Our Staff

We have a passion for people, our city of Athens, and our world. Our culture and leadership is characterized by a love of God, a genuine call to ministry, and a strong desire to see people come to a living faith in Jesus Christ. 


  • Bill Curington

    Pastor

    Bill loves to help people to know and hear God better.  Whether it's through sermons he delivers, Bible studies he teaches, people he prays for, or finding a ministry role for someone in Church, Bill enjoys seeing people grow in their faith with Jesus Christ. 


    Atpastorbill@sjathens.org  Phone 706.548.1680 

  • Stan Self

    Executive Minister

    Stan's role is primarily an ideator. He spends his time planning and ensuring that whether you visit us online, in person, or via livestream, you will have the best experience possible to the end that you will come to know, love, worship, and serve Jesus alongside the other folks at St. James. 


    Atstan@sjathens.org  Phone404.538.0628

  • Bryan Shaw

    Music Minister

    Bryan plays a vital role in glorifying Christ and creating an atmosphere of worship while enhancing the overall spiritual experience of the congregation through music.


    At bryan@sjathens.org  Phone706.316.2031 

  • LaMurl Morris

    Organist

    LaMurl's primary role is to assist in leading worship. You will see her move from organ to piano to keyboard in our worship services. LaMurl encourages you to be a part of the music ministry where you can sing in one of the vocal ensembles or praise team or play an instrument in our worship services.


    At lamurl@sjathens.org  Phone706.461.3715 


  • Carol Staton

    Congregational Care Minister

    Carol's love for God and others leads her to faithfully shepherd people through life’s ups and downs, crises, and hardships through listening, compassion, and providing comfort to support the emotional and spiritual well-being of all in our congregation.


    At carol@sjathens.org  Phone706.254.5418 

  • Currently Vacant (Church Members are filling the void)

    Children's Minister

    Cultivating a safe and fun environment where your children can come to know and love Jesus is central to April’s approach to Children’s ministry. With a focus that encompasses the whole family, she believes that discipleship built upon a strong biblical foundation is essential for training up children in the way they should go, seasoned with plenty of joy and laughter along the way! 


    At   Phone 706.548.1680

  • Currently Vacant (Parents & Interns are filling the void)

    Youth MINISTER

    Due to nature of our Youth Minister's companion international ministry, for ultimate safety, we have withheld both name and photo.


    At    Phone 706.548.1680

  • Jenna Parrish

    Assistant Children's Minister

    Jenna provides a safe, secure, clean, and fun environment for our youngest babies, toddlers, and preschoolers to explore. With plenty of age-appropriate crafts, games, music, toys, Bible stories, and books, Jenna hopes every child in the nursery will have a wonderful experience and encounter the love and gentleness of Jesus through her and her team of experienced nursery caregivers.


    At jenna@sjathens.org  Phone706.548.1680 

  • Mary Swift

    Administrative Assistant

    Mary's is the friendly voice you hear when you call the church and the smiling face you see when you visit the church office. She will answer your questions, connect you with the appropriate staff person, or otherwise facilitate your contact to meet your need, all while holding the office together on a daily basis.


    Atmary@sjathens.org  Phone 706.548.1680

  • Monica Calero

    Financial Secretary

    Monica is here to ensure that your financial gifts are properly received, recorded, and deposited. She also ensures that your end of year giving statements are distributed to you in a timely manner.


    Atmonica@sjathens.org  Phone 706.548.1680

  • Lloyd Craft

    Pastor of The Light

    Pastor Craft is the Pastor of The Light and serves on the staff of St. James where he shares his wisdom, experience, and unbounded love of Jesus. For more on The Light go HERE.

Our Leadership for 2025

LEADERSHIP COUNCIL 

Chair, Johnny Prescott

Secretary, Adrienne Colley

Lay Leader, Kin McKinnon

Finance, Scott Cochran

Treasurer, Jim Meunier

SPR, Ron Blount

Altar Committee, Mike Hook  

Member-at-Large: Angela Benton (2025)

Member-at-Large: Max Harrell (2026)

Member-at-Large: Kathy Lawler (2027) 

Executive Minister, Stan Self

Pastor, Bill Curington

 

 

MINISTRY COUNCIL 

Leader & chair of Missions, Stan Self

Lay Leader, Kin McKinnon

Children’s ministry, TBD 

Congregational care, Carol Staton

Connect team, Jason Green

Women’s ministry, Brandi Maddox

Men’s ministry, Weldon Hardman

Discipleship ministries, Dave Himmelsbach

Fellowship ministry, Vicky Lester

Media ministries, Riley Prescott

Prayer, Sandy Blount

Women of Faith, Carol Miller

Worship, Bryan Shaw

Youth ministry, TBD

Youth Rep, Amanda Seuser   

Member-at-Large: Callie Jo Bowen

Member-at-Large: Gretchen Bowen

Member-at-Large: Rita Bryant

Member-at-Large: Carol Harrell 

Pastor, Bill Curington

 

Additional Ministry Positions 

Chair of the Light Board:  Alvin Sheats

Altar Committee: Henry & Judy Sims, Gene & Sue Smith, Mike Hook, Susan Weldon, Jason Miller

Children’s & Nursery Ministry reps: Callie & Gabriel Bowen

Women’s Ministry Team: Leigh Lorenzo, Karen Halper. Brandi Maddox

Men’s Ministry Co-chairs:  Weldon Hardman & Doug Mays

Bereavement coordinators: Donna Cochran & Kathy Stewart

Lay Delegate to Annual Conference: Kin McKinnon

Alternate to Annual Conference:  Jane Kilgo  

 

 

Staff-Parish Relations:   Chair, Ron Blount 


Class of 2025

Ron Blount | Micah Morlock | Jane Kilgo


Class of 2026

Jane Lang | Jackson Mulkey | Vint Wilson


Class of 2027

Miranda Grice | Jason Miller | Katie Howard

                                                                                                           

        

Trustees: 

(Chair will be decided by the Committee in January)


 Class of 2025

Adrienne Colley | Jack Bush | Derrick Seuser


Class of 2026

Adam Grice | Jeff Larkins | John Morris


Class of 2027

Callie Bowan | Andrew Hilliard | Jared Self


 

Security team:   Chair, Matt Robbins 

 

A.    Safety chair, Matt Robbins

B.    Natural disasters & medical chair, Mike Hook

 

 

 

Nominations:  Pastor Bill Curington, Chair 



Class of 2025

Gretchen BowenJason MillerCindy Robbins


Class of 2026

Gabriel BowenKin McKinnon | John Morris


Class of 2027

Callie Bowan | Andrew Hilliard | Susan Weldon

 

 

Finance Committee: Scott Cochran, Chair 

 

Member at Large: Clay Gilbert

Member at Large: Max Harrell

Member at Large: Matt Robbins

Member at Large: Kris Knox

Member at Large: Gretchen Bowen

Treasurer: Jim Meunier

Leadership Board Chair:  Johnny Prescott

Staff Parish Relations Chair:  Ron Blount

Lay Leader & Delegate: Kin McKinnon

Trustee Chair: (to be designated in January) 

Financial Secretary: Monica Calero

Pastor Bill: Curington