Worship Leader
Marvin Ford
Marvin Ford has comprehensive experience in musical direction, spanning over 40 years having studied at Howard University, Peabody Conservatory, and Montgomery College. Marvin is more than the Music Staff at Solid Rock, Marvin is the heart and soul of our expressed worship to God! Marvin combines both high-end technical playing and singing skills with down to earth passion for Jesus to produce what has become “The Solid Rock Sound.” Marvin is more than a director; Marvin has hand-selected and invested in teaching and training lay singers who have become the “Solid Rockers Praise Team.” Marvin has a passion for people and believes in building people the same way he plays music; which is with all his heart, all his soul, and all his might! You can contact him at solidrockva@gmail.com or leave a message directed to him at (703) 979-4860.
Elders
Elders at Solid Rock are a central part of our staffing. Because Solid Rock is a rapidly growing multi-generational and multi-ethnic church, the Elders serve as lay pastors and assist the pastor in any pastoral care that may be needed. The following elders currently serve at Solid Rock:
Emmanuel Adu-Poku
Emmanuel Adu-Poku was born in Ghana to Isaac & Millicent Adu-Mensah. He began his service to the Lord at age 16 serving in many capacities in the church as Secretary, Treasurer, Deacon, Praise Team Member, Pathfinder Director and is currently serving as an Elder at Solid Rock SDA Church.
He completed his Economics degree at the University of Ghana and later relocated to the United States where he pursued his graduate studies in Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination. He is currently working as a professional auditor with a global energy company. His wife, Jennifer, is a registered nurse and a great partner in ministry and life. Their lovely daughter, Ayaana, joined the team in 2014 and continues to serve the Lord. His passion is not only meeting people and sharing Jesus but also serving others and children, in hopes that they may see the beauty of God. He’s active in missions and community partnerships, and his hobbies include hiking, jogging, and singing.
He looks forward to seeing and serving you, and remembers that we “… can do all things through Christ who strengthens” us (Philippians 4:13). You can contact him at solidrockva@gmail.com or leave a message directed to him at (703) 979-4860.
Wayne Medley
Wayne Medley is a gifted bible student and preacher of deep truths. Wayne is a calm and cool personality that runs deep beneath the surface. In addition to serving as an elder, he is a natural leader who often leads out in the weekly call in “Drive Time Devotions.” Wayne also teaches the discipleship class and involves himself in assisting in whatever the church is engaging in. You can contact him at solidrockva@gmail.com or leave a message directed to him at (703) 979-4860.
Steven Lwasa
Steven Lwasa specializes in discipleship and teaching discipleship classes. Steven is a person who is deeply committed to having a personal relationship with Christ and modeling to others how to do the same thing. Steven’s spiritual focus extends past the individual and is often the voice asking what “we” as a group of believers can do to represent Christ to the world better. You can contact him at solidrockva@gmail.com or leave a message directed to him at (703) 979-4860
Olu Long
Olu Long (Oluchi Nwosu-Long) is our young adult elder and excels in young adult ministries, mentoring, and interpersonal counseling skills. Olu is also a key part of the “Solid Rockers Praise Team” and sings with them almost every week. Along with her husband Patrick, she is an avid fitness enthusiast and runs marathons and other races in the community. You can contact her at solidrockva@gmail.com or leave a message directed to her at (703) 979-4860.
Peter Thomas
Peter Thomas is another long-time elder with skills that have served the church for many with blessings over the years. Peter’s excellent skills at listening, caring for the homeless, and being a natural peacemaker has made Solid Rock a better come compassionate church. Peter is a “people’s person” who actively reaches out to the community on behalf of the church and builds bridges wherever he goes. You can contact him at solidrockva@gmail.com or leave a message directed to him at (703) 979-4860.
John Chester-Inniss
John Chester-Inniss hails from Georgetown, Guyana and has been involved in ministry since his pre-teen years. He was born to Wilbert and Deborah Inniss and is the second of their three children.
At his ‘home’ church in Georgetown, Guyana- Ebenezer SDA- John was a very active leader in his local church and served as an Ordained Deacon, Assistant Sabbath School Superintendent, member of the Adventist Youth Society, Pathfinder Director, an Elder in-training with responsibility for the Youth Department and Religious Liberty, among other roles, but was particularly fond of working with the youths and young adults. He is still fondly referred to as ‘Director John’.
John has been serving as an Elder at Solid Rock church since September 2020 and currently attends the Solid Rock Seventh-day Adventist Church, in Arlington, Virginia.
He is married to the lovely Shaneeza Chester-Inniss. Their union has produced three wonderful children: Gabrielle, Ethan and Ariel.
His hobbies are reading, international affairs, meeting people and volunteerism.
Romana “Ro” Lavalas
Ro (Romana Lavalas) is a new elder who describes herself as approachable and quirky. Ro is a key member of Solid Rock’s praise team. She has a heart for young people and volunteers with our Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs. She also enjoys volunteering with Solid Rock’s ministry to Arlington Community Homeless Shelter.