Leadership

Father Buchanan joined the Galilee team in 2009. At a young age he felt called to ordained ministry, and after completing his undergraduate degree at Sewanee and a year studying classical bagpipe music in Scotland, he completed his M.Div. at Trinity Seminary outside of Pittsburgh, was ordained in 1997 and served for 12 years in Connecticut. He holds an additional master’s degree in theology from Yale, and a doctorate from The University of the South. He is a fifth-generation Californian and is married to Dr. Dana Buchanan, an internist and pediatric physician. Together they have three children. In his free time he plays bagpipes competitively and reads widely.

“Father Ben” was born in the medieval university-town of Cambridge, England, to an Australian-Swiss immigrant couple. His boyhood dream was to be a tank-commander with one of the old, historic cavalry regiments, and though briefly an officer cadet for the Queen’s Royal Lancers at the Military Academy, Sandhurst, felt called by God to serve in a rather different army – the “Lord’s Army,” that is, the Church: he was ordained to the priesthood in 2015 at Leeds Minster, and has served parishes in Yorkshire and rural Tennessee. Along the way he gathered various degrees, both undergraduate and postgraduate – in International Relations and Philosophy (St. Andrew’s, Fife), Conflict Resolution (Bradford), and Theology (Ridley Hall/St Edmund’s). He’s married to Rebekah, an American; and they’ve a daughter, Poppy. He’s passionate about Jesus – of course!, the Bible, and history (particularly ancient and of Islam); and enjoys gardening and table-top war-gaming.

Nigel has been involved in the healing ministry since 1991. He has been the director and founder of two healing centers, The Oratory of the Little Way in Connecticut (1996-2004) and one in upstate New York. (2004-2013). Ordained in 2005, Fr. Nigel is an author, International speaker and founder of By His Wounds, Inc., a ministry, committed to restoring the healing gifts of Jesus Christ. Born & educated in England, he served in the Royal Marine Commandos for 7 years, and for the last two years was a Drill Instructor at the Commando Training Center. A great deal of his ministry is the Welcome Home Initiative, reaching out to all veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress or moral injury. Nigel travels throughout the United States, Canada, England, and Sweden teaching on the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ, and leading retreats for veterans who suffer in silence with Post Trauma Stress. Central to his ministry are the words of Jesus: Preach the Kingdom and heal the sick. (Luke 9:2)  

Lillie Tillar grew up in the Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia. She graduated from Sweet Briar College with a B.A. in Studio Art and a NK-6th grade teaching certification. Her love and passion for teaching children started many summers ago at Camp Seafarer in North Carolina, where she served as a counselor for 5 years, after attending as a camper. Lillie loved teaching elementary school as it allowed her to combine her background in the arts and education to share her love of learning with children. Once she became a mother, she continued to fulfill her passion for children by spending hours volunteering, mentoring and tutoring to youth. Lillie started attending Galilee with her family in 2009. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Rick, and their two daughters, Virginia Ames and Claudia. She is active in her community and volunteers frequently at her children’s school, Norfolk Academy. In her spare time, she likes reading, crafting, spending time with family, and paddle boarding with friends.

Nathan joined the Galilee team in 2022. He grew up in Harrisonburg, Virginia where he attended James Madison University for his undergraduate degree. Nathan spent much of his college career working with Middle School and High School students through the ministry of Young Life. After graduating Nathan spent two years working in the field of mental health particularly with teenage boys and girls. He moved to Virginia Beach in 2021 and is now pursuing a Masters of Divinity through Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Nathan loves to play soccer, surf and is passionate about music. He is an avid reader of fiction and loves the art of storytelling.

A native of New Hampshire, Mary earned degrees in organ from Westminster Choir College and Yale Institute of Sacred Music. She has performed extensively as a solo concert artist, and has sung with numerous choral ensembles, touring internationally and being recorded professionally. Prior to coming to Galilee, she was the Associate Director of Chapel Music for St. Paul’s School in Concord, NH. Mary has been blessed to serve as organist and/or choirmaster for churches throughout the northeast, and is thrilled to be part of the team at Galilee. She enjoys spending time outside with her husband, Eric (also an experienced church musician), their two sons, Eric Jr. and Abe, and their two dogs.

Ruth Wilkins attended Campbell University and received a BA in Religion and Youth Ministry. She grew up in North Carolina where she met her husband of 29 years, David . She and her family moved to Virginia Beach and started attending Galilee in 2010. Her passion is people, hospitality and bringing people together. She started working at Galilee Church as the Director of Adult Programs/new members in 2012. She enjoys exercising, travel, being with friends, watching the sunrise on the beach and being with her family - husband, David and daughters, Stewart and Kate. Contact Ruth at this email.