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MEET THE PASTOR
Rev. Dr. William D. Tyree III
Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Berkley (Norfolk, VA)
Installed as the 13th pastor of First Baptist Church, Berkley in July 1996, Rev. Dr. William D. Tyree III has a clear ministry vision: “to lead effectively, to serve selflessly, and to love unconditionally — Bringing glory to Christ’s name and advancing His Kingdom in the earth.”
Dr. Tyree brings a unique blend of military discipline, theological depth, and pastoral care. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy (B.S., Engineering, 1983), he served thirteen years in the U.S. Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer. He earned the Master of Divinity (Magna Cum Laude, 1999) from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University and the Master of Theology (2001) from Union Theological Seminary and the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, VA. In 2002, Eastern Theological Seminary (Lynchburg, VA) conferred upon him the Doctor of Divinity for outstanding visionary leadership and Providence Bible College & Theological Seminary (2025) conferred upon him the Doctor of Humane Letters for outstanding service to society and promotion of human welfare.
Passionate about the next generation, Pastor Tyree has devoted countless hours to shaping vibrant youth and young adult ministries. His aim is to see young people confess Jesus’ Lordship in every domain of their life, realize their God-given potential, and pursue excellence with passion, power, and persistence.
Under his leadership, the church has provided humanitarian assistance to those affected by major disasters—including Hurricane Mitch (Central and South America), Hurricane Floyd (Princeville, NC), the Indian Ocean tsunami (through World Vision in Asia and Africa), and Hurricane Katrina (through World Vision)—and launched a Katrina Relief Task Force to support families relocating to Hampton Roads. Globally, Pastor Tyree has led mission teams to Jamaica, India, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania.
Current Service & Leadership
• President, W. D. Tyree Ministries, Inc.
• Treasurer & Board Member, HIS 1040 (global missions)
• Board Member, ForKids, Inc.
• Chair, EFSP Local Board, United Way of South Hampton Roads
Pastor Tyree and his wife, Shirley Hunter Tyree, make their home in Chesapeake, Virginia.
MEET PASTOR JOE
Pastor Joseph E. Johnson IV
Executive Pastor, First Baptist Church, Berkley (Norfolk, VA)
Joseph E. Johnson IV is a God-fearing servant leader whose life is rooted in Philippians 4:6-9: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God…” This passage captures his posture of peace, faith, and love in every season of life and ministry. With a heart set on pleasing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Joseph lives to lead with love, serve with purpose, and inspire others through Biblical truth. He is passionate about helping people discover their identity in Christ and walking with them as they grow into it.
Joseph has served faithfully in multiple ministry capacities. He began his journey as Youth Director at Fullness of the Spirit Ministries under Apostle Alvin and Annette Georges, then served as Youth Pastor at New Testament Church in Portsmouth, VA, under Bishop Jerome L. Williams and Elder Shajuan Williams. Most recently, he served as the NexGen Spiritual Formation Director at Elizabeth Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA, under the leadership of Bishop Craig Oliver and Lady Oliver—empowering children, teens, and families to know God deeply and live boldly for Him.
In addition to his work in ministry, Joseph is a Qualified Mental Health Professional who counsels and mentors children dealing with behavioral and mental health challenges. His compassion for the next generation also led him to serve as an elementary school teacher in Portsmouth Public Schools, where he used the classroom as another platform to extend grace, growth, and guidance.
Joseph is also a man with a global heart for missions. He has taken the gospel beyond the four walls of the church through various mission trips: Washington, D.C. (2012), Kimberly, South Africa (2015), Nashville, TN (2017), and Anchorage, Alaska (2024 and 2025). These experiences strengthened his belief that the gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone, everywhere—and that love is the language that breaks every barrier.
A native of Suffolk, Virginia, Joseph is a proud graduate of THEE Norfolk State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2013. He went on to obtain his Master of Divinity from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in 2022. Beyond ministry and education, Joseph is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., carrying forward the fraternity’s values of manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind.
Joseph is joyfully married to Krystle Johnson, and together they are raising their sons, Jace and Jaxon. Whether he’s preaching the Word, mentoring a child, leading a mission, or loving his family, Joseph’s life is a living testimony that when love leads, lives change.
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