Tim Ma
Senior Pastor, Lead Elder

In Christ, Pastor Tim concentrates on the ministry of the word and prayer (Acts 6:4).  Tim emphasizes forgiveness, discipleship, mercy, and grace in day-to-day ministry, as well as reliance upon Christ. He loves to see the church develop together as a family who shares the Word of God with people around them for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

After a successful business career, Tim was called to the ministry eighteen years ago while he had cancer and a two-year-old daughter. Responding to Jesus’ call, he left his job and went back to seminary. During those same years, Pastor Tim did the message and helped lead the soup kitchen at First Baptist in Charlottesville every week for six years.

Pastor Tim was also invited to help start a summer camp for kids with HIV and their families on behalf of University of Virginia Hospital. Tim faithfully served in this ministry for several years.

Tim also worked with the homeless and religious groups in New York City in the mid-90s in a part-time capacity, before he was saved, while he was in graduate school the first time in NYC. After his mother’s death, Tim felt God’s mercy, although he was not yet truly a Christian, by helping the downtrodden and hungry.

Tim hopes to meet with you and hear your story. Simply call the church office at (703) 368-9206 and ask for Ruthann. Generally speaking, you will receive a return phone call within 24 hours to schedule an appointment, except on the weekend.

Education: Undergraduate studies at Williams College in political science, philosophy, literature, and religion. Graduate studies predominantly, but not exclusively, at Westminster Theological Seminary in theology, missions, Hebrew, and Greek.

Ministry: 16th year as Senior Pastor, 11th year at Emmanuel. Previously blessed to serve as a deacon, classroom teacher, and home group teacher in the local church before being called to be a pastor.

Pastor Tim traces his ministry heritage back to William Bradford, the Puritan leader, of whom he is a direct descendent on his mother’s side. (His mother is also a graduate of Hillsdale College.)

Hobbies and interests include walking, swimming, movies, music, and a competitive game of chess now and again.