pastoral team

  • Marty baker

    SENIOR PASTOR

    EMAIL MARTY

    Dr. Marty Baker joined Burke Community as Senior Pastor in the fall of 2008 after pastoring in northern California for almost 20 years.


    He holds a bachelor's degree from Azusa Pacific University, a ThM in Hebrew from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Ministry in Apologetics form Southern Evangelical Seminary. He has been married to his wife, Liz, for over 35 years and they have 2 grown children (Nathan and Amanda) and 3 grandchildren (Harper, Olivia and Hudson).


    In addition to shepherding BCC, Marty enjoys opportunities to speak at a variety of events, such as  the National Day of Prayer at the Pentagon, chapel at Dallas Theological Seminary, and teaching classes at the National Conference on Christian Apologetics. Marty is an avid reader, and is passionate about landscaping, lawn maintenance, and spending time with his family.


  • MICHAEL COFFEY

    ADULT GENERATION PASTOR

    EMAIL MICHAEL

    Michael came to Burke Community Church after serving 30 years as an active duty Army Chaplain. He graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Masters of Theology (Th.M.) degree in 1986 (Pastor Marty was 1 year ahead of him in school). While in the Army he completed his studies for a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary (1994). As an Army Chaplain, Michael served with infantry, aviation, combat engineer, medical and other units and had many exciting staff and command Chaplain positions. He finished his military career as the Chief of Staff, US Army Chaplains branch at the Pentagon. 


    He married the love of his life, the former Laura Kronauer, in 1981 and they traveled the world with their three children, Nathan, Meghan, and Jason. When his three children graduated from college and took jobs in the Washington DC area, Michael and Laura decided to retire from the military to their home in Fairfax Station, VA. Shortly after that, he joined the staff of BCC.


    Michael enjoys any time spent with family; visiting historic sites and cultural events in this area; trying to beat Pastor Marty in the number of tulips and other bulbs planted in his yard; and running around the area lakes and trails with his little white dog, Lilly.


    He seeks to know Christ better and to make Him known to others. 

  • Bob Thornton

    CARE & COMMUNITY PASTOR

    EMAIL BOB

    A native Texan, Bob joined the BCC staff shortly after retiring from his final assignment at the Pentagon after a 23-year Army career.  While serving part-time as our Director for Young Adults and Singles, Bob attended seminary and maintained a consulting business to the Army.  Bob transitioned to full-time ministry on our staff in early 2015.

     

    Bob holds a bachelor’s degree from University of Houston, a Post Graduate Intelligence Program certificate from DIA’s National Intelligence University, and a master's degree in Christian Leadership from Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS).  Bob also earned a master’s degree in Biblical Counseling from DTS to enhance our ability to care for our community.

     

    Bob and his wife Kathi have been married for over 25 years following a story-book wedding on the beach in Hawaii while stationed there with the Army. They are blessed with three children together (Madison, Emma, and little Bobby) and two older children (Danielle and Bryan), born to Kathi when previously married.  Bob and Kathi enjoy catching movies and cheering for the Dallas Cowboys when not doing their favorite thing – having fun family time with the kids.

  • ALEC ZACAROLI

    MiSSIONS/OUTREACH/ASSIMILATION PASTOR

    email Alec

    Alec Zacaroli joined BCC in 2020, following a 20-year career in law and 7 years in journalism. He received a Master in Theology (ThM) from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2019, and also holds a Juris Doctor from American University, and a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the George Washington University. He and his wife, Amy, have four children, Nick, Sophie, Hannah and Rebecca.


    In 2003, Alec and Amy founded 25:40 (www.2540.org), a ministry dedicated to bringing the hope of Christ to orphaned and vulnerable children in rural, poverty-stricken areas of South Africa, where Alec lived as a child. In addition to their passion for the least of these, Alec and Amy enjoy hiking, exercising together, traveling, and most especially (as former reporters) reading and writing.


    Alec's call to ministry became clear to him through John 14:6 - when he found the imperative of sharing the truth that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, and the

    only path to the Father was his reason for being.