, and she is immensely grateful for the Christian foundation that was, is, and will continue to be fostered by this fiercely supportive community of faith. Lucy is a professional school counselor for Ashe County Schools and enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and pets.

Deacons

  • Dustin Phipps

    Deacon Chair

    As a fourth generation member, Young’s Chapel Baptist Church has been Dustin’s home of worship all his life. Dustin states it has been a blessing to have the support of this church through his journey of faith. He and his wife, Kayla, are overwhelmed with joy to see their 3 children building their foundation of faith alongside a wonderful group of friends. They are both natives of the area who support their local community through working with children and livestock. Their family enjoys being adventurous, whether it’s in the kitchen, yard, farm, or woods. They enjoy traveling; however, their hearts are the fullest amongst family and friends here on the New River in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

  • Michelle Phipps

    Deacon Secretary/Church Clerk

    Michelle began attending and became a member of Young’s Chapel Baptist Church, after marrying her husband Craig, who grew up at YCBC, in 1994. Together they have two daughters, Kendra and Karley. Karley recently began her family journey marrying Noah. Michelle is the Director at the Children’s Developmental Services Agency of the Blue Ridge, which is North Carolina’s Early Intervention Program. There are many things she loves about being part of the amazing community of faith at YCBC. Most of all, she loves that YCBC is an accepting, loving, and giving community of faith that continually strives to find ways to support the local community and the community abroad.

    Her favorite scripture is Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” She strives to always fight the good fight with love and grace.

  • Nicole Butt

    Nicole is an elementary school teacher, currently teaching intervention groups in both reading and math at Grayson Highlands Elementary School. She lives with her husband of 20 years, Aaron, and their three children aged ten through fifteen. They enjoy traveling, hiking, and playing a variety of card and board games. Nicole also enjoys being involved in local theater productions and directing the church Christmas pageant. YCBC is special to her for the variety of ways church members use their unique gifts to make our community a better place and share the love of God with others.

  • Terri Young

    Terri and her husband Steve live in the Volney community and have one daughter, Stephanie. Terri and Steve have just celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary. In her words, “In the years that I have had the privilege of worshiping at Young’s Chapel Baptist Church, I have been able to grow in my faith and love for God and to use what God has given me to work at being the hands and feet of Jesus.” Terri has served on various Ministry Teams, community projects, and as fill-in Sunday School teacher, and is currently serving a second term as a Deaconess.

    Professionally, she is a Correctional Nurse and works for the state of Virginia in that capacity. She is a past Emergency Medical Technician and Instructor, CPR Instructor, and has volunteered for several years with the community fire department and rescue squad.

  • Daniel Teague

    Daniel began attending Young’s Chapel Baptist Church in August of 2017. He enjoys taking an active role in the YCBC community as a member of the Maccabean and Building and Grounds Ministry teams. He is thankful for this community of faith for helping him grow in his relationship with God.

    Professionally he has been in the grading business since 2016. He enjoys reading, hiking, kayaking, and spending time with family and friends.

    Daniel’s favorite bible verse: Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. — Proverbs 3:7

  • Penny Lassiter-Halsey

    Penny Lassiter Halsey and her husband, John, are beginning their 20th year as members of Young’s Chapel. They were married here the Summer of 2004 and have been active members ever since. Penny has been an active choir member all of her adult life. She served as Choir Director at Young’s Chapel for many years before retiring in 2019. John and Penny have enjoyed participating over the years in adult Sunday School as well. Penny states “We are so thankful for our church family and the love and support the church continues to provide to our family.”

    Outside of the church activities, Penny is a retired educator who served in Virginia Public Schools as a Communication Disorder Specialist (1972-2021). She enjoys her pets, traveling, and visiting family and friends.