About Our Pastor
Rev. Veronica Yates
Reverend Veronica Yates serves as the Pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She is passionate about creating a ministry where people can encounter God, grow in their faith, discover their gifts, and know there is a place for them in the body of Christ.
Her Story
Rev. Yates is a native of Chesapeake, Virginia, and a graduate of Indian River High School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Norfolk State University and is currently pursuing her Master of Divinity degree at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University.
Her journey in the church began long before she entered pastoral ministry. Growing up in the church allowed her to serve in many areas of ministry, including the choir, usher board, Young People’s Division, praise dance ministry, and Vacation Bible School.
In 2017, Rev. Yates accepted her call to preach and began walking more intentionally in the purpose God had placed upon her life. That journey eventually led to her ordination in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and her appointment to serve Bethel AME Church.
Her Heart for Ministry
At the center of Rev. Yates’ ministry is a simple belief: church should be a place where people can genuinely grow.
She has a heart for preaching and teaching the Word of God in ways that connect Scripture with everyday life. Her desire is for people not only to hear the Word on Sunday, but to understand how to live it on Monday.
She is passionate about prayer, young people, families, and helping people discover and use the gifts God has placed within them.
Her Vision for Bethel
Rev. Yates believes God is still writing Bethel’s story.
Her vision is for Bethel to be a growing, praying, serving, and welcoming church where generations can worship together and every person understands that they have both a place and a purpose.
As Bethel continues to grow and serve Harrisonburg, she encourages the congregation to remain rooted in God, committed to one another, responsive to the needs of the community, and willing to follow wherever God leads.
Beyond the Pulpit
Beyond ministry, Rev. Yates treasures her family. She is the daughter of Rev. Timothy and Linda Smith, the wife of Roger Yates, and the proud mother of Devryn and Rylan.
Her experiences as a wife, mother, daughter, student, and pastor shape the compassion and authenticity she brings to ministry.
She believes people do not have to have everything figured out before coming to church. We grow as we walk with God and with one another.
A Welcome From Our Pastor
Whether you have been in church all your life, are returning after some time away, are new to Harrisonburg, or are simply searching for a place to grow closer to God, you are welcome at Bethel.
There is room for you here.
Come worship with us. Come grow with us. Come serve with us.