Lynn Haven UMC Leadership Team
Doug Pennington, Senior Pastor
Doug received a BA from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary. After beginning doctoral studies at the University of Florida, he went on to complete his studies and received a Doctor of Ministry degree from Carolina University of Theology. He was ordained as a Methodist minister in 1982 and was appointed to serve Lynn Haven UMC beginning in June 1993. Doug has been married to his wife Sandy for over 30 years. They have two children, Lindsay and Nathan, and two beautiful grandaughters named Lilly and Layla. When he's not working, Doug enjoys the outdoors, fishing and hunting for "The Big One."
Contact Doug
Watch the Pastors' Video Blog
Tom Fuerst, Associate Pastor
Tom grew up in Missouri where he recieved a Bachelor of Arts in Bibilical Studies from Hannibal La-Grange College, and a Master's Degree in Religious Studies from the University of Missouri. He then went on to graduate with a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. Tom has been married to his wife Cassie, who is also from Missouri, for 7 years and they have a daughter named Phoebe. They are expecting their second child, a son in September. Tom has an online blog at http://thefuerstshallbelast.wordpress.com where you can get a taste of his theological and philosophical musings.
Jim Luther - Congregational Care Pastor
Jim was born into the family of a Methodist minister in Pontiac, Michigan in 1943. He received his graduate degrees from Bob Jones University, Central Theological Seminary, and the University of Detroit. He was awarded his PhD in 1976 and taught at Detroit Theological Seminary from 1974 to 1981. For 10 years he pastored a church in Northville, Michigan. During that time he also taught at a Bible Institute for lay pastors and church leaders in the multicultural inner city of Detroit. He served for five years as a senior chaplain at Washington County Correctional prior to coming to Lynn Haven UMC in July 2004. He is married to Ginny. They have seven children and four grandchildren.
Neal McGee - Youth Pastor
Neal has served as the Youth Pastor at Lynn Haven UMC since 1997. He grew up in Selma, AL as part of a large, close-knit family. He left Selma to enter a new chapter of his life at Troy State University in Troy, AL where he served in large groups and leadership roles en route to his degree in Commercial Art. . Once married and living in Opelika, AL, Neal worked full time in design production and sales but enjoyed volunteering as a youth leader for 7 years. He then answered God's call to full time ministry and relocated to Lynn Haven, where he has been wonderfully blessed since his first day on the job. Neal met his wife Mimi at Troy and has been married since 1990. They have two daughters, Hayden and Anna.
Jennifer Rollins - Director of Children's Ministries
Jennifer was born in Newport News, VA, but moved to Panama City while in high school. She attended Lynn Haven UMC and was a member of the youth group. Jennifer received her BA in Elementary Education from Florida State University and after teaching middle school, Jennifer decided to return to her local church as the Director of Children’s Ministries. She has been on the church staff since 2006 and is delighted to be able to teach children about God’s love for them.