Pastors (or elders) are biblically qualified men who oversee the local church, particularly through teaching God’s Word, praying, caring for church members, and training members to do the work of ministry. These are the men our congregation recognizes as elders.
VISION & TEACHING PASTOR
Carey is the lead church planter and pastor of Pillar Church of Norfolk. He and his wife Erin were married in 2020 and have two children, Micah and Keziah. Before coming to Norfolk, Carey served on staff at Pillar Church of Dumfries (the first church in the Pillar family of churches), Pillar Church of Washington, D.C., and McLean Bible Church. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing from Liberty University and a Master’s degree in Biblical Counseling from Luther Rice Seminary.
Pastor
Jonathan Rivera and his wife, Quemeka, met while serving in the Navy and were married in October 2005. They are the proud parents of Jada, Jonah, Joshua, Jenesis, and Justice. Jonathan enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September 1998 and retired after more than 25 years of service as the Command Master Chief of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Twelve (HM-12) in Norfolk, Virginia. Throughout his military career, he faithfully served alongside chaplains and fellow service members, proclaiming Christ and the gospel. Jonathan was part of the launch team that planted Hampton Roads Fellowship in 2013 and served there as a pastor from 2018 to 2022. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies from Liberty University and is a certified speaker, trainer, and coach with Maxwell Leadership, as well as the founder of Rivera Leadership.
Pillar Kids Director
Tatiana Almonte serves as the Pillar Kids Director at Pillar Church of Norfolk. Originally from Florida, she and her family have been part of Pillar Norfolk since the church launched on Easter 2024. Tatiana is a Navy wife and the mother of two boys who is passionate about helping children know and love Jesus. She has served in children's ministry for more than a decade, completed extensive training in early childhood development, and holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. She is committed to partnering with parents and creating a safe, joyful, and Christ-centered environment where children can grow in their faith.
Carey Julien and his wife, Erin, married in January 2020 and are the parents of a son, Micah, a daughter, Keziah, and another son, Azariah. Before coming to Norfolk, Carey served in various ministry positions at McLean Bible Church, Pillar Church of Washington, D.C., and Pillar Church of Dumfries, as well as several churches in West Palm Beach, FL, his hometown. He holds a B.A. in Marketing from Liberty University and an M.A. in Biblical Counseling from Luther Rice College & Seminary.
Jonathan Rivera and his wife, Quemeka, met while serving in the Navy and were married in October 2005. They are the proud parents of Jada, Jonah, Joshua, Jenesis, and Justice. Jonathan enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September 1998 and retired after more than 25 years of service as the Command Master Chief of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Twelve (HM-12) in Norfolk, Virginia. Throughout his military career, he faithfully served alongside chaplains and fellow service members, proclaiming Christ and the gospel. Jonathan was part of the launch team that planted Hampton Roads Fellowship in 2013 and served there as a pastor from 2018 to 2022. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies from Liberty University and is a certified speaker, trainer, and coach with Maxwell Leadership, as well as the founder of Rivera Leadership.
Tatiana Almonte is originally from Florida and has been part of Pillar Norfolk with her family since the church launched on Easter 2024. She is a Navy wife and the mother of two boys who is passionate about helping children know and love Jesus. With more than a decade of experience serving in children’s ministry, extensive training in early childhood development, and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, she is committed to partnering with parents and creating a safe, joyful, and Christ-centered environment where children can grow in their faith.