Kristen McBrayer

Senior Minister

Reverend Doctor Kristen McBrayer has been part of the United Church of Christ since childhood. Growing up in Minnesota, she pursued her undergraduate studies at American University in Washington, D.C., where she earned a BS in Business Administration.

A recipient of the Richard & Helen Brown Scholarship for Pastoral Education, she received her Masters of Divinity degree at Lancaster Theological Seminary in Lancaster, PA. Prior to joining Emmaus, Rev. Kristen was the Senior Pastor at Bethel UCC in Arlington, VA. During her tenure at Bethel UCC, she was selected to the Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI), a ten-year UCC transformational program, which she completed in 2023. With the support of NGLI and Emmaus, Kristen completed her Doctorate of Ministry with a focus on preaching from Chicago Theological Seminary in 2024.

Reverend Kristen, her husband Dan, and their children are all active in the life of the church and the Vienna community. You are most likely to find her at the pool in the summer, or at the baseball fields, basketball court or a gymnastic competition supporting her kids' many passions.

Robert “Bobby” Faison

Minister of Faith Formation and Mission

Robert “Bobby” Faison is our Minister of Faith Formation and Mission. Elder Faison continues to serve as the Executive Minister of the Community Church of Washington, D.C., and Moderator of the Potomac Association of the Central Atlantic Conference of the United Church of Christ. Previously, he has worked in a number of church roles, including Christian education and leading youth programs. Elder Faison is licensed in the Baptist tradition and attends Wesley Theological Seminary as a Master of Divinity candidate while pursuing ordination in the United Church of Christ.

Elder Faison has two adult sons, Darius and Joshua. Darius is a graduate of Drexel University, while Joshua continues to pursue a degree at the University of Maryland College Park.

Elder Faison seeks to conduct his life based on James 1:22 - "Do not merely listen to the word, do what it says." His ultimate goal is to glorify God in all that he does while at the same time being a blessing to the people that he encounters on life's journey.

Allison Shelby

Director of Music

Allison Shelby works closely with the Rev. Kristen to support our worship services on piano and organ, directs the choir, and brings local singers and musicians, including a number of youth, to Emmaus on Sunday mornings.

Allison graduated from James Madison University with a degree in Music Education. Along with her duties as Director of Music at Emmaus, Allison owns “Music Playhouse”, a music school for young children in Vienna. Additionally, she has enjoyed an active solo career singing in the Northern Virginia area.

Jayne McLaughlin

Director of Church Administration

As the Director of Church Administration, Jayne combines three office functions: Office Manager, Building Use Coordinator & Liaison to Renters, and Role Coordinator.

All aspects of Emmaus' administrative and scheduling life, including volunteer positions, are managed by Jayne. She works closely with our church leaders, other staff members, our renters, and is always available to assist members and friends.