Staff

Pastor — Andy Johnson

How would you describe what you do as a member of the Gulfport First UMC staff team?
As pastor I get to celebrate our Christian faith by preparing and leading worship, preaching, teaching, offering care and guidance, and by praying with and for people.
Tell us about your family.
Kim and I met at USM in the late 80′s and were married in 1991.  She is an incredible partner in life and ministry.  We have two daughters — Hannah & Ebby — who are smart, funny, and beautiful (and I’m not just saying that because I’m their dad! — Okay so maybe I’m a little biased).
What do you like to do — hobbies, interests, etc?
I’m a geek, I admit it.  I like to work with computers, photography and digital art.  When I get a chance I like to do woodworking (have built some pieces of furniture for our home), and I love to read.  Since moving to the Coast, I have developed a love for fishing and taking my boat out.
What are some of your favorite books/movies/music?
I do a lot of reading for study and some reading for fun.  A couple of my favorite books for ministry are: Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell and Simple Church by Rainer & Geiger.  Favorite movies are: “Places in the Heart” with Sally Field, Danny Glover and John Malcovich  and “Phenomenon” with John Travolta (great theological themes).  Favorite music types are: Acoustic Folk, Jazz, and some of the new worship music done by folks like Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin, and Jeremy Camp.
Contact information.
E-mail: andy@fumc-gulfport.org Office phone:  228.863.0047

Minister of Formation and Service — Chris Ray

How would you describe what you do as a member of the Gulfport First UMC staff team?
I am the staff representative in both the formation and service pillars. I am partnered with a lay member in each pillar. We have a group of people that serve within each of these two pillars to help direct the church with connecting people to these pillars. The vision of these pillars is for them the grow within the church as a whole and within each and every individual.
Tell us about your family.
My wife, Jenny, and I moved here in September 2007 from Chattanooga, TN. Jenny’s parents and brother live in Chattanooga, TN and a sister that lives in Ellijay, GA. My parents live in Dallas, GA and my dad serves as senior minister at Sandy Springs UMC in Atlanta, GA.  I have a brother in Dallas, GA and a sister who lives in Orlando, FL. Jenny and I have 4 nephews and 2 nieces.
What do you like to do — hobbies, interests, etc?
I enjoy taking walks on the beach with Jenny. I enjoy reading and always watching Tennessee Football games! I am currently taking online classes full time to finish my undergrad degree.
What are some of your favorite books/movies/music?
Some of my favorite books are: Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell and Deception Point by Dan Brown. Some of my favorite movies are: Elizabethtown, Braveheart, and just about any spy thriller. Some of my favorite music artists are: Switchfoot, U2, Ben Folds and Dave Matthews Band.
Contact information.
E-mail: chris@fumc-gulfport.org Office phone:  228.863.0047

Minister to Families with Children & Youth – Ryan George

How would you describe what you do as a member of the Gulfport First UMC staff team?
I get to help families in raising their kids.  In partnering with them through resources and communication, I aim to line up the strategy at church and home.

Tell us about your family.
Heather and I met while I was waiting tables and I haven’t left her alone since.  I’m regularly amazed at how God gifted her in areas of art and creativity.  It’s an honor to be her husband. We have two wonderful little girls, Rylee & Piper.  Rylee is “type A”.  Piper is the type that ate the test.  We’re praying for them.

What do you like to do — hobbies, interests, etc?
I started running a few years back and have taken on a few distance races, for cave time you can find me training.  Heather and I enjoy motorcycle riding and dream of riding the East coast in the fall.  We are avid Oklahoma Sooners football fans and I pull for the Arkansas Razorbacks (Heather’s trying).

What are some of your favorite books/movies/music?
Books-
Rob Bell: Jesus wants to save Christians
Shane Claiborne: Jesus for President
Chap Clark: Hurt
C.S. Lewis: Screwtape Letters
Movies- Star Wars (original), Serenity (Firefly), Princess Bride, Stardust
Music-
Muse,Third Day

Email:  ryan@fumc-gulfport.org