Staff

Don Klapka began serving as the Senior Pastor of Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church on March 1, 2019.   Don began his journey walking with the Lord while serving in the United States Army as a paratrooper at Fort Bragg NC. On Easter, 1994, Don accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. His passion and desire to learn and teach God’s word became evident as he began serving as a Deacon in August 2000. After retiring from the US Army and beginning his next career with the Federal Government in July 2003, Don became active as a Men’s Ministry Leader, Youth Sunday School teacher and Marriage Ministry assistant while serving at Westminster Baptist Church. Don finally accepted the call to go into ministry as a Pastor in May 2017. Don enrolled in Liberty University and later transferred to Andersonville Theological Seminary and has received his Master of Biblical Exposition. In April of 2018, Don was called as Associate Pastor for Youth and Young families to Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church. Now as the Senior Pastor, Don has a vision to reach the community and make an impact in the world.

Don has been married to his wife Ann for over 41 years, he has three adult children who are all married, and he has eight grandchildren.

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Justin Wilson began serving as the Associate Pastor of Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church in June 2026. Justin accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior on June 23, 1998, during a Vacation Bible School in Asheville, North Carolina. From that moment forward, God began a lifelong work of shaping his faith, character, and calling.

In 2009, while sensing God's call to ministry, Justin also answered the call to serve his community as a Maryland State Trooper. For nearly two decades, he faithfully served with the Maryland State Police while remaining actively involved in church leadership, discipleship, and student ministry. Throughout his law enforcement career, Justin served in numerous leadership, training, and specialized assignments, developing a passion for servant leadership both within the church and in the community.

For more than twelve years, Justin served as Student Ministry Director at Immanuel Baptist Church, investing in the spiritual growth of students and their families while helping build a strong culture of discipleship. He also served as Men's Ministry Director, Director of Safety and Security, Sunday School teacher, and mentor, faithfully equipping believers to grow in their walk with Christ.

Although God called Justin to ministry years earlier, he remained faithful in the vocation where God had placed him until the Lord clearly opened the door for pastoral ministry following his retirement from the Maryland State Police in 2026. He is currently pursuing further theological education and is passionate about preaching and teaching God's Word, making disciples, strengthening families, and helping believers grow in their faith.

As Associate Pastor of Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church, Justin's desire is to help people develop a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, build meaningful connections within the church family, and reach the surrounding community with the hope of the Gospel. His vision is to see lives transformed through the power of God's Word and for the church to be a place where people are equipped to know Christ, grow in Christ, and serve Christ.

Justin has been married to his wife, Alexis, since 2010. Together, they have two children, Karlee and Jaxon. As a family, they are excited to serve alongside the congregation of Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church and look forward to seeing how God will continue to use the church to impact the community and advance His Kingdom for His glory.