Rev. Dr. Larry Buxton, Senior Pastor

Reverend Dr. Larry Buxton became Senior Pastor of Burke UMC in July 2007. A native or Portsmouth VA, Larry has been a member of the Virginia Conference since 1975 and has served congregations full-time since 1978.  He is a graduate of The University of Virginia, Yale Divinity School, and Wesley Theological Seminary.  His background includes campus ministry, pastoral counseling, and seminary teaching.  Larry and his wife Bev have lived in Northern Virginia for 19 years, with a 10-year period in the Richmond area.  Larry and Bev have two sons: Garrett, a student at UVA, and Tyler, a student at Virginia Tech.

Janet Salbert, Associate Pastor

Rev. Janet Salbert joined the Burke UMC Ministerial Staff in 2006. Janet had been serving as a Licensed Local Pastor at Silverbrook United Methodist Church since 2002. She received her Masters of Divinity degree from Wesley Seminary in Washington, D.C. and is now a commissioned probationary elder. Janet and her husband, Dr. Paul Salbert, have four sons: Eric, Ives, Jay, and Daniel.

T. Bryson Smith, Associate Pastor

Rev. Bryson Smith first came to Burke United Methodist in 2000 while he was still a student at Wesley Theological Seminary, starting as an intern and taking an active role in the youth group and youth ministries. After graduating and becoming ordained, Bryson became an associate pastor at Burke UMC in 2002, now leading the youth program and serving as a LifeSign worship leader. Bryson and his wife Lori have one son, Jackson.

 Judy Fender, Minister of Discipleship

Rev. Judy Fender is an ordained deacon in full connection. Judy joined the staff of BUMC in October of 2000 and has primary responsibility for Christian Education, Children’s Ministry, and Missions. Judy directs the Altar Guild and Acolyte ministry. A graduate of Wesley Theological Seminary she is passionate about theological education and missions. Judy has served at St. Matthew’s UMC and St. Stephen’s UMC in the areas of Evangelism, Youth Ministry; and Program Director. She is certified by The UMC in the ministry of Evangelism and Christian Education. Her husband Frank is retired from the United States Department of Agriculture-Foreign Agricultural Service. Their son and daughter are both married and they are blessed with 3 grandchildren.

Burke United Methodist Staff