Pastor Ronnie Bearden, Senior Pastor
Our pastor is Dr. Ronnie Bearden. Ronnie Bearden is a native of the Gulf Coast and feels right at home in our area. He is married to Melanie Brobston of Baxley, Georgia. They met at Asbury Seminary and have been married for 36 years. Melanie is a homemaker. She enjoys crafts, reading, yardwork, and caring for Ladybug (her "empty nest Chihuahua"). Melanie’s favorite place to vacation is the mountains of North Georgia. Ronnie and Melanie have two adult children. Ronnie’s hobbies include playing pool, deer hunting, and fishing, but his favorite hobby is model trains. He has published almost 100 articles in model train magazines and was voted one of the top ten N scale modelers of the decade in 2000 by N-Scale Magazine. Ronnie earned an undergraduate degree in Chemistry and sensed God’s call into full-time ministry in his senior year. He holds two theological Masters degrees (Asbury Seminary and Union Theological Seminary) and a Ph.D. in Communication from Regent University. He has served United Methodist churches in Alabama, Florida, Virginia, and Georgia and is now an Elder in the Global Methodist Church. His ministry also includes serving as a Camp meeting preacher. His passions are helping people understand who Jesus is and preaching the Word of God to equip God’s people for service. He's also a ventriloquist.
You can reach Pastor Ronnie at drronbearden@hotmail.com
Angie Arnold, Church Administrator
Angie began working at First Methodist Church in 2012 as the Church Secretary and now provides the logistical support for many of our group ministry and serves as the Church Administrator. Contact Angie if you need to schedule any events or need information about our church.
Angie is married to Charlie, a retired Air Force firefighter. They have 4 boys, Jonathon, Jeremy, Jaden & Jacob. Angie enjoys crocheting and loves watching college football on Saturdays, especially Alabama. Angie has nine grandchildren (whom she is proudly coaching to say "ROLL TIDE").
Cathrin Owens, Church Secretary
Cathrin's friendly face greets you at our front desk, directs our phone calls, works closely with our Benevolence Team, and handles the print and electronic publications.
After traveling the world with her husband Mark (retired USAF), Cathrin and her family decided to settle in Crestview, raising their daughters, Anya and Carli, here.
They love being Floridians and especially their church, FMC.
Cathrin also facilitates our Yarn Ministry.
You can reach her at office.firstcrestview@gmail.com
Kevin Lusk, Traditional Music Director
Kevin directs our Chancel Choir and Bell Choir, and leads the music for our Christ Chapel and Traditions services.
Kevin and his wife Karen raised their two sons at First Methodist Church, and all their family loves to share their musical gifts in worship. In his "day job" Kevin is the director of the choirs for Crestview High School.
You can leave a message for Kevin by calling the church office at 850-682-2018.
Rikki Ordinario, Contemporary Worship Leader
We welcome Rikki to the staff as our Contemporary Worship Leader at our 9:45am Service. Music is my passion, and using it to glorify God is my calling! I have been singing for as long as I can remember and playing acoustic guitar since I was 11 years old. I’ve been involved in music at church alongside my family from a young age at every Air Force base we’ve lived in. I am grateful that God has led me here to serve in Crestview!
You can leave a message for Rikki by calling the church office at 850-682-2018.
Paul Adams, Youth Ministry
Paul has worked with our youth for three years, providing spiritual support and guidance to the youth program. My passion in life is seeing people come to faith in Christ. I am originally from Milton, but I have lived in Crestview now for over five years. I am currently studying online at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and am on track to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry. My hobbies are hunting, fishing, and playing video games. You can follow the Youth Ministry at www.firstcrestview.com/youth-ministry or email me at firstcrestviewyouth@gmail.com. You may also call me at 850-682-2018.
Osa Bell, Director of Wesleyan Child Care Center
Osa (pronounced as a double "o," as in "Oooo, what a wonderful person!") is the director of our Wesleyan Child Care Center which provides VPK instruction and preschool for ages 2 and up.
Miss Osa has directed the WCCC since 2009, and has 21 years in the educational field, including 10 years as a teacher and 4 years as an assistant director. A native of Sweden, she has lived in Crestview for 15 years. Like many people in our community, she is a military spouse and a military mom. Her two adult children are both in the armed forces.
Osa delights in leading the teachers who prepare our children for a life of learning and faith. Her greatest joy is seeing former students and families around town, watching them grow and flourish!
You can reach Osa at (850) 682-7319 or wesleyanchildcare@gmail.com.
Chris Woodward, Facilities Manager
Chris has worked for several years at the church. He maintains the grounds, maintenance and keeps our church looking great!
Chris was born in Tennessee but grew up in Ohio, he likes to think of himself as a Volunteer Buckeye. Chris spent 10 great years in the USAF and is a Gulf War veteran. He moved to Florida in 2004. He is a father of 2 and has 1 grand baby. Chris loves God, his family and this country and he tries to serve each one as best he can.
You can reach Chris at 850-682-2018 or fmfacilities599@gmail.com
Jody Waddell, Custodian
Jody joined our staff team at First Methodist Church on May 8, 2023, as the church Custodian. Jody & her husband Michael have lived here in Crestview for 11 years and have one dog, Chewbacca, and one cat, Oreo.
Jody grew up in Texas and loves cooking & preserving, gardening and drawing.
"Everyone has been so welcoming and kind, the communication is great!" Jody shared.
You may reach Jody at fmcustodian@gmail.com