Dustin Forbes

Teaching Pastor

At The Way Church, we are blessed to have Dustin Forbes as our Teaching Pastor, a man whose life and ministry are deeply aligned with our mission to introduce others to the transformative Way of Christ. Dustin’s journey to pastoral ministry is marked by a unique blend of discipline, service, and biblical grounding, all of which shape his leadership and passion for guiding others in their faith.

A graduate of Lancaster Bible College with a degree in Pastoral Ministry and Biblical Studies, Dustin brings a strong theological foundation to his role. His education has equipped him to teach and shepherd with clarity and conviction, ensuring that the unchanging truths of Scripture remain at the heart of everything we do. Yet, Dustin’s preparation for ministry extends beyond the classroom. As a U.S. Army veteran, he served six years on active duty as a Blackhawk helicopter crew chief, where he honed his leadership skills, discipline, and commitment to serving others—qualities that now inspire his approach to discipleship and community outreach. His military experience instilled in him a deep sense of purpose and teamwork, which he now applies to building a church family that walks together in the Way of Christ.

Dustin’s personal life is a reflection of the gospel-centered unity we cherish at The Way Church. He is happily married to his wife, Ashley, whom he lovingly describes as his peace and an amazing partner in both life and ministry. Together, they are raising two wonderful children, Hayden and Loreali, who bring joy and energy to their family. Dustin’s commitment to his family mirrors the church’s emphasis on the importance of strong, faith-filled homes that impact the community for Christ.

Outside of his ministry and family life, Dustin enjoys a variety of hobbies that keep him connected to the community and grounded in his love for the outdoors. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and shooting guns—activities that reflect his appreciation for God’s creation and provide opportunities to build relationships with others. He’s also passionate about working on cars, a hands-on hobby that showcases his practical, down-to-earth nature.

At 36 years old, Dustin Forbes embodies the values of The Way Church: biblical fidelity, transformative discipleship, and compassionate outreach. His life story—from military service to pastoral ministry—demonstrates a heart committed to serving others and leading them toward a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Whether through his teaching, his leadership, or his personal interactions, Dustin is dedicated to helping others discover the fullness of life in Christ and grow as mature disciples who make an eternal impact.

Michael Swope

Director(Elder)

Michael Swope serves as an Elder for The Way Church. While this responsibility is newfor him, walking in faith and obedience to the Lord is not. Before accepting the position,Michael prayed over it diligently. He continues to pray that the Lord will use him in his

ministry position to help guide The Way Church body as we seek to live out our lives forChrist and further His Kingdom, and may all glory and honor be His.

Michael came to faith as a young child. His life experiences have further deepened his trust in our Lord, and he strives to live in a way that pleases the Lord. Michael previously worked as a chef, then followed the Lord’s calling to find a career that allowed him to be more present with his family, and now works for DH Funk Excavation, which was a huge leap of faith! He is completely enamored with his beautiful bride of 11 years, and they are privileged to be raising three children to know and love and serve the Lord. Being a homeschool family keeps them busy with plenty of adventures and shenanigans.

When Michael isn’t working, he enjoys front porch sitting with a cup of tea (hot or cold), a good western book, the company of his family, and old hymns playing in the background. He enjoys shooting, cooking, and being with the ones he loves most.

Allen Slate

Director(Elder)

Allen Slate proudly serves as a dedicated elder at The Way Church, bringing a wealth of experience and an unwavering faith that has spanned over 30 years as a Christian. His spiritual journey began decades ago, rooted in a deep relationship with God, and throughout his walk, he has consistently turned to prayer to seek divine wisdom and direction. Allen approaches his role with a heartfelt desire to be the best elder he can be, not out of obligation, but out of a genuine love for his church family and a commitment to lead them with humility and grace. This passion for leadership is fueled by his belief that following Jesus’ example is the cornerstone of serving others effectively, a principle he strives to embody every day as part of The Way Church’s mission to walk, teach, and share the way of Christ.

Above all else, Allen holds the Lord and his family in the highest regard, viewing them as the greatest gifts in his life. He is married to his loving wife, Lori Slate, a partnership that has stood the test of time and blessed them with four wonderful children. Together, they have also been graced with a joyful multitude of grandchildren, whose laughter and love fill their home with warmth and purpose.

Allen’s roots run deep in a family with a rich and enduring legacy of ministry, a heritage that has shaped his calling and character. Coming from a lineage where service to God has been a way of life for generations, he carries forward a tradition of faith and dedication. His mother, now in her later years, continues to play the organ at their home church in North Carolina, a role she has fulfilled with passion for decades, filling the sanctuary with music that lifts hearts to heaven. This family history of ministry—spanning preaching, music, and outreach—has instilled in Allen a profound respect for the church’s role in the community and a desire to honor that legacy at The Way Church.

As an elder, Allen brings this rich tapestry of faith, family, and ministry experience to The Way Church.  He is committed to guiding the congregation with a steady hand, drawing on his years of prayerful discernment to foster a welcoming environment where all can grow in their relationship with Christ. Whether through counseling members,  or simply being a listening ear, Allen’s goal is to reflect the love and leadership of Jesus.