At Alexandria Free Methodist Church, we believe it is vital to have leaders who are called by God and dedicated to serving both His people and those still far from Him. Our ministry is carried out through a combination of paid staff and committed volunteers, working together as one team. Each person brings unique gifts, a servant’s heart, and a desire to see lives transformed by the grace of Jesus Christ.
Ben Tolly
Head Pastor
Pastor Ben Tolly began serving as the lead pastor of Alexandria Free Methodist Church in 2025, bringing with him a wealth of ministry and leadership experience. Before coming to Alexandria, he served three terms as Superintendent of the Gateway Conference (FMCUSA), where he helped reverse a decade-long decline by planting new churches of many styles and by strengthening Latino, Nepali, Central African, and African-American ministries.
Earlier in his ministry, Pastor Ben was on staff at Crossroads Community Church in Michigan and was the founding pastor of The Bridge Church in Illinois. He earned his Master’s in Leadership and Ministry from Greenville University and has served on several boards, including Greenville University’s Board of Trustees, the Briner School of Business Advisory Board, and the Edwardsville YMCA. He has also provided leadership beyond the U.S. as former Director of Men’s Ministries International and continues to serve with Project Scotland and the St. Louis Urban League’s “Grill to Glory” initiative.
Pastor Ben and his wife Julie have two daughters—Willow (married to Mike) and Winter. They enjoy yearly beach vacations with extended family, and Pastor Ben has a unique hobby: competing in the Masters division of the Scottish Games, where he throws cabers and other heavy objects—for fun!
Earlier in his ministry, Pastor Ben was on staff at Crossroads Community Church in Michigan and was the founding pastor of The Bridge Church in Illinois. He earned his Master’s in Leadership and Ministry from Greenville University and has served on several boards, including Greenville University’s Board of Trustees, the Briner School of Business Advisory Board, and the Edwardsville YMCA. He has also provided leadership beyond the U.S. as former Director of Men’s Ministries International and continues to serve with Project Scotland and the St. Louis Urban League’s “Grill to Glory” initiative.
Pastor Ben and his wife Julie have two daughters—Willow (married to Mike) and Winter. They enjoy yearly beach vacations with extended family, and Pastor Ben has a unique hobby: competing in the Masters division of the Scottish Games, where he throws cabers and other heavy objects—for fun!
Russell & Elizabeth Wilson
Worship Leader & CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DIRECTOR
Russell and Elizabeth Wilson have been members of Alexandria Free Methodist Church since they were married in 2005. They both have served the church wherever they’ve been needed—as youth group leaders, small group Bible study leaders, Sunday School teachers, or delegates to conference.
Russell has been playing keyboard on the worship team since 2010, and became worship team leader in 2024. Elizabeth has been serving as the Director of Christian Education since 2011.
Russell has been playing the piano in the President’s Own U.S. Marine Band since 2002. Elizabeth has worked as a public school teacher and as a writer and communications specialist for disability organizations. She currently homeschools their four children, Barnabas, Naomi, Lydia, and Mary
Russell has been playing keyboard on the worship team since 2010, and became worship team leader in 2024. Elizabeth has been serving as the Director of Christian Education since 2011.
Russell has been playing the piano in the President’s Own U.S. Marine Band since 2002. Elizabeth has worked as a public school teacher and as a writer and communications specialist for disability organizations. She currently homeschools their four children, Barnabas, Naomi, Lydia, and Mary
Frank Braxton
YOUTH DIRECTOR
Frank Braxton has been a part of the Alexandria Free Methodist family for over 20 years. In that time the church has seen him serve the Audio/Visual team and the Trustees. He currently guides the Youth Group and leads a Youth Camp for the Acts 12:24 Conference.
A native of Springfield, VA, Frank attended Fairfax County public schools before studying marketing and psychology at Norfolk State University. After becoming Marketing Director for a nationwide company, he turned his sights on the permitting and building aspects of his field and currently runs construction companies in the Northern Virginia area.
Frank now lives in Burke, VA with his wife Clarien who is a Project Manager and has taught Sunday School for our elementary aged students. They are blessed to have two daughters: Arlissa, a graduating senior who trains the A/V team on camera operations for our livestream services and Adrianna, a middle schooler with incredible artistic talents in music and painting
A native of Springfield, VA, Frank attended Fairfax County public schools before studying marketing and psychology at Norfolk State University. After becoming Marketing Director for a nationwide company, he turned his sights on the permitting and building aspects of his field and currently runs construction companies in the Northern Virginia area.
Frank now lives in Burke, VA with his wife Clarien who is a Project Manager and has taught Sunday School for our elementary aged students. They are blessed to have two daughters: Arlissa, a graduating senior who trains the A/V team on camera operations for our livestream services and Adrianna, a middle schooler with incredible artistic talents in music and painting
Alejandro Lopez
Head Trustee
Alejandro Lopez was born in September 1990 as the youngest of three children in the Dominican Republic. At the age of nine months, his family relocated to upstate New York. Under the mentorship of his father, a carpenter, Alejandro cultivated a passion for tinkering by disassembling and reassembling objects, which he carries with him into his work as Head Trustee for Alexandria Free Methodist Church.
Over time, Alejandro's interests transitioned from manual labor to the field of digital Information Technology, and, in addition to his work at the church, he also currently works for a non-profit as a Director of IT. Alejandro also enjoys spending time with his wife, Lauren, their border collie, Buddy, and their new son, Elijah.
Over time, Alejandro's interests transitioned from manual labor to the field of digital Information Technology, and, in addition to his work at the church, he also currently works for a non-profit as a Director of IT. Alejandro also enjoys spending time with his wife, Lauren, their border collie, Buddy, and their new son, Elijah.