General Archives - Greater Discipleship Center

Meet Our Team

Posted on Jan 9, 2026 in General |

Rev. Phil & Rev. Alyson Major Senior Pastor and First Lady

Pastor Phil and Rev. Alyson Major are passionate shepherds with a deep love for God, people, and the local church. Their journey in ministry began many years ago at Cornerstone Fellowship Church of God, where they faithfully served together in multiple areas of church life. During their time at Cornerstone, they worked in Children’s Church, later stepping into the role of Youth Pastors, and eventually serving as Young Adult Pastors and Benevolence Pastors. Rev. Alyson also served faithfully on the cleaning crew, in the music ministry, and as the church secretary, demonstrating her heart for humble service and excellence in all things. After years of faithful leadership, Pastor Phil and Rev. Alyson were called to serve as Senior Pastors in Culpeper, Virginia, where they led the church for four impactful years. During this season, Rev. Alyson also worked with Young Life and led the church’s Women’s Ministry, investing deeply in the spiritual growth and discipleship of women and young people. Following their time in Culpeper, God called them back home to serve at Greater Discipleship Center, where they now lead with a renewed vision to build disciples and rebuild lives. Their ministry is marked by authenticity, compassion, and a desire to see people encounter Jesus in life-changing ways. Pastor Phil and Rev. Alyson believe the church is where hope is restored, and disciples are made for the glory of God.

Rev. Thomas and Rev. Christy Brown

Associate Pastor and Assistant Pastor

Pastor’s Thomas and Christy Brown have faithfully served the Greater Discipleship Center family for over 13 years, beginning at Cornerstone Fellowship Church of God. For 12 years, they led as Children’s Church Pastors, helping children encounter God, grow in faith, and discover their identity in Christ. They also served as Mental Health Coaches, walking alongside individuals and families through life’s challenges while providing emotional and spiritual care. Thomas and Christy are passionate about coming alongside others to step into their God-given ministries and callings, believing the church should be a place of healing, restoration, and discipleship through authentic relationships and compassionate care.

Rev. Lanica Tallon

Music Minister

Rev. Lanica Tallon serves as the Worship Pastor at Greater Discipleship Center and is a licensed minister in the Church of God. She has been part of the worship ministry at Greater Discipleship Center since 2009 and began leading worship in her current pastoral role in March 2025. Growing up in a deeply musical and ministry-centered family—spanning choir directors, worship leaders, musicians, and church leadership—worship through song has always been close to her heart. Lanica leads vocally and brings a healthy blend of contemporary and gospel worship, with a deep passion for creating an atmosphere where God’s presence desires to dwell and where the congregation is invited into intimate, life-giving worship. Guided by Romans 12:1, her heart is not only to worship the King of Kings through song, but to live a life of worship daily.

Lanica and her husband of 15 years, Mike Tallon, reside in Hampton.

Paul and Amber Blanco

Next Generation Ministers

Paul and Amber faithfully served our nation in the military and joined the Greater Discipleship Center family after being stationed in Italy. Since their arrival, they have become a vital part of our church, pouring their hearts into the lives of children and families. What began as serving in children’s ministry has grown into a calling, and today Paul and Amber lead this ministry with passion, dedication, and love. Their greatest desire is to see every child and youth encounter Jesus in a personal and meaningful way. They believe ministry is more than programs, it’s about helping the next generation build a real relationship with Christ that will shape their lives for years to come.

What We Believe

Posted on Jan 9, 2026 in General |

The Church of God has adopted the following Declaration of Faith as its standard and official expression of its doctrine. We Believe:

In the verbal inspiration of the Bible.
In one God eternally existing in three persons; namely, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
That Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of the Father, conceived of the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary. That Jesus was crucified, buried, and raised from the dead. That He ascended to heaven and is today at the right hand of the Father as the Intercessor.
That all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and that repentance is commanded of God for all and necessary for forgiveness of sins.
That justification, regeneration, and the new birth are wrought by faith in the blood of Jesus Christ.
In sanctification subsequent to the new birth, through faith in the blood of Christ; through the Word, and by the Holy Ghost.
Holiness to be God’s standard of living for His people.
In the baptism with the Holy Ghost subsequent to a clean heart.
In speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance and that it is the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
In water baptism by immersion, and all who repent should be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Divine healing is provided for all in the atonement.
In the Lord’s Supper and washing of the saints’ feet.
In the premillennial second coming of Jesus. First, to resurrect the righteous dead and to catch away the living saints to Him in the air. Second, to reign on the earth a thousand years.
In the bodily resurrection; eternal life for the righteous, and eternal punishment for the wicked.