The Carpenter's House is a ministry of the Briggs Center for Faith and Action, a 501c3 nonprofit organization in Bethesda, Maryland.  The vision of the ministry is to offer opportunities for spiritual formation.  We are in the Christian tradition and welcome persons of any faith, or no faith, who believe we might be of assistance.  Whatever your spiritual path, our desire is to walk with you on it - not convince you to walk ours.  More on our spirituality is HERE.    

The Briggs Center was founded in 2005 when the Briggs Memorial Baptist Church sold its property to the Washington Baptist Church and created the Center from the proceeds of the sale.  In the course of that sale, the Briggs Center bought the house next door to the church from Renee Carpenter.  It became known as the Carpenter's House, reflecting our faith tradition.

The Briggs Center has supported a range of ministries over the years.  It currently offers English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, and is developing a ministry to area churches helping them become healing communities for individuals and their families returning from incarceration.  We are also focused on making the Carpenter's House a place of spiritual hospitality.

Rev. Dr. Bob Maddox, Executive Director
Briggs Center for Faith and Action

Rev. Dr. Robert L. Maddox is Executive Director of the Briggs Center for Faith and Action, the sponsoring organization for the Carpenter's House, a post he has held since 2006.  He is a former minister on the staff of the Westmoreland Congregational United Church of Christ, where he served as Acting Senior Pastor while the church searched for a new Senior Minister.  An ordained Baptist minister, Dr. Maddox has led churches in Georgia, Texas, and Maryland.  In 1992 he became pastor of Briggs Memorial Baptist Church, which eventually merged with Westmoreland UCC.

A long-time friend of President Jimmy Carter, Dr. Maddox served as a speechwriter and religious liaison in the Carter White House and then became Executive Director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State before becoming pastor of the Briggs Church in 1992.

He is the author of several books, numerous articles, and Bible study guides.  He is married to Linda Cook Maddox.  They have three children and five grandchildren.

Yonce Shelton

The Carpenter’s House

I support individuals, groups, and communities as they discern how God is present in their lives.  My calling to help others with the inward journey comes after a decade focusing on the outward journey via politics, faith-based advocacy, and bridge-building with diverse political and theological stakeholders.

I am a certified spiritual director and have masters degrees in theological studies (social ethics focus) and pastoral counseling.  I frequently help individuals discerning calling in ministry and nonprofit work, and have a heart for helping leaders find meaning in professional pursuits.  Also, I work with intentional communities to structure life together around values, commitments, and rhythms.  Clinical counseling experience includes helping individuals and groups with grief, loss, and trauma.  In addition, I have provided leadership in two creative churches, serving one as pastor during a time of transition.  Some of my services are offered via Being with Between: Support for calling, discernment, and transition. 

I have professional and personal experience integrating conscious and unconscious awareness, and am familiar with self exploration tools (e.g. Myers Briggs, Enneagram) and exercises that assist in that aspect of the spiritual journey.  I enjoy helping people exploring identity and calling to incorporate a range of approaches, questions, and insights into their prayer lives.

A big part of the spiritual life is reflection on experiences, gifts, and desires - and availability to new ones.  My calling is to help others with that process.