John Keane, Sr.
Lead Pastor

John and his wife Sue were born and raised on Long Island, New York. They began dating in eleventh grade and were married one year after they graduated high school, in 1974. They have a son (and daughter-in-law), daughter (and son-in-law), and five grandchildren that they share their lives with.

John and Sue met at church youth group activities and have been actively involved in church work ever since. In 1985 they decided it was time to go into full time church work, so they packed up the family and moved from New York, to Knoxville, Tennessee, where John attended Johnson Bible College (now Johnson University). While John was attending college, Sue worked in the school’s business office. John worked in the graphic arts department and supervised the school’s in-house print shop. John also had a weekend ministry in Sharp’s Chapel, TN, about two hours away from the college.

After graduating from Johnson in 1989, the Keane’s moved to Chesapeake, Virginia, where they began a ministry with the South Norfolk Church of Christ. John remained with the congregation until 2015. At that time the South Norfolk Church of Christ and the New Beginnings Christian Church merged together and are now known as The Shelter Christian Church. John serves as our lead pastor.

John and Sue are an incredible team. They're dedicated to serving God's people, and are excited to be doing that here in Chesapeake.

John has a CD collection that far outweighs anything you've ever seen (trust us), and we often hear him rockin' out in his office. When John's not in the office, you may find him out on the lawn mower or enjoying the outdoors at a local park.

Tammy Creech
Office Administrator

Tammy, a Kentucky girl through and through, was born on April 21, 19something, and was re-born through Christ in May 1979! Tammy is married to her college sweetheart, Darrell, who she met while attending Cumberland College. Darrell joined the Navy in 1979, which moved them here! Darrell and Tammy have two daughters, Heather and Tara. 

Tammy loves to bake (and we love when she does!), dance, sing, read mysteries, and serve the Lord wherever He can use her. Also, she is a big Wildcat basketball fan! 

Tammy started serving as our office administrator in 1991, and has been with us ever since! Tammy has kept us in line for over 26 years, and we couldn't do what we do without her commitment to God and His people.