Meet our Staff!
Rev. Dale Stanley
Lead Pastor
Dale Stanley is a graduate of the North American Lutheran Seminary (at Trinity Anglican Seminary) in Ambridge, PA. He has been married to his wife, Rosalind, since 2010 with whom he has four wonderful kids. He enjoys spending time with his family and telling bad jokes.
Dale grew up in Roanoke, VA, and Hickory, NC. His relationship with the Lord grew deeper during his time at Lynchburg College (now Univ. of Lynchburg) and has grown from there. He is passionate about exploring the riches and depths of God’s love, especially in Scripture and worship. Dale has a desire to help others grow in their knowledge of how wonderful the Triune God is and how amazing His works are.
He also enjoys long walks, baseball, and mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Marti Bessinger
Music Director
Marti Bessinger is an active performer and music educator. She holds a Master of
Music in piano performance from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor of Music Education and Music Therapy from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
She served as organist, music coordinator, children’s and youth choir director at the
First United Methodist Church for twenty two years in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Marti
also accompanied performances in both piano and organ for numerous concerts with
the SWOSU university choirs, music theatre and the local high school in Weatherford.
She was an Oklahoma public school music educator for many years and in addition
taught music education classes as an adjunct instructor at SWOSU. She recently retired
from teaching music at Arts Based School in Winston-Salem, but continues to teach
group and private piano at UNCSA Community Music School.
She is the wife of Dr. David Bessinger, retired professor of music at SWOSU, and the
mother of two lovely grown boys.
Teresa (Teri) Roberts
Parish Administrator
Teresa (Teri) Roberts has been a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church since 2020 and is actively involved in the life and ministry of the congregation. She is a member of the choir, has served as Chairperson for Music and Worship since 2024, and is also a member of the Church Council.
Teri is a retired Registered Nurse (2025) and remains a Certified Nurse Case Manager through 2027. Her professional background includes Emergency Nursing, Geriatrics, Cardiology, and Endocrinology, bringing strong organizational, communication, and care-coordination skills to her role as Parish Administrator.
She holds five college degrees, including an Associate in Applied Science, an Associate Degree in Nursing, and Bachelor’s degrees in Nursing, Biology, and Psychology.
In addition to her professional and church leadership, Teri is currently a Branch Councilor with Foresters Financial, where she hosts and coordinates various community events throughout the year using grants provided by Foresters.
Teri has a longstanding interest in Scottish heritage and culture. She has served as Convener and representative for Clan Nesbitt/Nisbet since 2010, participating in and supporting Highland Games throughout the Southeastern United States. Through this role, she remains active with the Nesbitt/Nisbet Society of North America, helping foster community, preserve tradition, and build connections across generations.
Born in Florida, Teri has lived in Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. She enjoys reading, writing, caring for animals, and creative costuming. She was an award-winning costumer at the 46th World Science Fiction Convention in 1988, receiving honors for Hopi Kachinas (Best Mythology) and Samurai Cat (Best Re-Creation). A lifelong cat lover, she currently shares her home with a ginger tabby named Samwise Gamgee, and has previously cared for dogs, chickens, and a pinto pony!
Teri is also a published author. Her books include A Pocket Guide of Disaster Preparedness and The Essential Beginner’s Guide to Raising Chickens, with The Essential Retirement Bucket List forthcoming. She has taught Disciple Bible Study at all four levels and enjoys sharing her faith and gifts in service to others.
Her faith is deeply grounded in Scripture, and her favorite Bible passages include John 15:11–13 and Psalm 121, which reflect her commitment to love, service, and trust in God’s abiding presence.
Our Mission & Vision
St. John's is a Christ-Centered, Mission-Driven Community.
We believe that the mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel and to make disciples for Christ. We believe that making disciples — in our congregations, in our communities and nations, and around the world — must be a priority of the Church in the present age.
