Our Pastoral leadership

Nick Braunschneider, Rector (Lead Pastor)

Nick came to Church of the Apostles in December in 2019. As Rector, Nick is the lead pastor and priest in charge of our church, guiding our congregation through his preaching, teaching, and spiritual oversight. Nick has served in pastoral ministry for over 20 years — in large churches and small ones, both traditional and modern — and in a variety of roles. He has experience in several denominations, as well as working with the Christian para-church organization Young Life. In 2002, Nick married his high school sweetheart, Kimberly, and they are blessed with six precious children.

Gayle Fischer, Campus Minister

Gayle is a long-standing member of Church of the Apostles where she serves as Facilities Manager and Assistant Treasurer. She has been an Apostles at Mason ministry staff member since 2015. Gayle’s professional experience is in the areas of audit and financial management. Her gifts are discipleship, teaching, mentoring, and administration.

OUR STUDENT leaders

Joshua Otten, PRESIDENT

Joshua has been a member of Church of the Apostles all his life. He leads the Youth Group and regularly participates in the praise band. He is a PhD student at George Mason University in Computer Science, with a focus in Natural Language Processing. His gifts are teaching, wisdom, encouragement, and leadership.

Peter George, Vice President

Peter George is a senior and Global Affairs major at George Mason University. He has worked for Microsoft and enjoys helping friends with coding questions. His spiritual gifts are encouragement and evangelism. He loves going on Christian retreats and attending conferences.

Chrissie Raj Bazzem, TREASURER

Chrissie, whose name means “Christian,” completed computer science undergrad work in India and traveled to GMU in January 2024 to begin work on his Master’s in Data Analytics. Chrissie also works as a Graduate Professional Assistant with GMU Career Services. Chrissie is skilled in video recording. His spiritual gifting is in discernment and intercessory prayer. He also likes to share the Bible.

Jessica Peschka, SECRETARY/ INTERN

Jessica is a graduate student at George Mason in Fairfax, studying Criminal Law and Justice. Jessica also coaches women’s traveling volleyball team at James Madison High School in Fairfax as well as several teams at the St. James in Springfield, VA. Jessica’s gifts are teaching, outreach, and communication.

VEENA KATAM, WEB MASTER

Veena has been a member of Apostles at Mason since 2016. She has co-led Bible studies and serves as our photographer. She received her Master’s from GMU in Data Analytics. Veena is gifted in knowledge of Scripture, communications, outreach, and discipling.