The Center is a living room for Fredericksburg and the Mary Washington campus. It’s filled with memories of mission projects, study sessions, and home-cooked meals. We got our start in 1948 when Mr. and Mrs. William Chesley gave their home to the Fredericksburg Baptist Church for use as a center for students at Mary Washington College. Over the years, the ministry known as the Baptist Student Union grew and the house was expanded. In December 1981, the doors of a new student center opened creating more space for events and interaction. In September 2012, we began experimenting with ways to help young adults intentionally connect in a new era of mission as The Center for Faith and Leadership. This new focus led to projects and collaborative partnerships with The Washington Arts Group, Fredericksburg City Schools, The Fredericksburg Start-Up Community and a local English Language School for international students. Today, we’re seeking the transformation of the city and the university through deep relationships in collaboration with churches, campus ministry groups and community organizations. The world is changing. The future is uncertain. But we’re creating the future as we believe it will be by following Jesus, who is at the Center of it all.
Our History
At The Center, we orient our lives around these three values. We believe that if we are deeply loving God & others, our lives will begin to change, along with the world around us.
UP
Orienting your heart, mind, & soul to God’s presence & operating out of that posture.
This can look like reading scripture, giving thanks, or enjoying the world & people around you.
IN
Investing time with close friends that desire deep relationship with each other & God.
Any time spent with loved ones that feels life giving is considered an “IN.”
OUT
Opening your life to receive others with God’s heart, whether they know Him or not.
There are an endless amount of possibilities for how you can love those around you. Start by thinking, “How can I help?”
Our People
Becca Bennick
Becca Covington serves at The Center for Faith and Leadership where she’s developing the next generation of Christian leaders. She gives leadership to outreach and discipleship efforts that help bring a unified Christian witness among young adults at the University of Mary Washington and in Fredericksburg. Becca grew up in Charlottesville, Va and attended the University of Virginia (wahoowa). Upon graduating in 2014, she felt the call to serve in ministry through Young Life, an organization she had volunteered with in college. She moved to Fredericksburg to work with adolescents at local middle and high schools, as well as students at UMW. Becca deeply loves the Fredericksburg and UMW community and desires more young adults to experience friendship with Jesus.
Co-Director
Emma Hammond
Emma was born and raised in Fredericksburg, Va and carries a deep love for the town and people. She attended UMW and graduated in 2021 with a BS in English Literature. She served as a Student Intern at the Center during her time at UMW, and was transformed by the impact the Lord had on her life through this community. Emma believes God has placed a unique calling on the Center to empower, disciple & equip young people to live boldly & steadfastly for God and she is honored to serve in this way. There is nothing more powerful than watching a young adult experience the love of Jesus and be transformed by His grace. When not at the Center, you can find Emma spending time with her husband, Michael and daughters, Wynsor & Olive.
Co-Director
Wes Wiberg
Wes is a local videographer working with The Center to provide images and videos to the stories that come from the community. He has a passion for creating videos that can help you feel the emotion behind a story or event. He works as an editor & social media coordinator for Ordinary Men as well as freelancing, church videos, weddings, and more. Wes graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts from James Madison University. He’s spent the past few years growing in freelance video and teaching some parkour and ninja warrior classes at a local gym. In his free time, you can find him playing some games with friends, longboarding, or maybe doing a handstand.
Digital Storyteller