Our Team
Pastor: Rev. John E. Hackworth Jr. (Pastor John)
Pastor John came to home to Lynn Haven Baptist Church in April of 2026. John grew up in this church in the 1980s, preaching his very first sermon here on a Youth Sunday in 1986. After that, he received a Bachelor's Degree from Carson-Newman College (1991) and a Master of Divinity in Christian Education from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (1995). Pastor John has served in four congregations since 1992, including ours. Pastor John and his wife, Karla, have been married for 34 years and have three adult children including Abigail (and husband Clint) who is the Minister to Families at FBC Shelby, NC; Maggie, who is a professional nanny; and Jake, who is an HVAC technician.
Director of Family Ministries: Amanda Lusk
Amanda Lusk joined our staff as Director of Family Ministries in May of 2025, after already having served as a volunteer for several years in children, teen, and young adult ministries alongside her late husband, Eric, who served as Lynn Haven's Minister of Music and Youth. Before his passing, Eric and Amanda served the Lord together for nearly three decades in five different congregations throughout the Roanoke Valley. Their work included music, youth, Sunday school, children's church, and Vacation Bible School, as well as young adult ministries. In her position now, she currently serves Lynn Haven in the areas of nursery, preschool & children’s church, youth, and young adults.
When Amanda is not at LHBC, she's busy teaching elementary school at Herman L. Horn Elementary where she has worked for twenty-five years as a 1st and 5th grade teacher. She is passionate about being a good role model and ensuring that every child knows they are uniquely and wonderfully made. It is clear that God put teaching in Amanda's heart at an early age and she's thankful God has allowed her to use her talents in public school as well as in a church setting. Amanda is the mother of two grown children, Chandler and Callie, and a grandma to a Bloodhound named Hank, and four ducks named Honey, Maple, Willow, and Fern. She enjoys kayaking, hiking, reading a good book in her hammock, and spending time on the lake with her family.
Interim Worship Leader: Carolan Deacon
Carolan Deacon has a heart for worship and a deep love for Jesus Christ. She joined our staff in January of 2026. She is passionate about helping people connect with God through music, authentic worship, and meaningful community. Carolan considers it a privilege to serve at Lynn Haven Baptist Church and to be part of sharing the hope and love of Christ with others.
Office Manager: Tera Lasher
Tera Lasher joined our staff full-time in April of 2026. Before that, she previously worked in our weekday preschool for several years and also served on a part-time basis in our office. Tera possesses an infectious smile and brings joy to our office every day. She is a great blessing in the way she cares for the members of our faith community and pays great attention to detail in her work. Every single day she brings with her a deep passion for being in service to others on the job, and thrives on both coffee and kindness! Outside of the office, Tera is a wife and mom of four. She loves spending quality time with friends as well as family, especially if it's at the lake, which is her happy place.