Dr. Madelene F. Beard is the senior pastor of Galatians United Church of Christ, Suffolk, Virginia. She is the President and Founder of Deborah’s Women in Ministry Inc. of Greater Hampton Roads. She is a former member of the Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ. Dr. Beard is the President of the Eastern Virginia Association (EVA) Board of Directors. She serves on the Commission on Ministry Board. She is also a member of the EVA Clergy. Additionally, Dr. Beard is a member of Epsilon Theta Zeta Chapter, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Beard is a former adjunct Assistant Professor of Religious Studies for Virginia University of Lynchburg (VUL) where she earned her Doctor of Ministry Degree. Beard currently teaches at the Suffolk-Site of VUL.

Pastor Beard has presented at workshops, preached for revivals, and other special events in Virginia, North Carolina, Baltimore, Pennsylvania, and New York. Beard taught at the Suffolk-Site.

Dr. Beard is married to Mr. Arnold H. Beard, Sr., and they have two adult children, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.