Dr. Jim Cantrell is the Senior Pastor at Snellville United Methodist Church and leads the 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. traditional worship services. Dr. Cantrell's sermons equip us with the beauty of
God's word and brings the congregation into a deep sense of God's abiding presence.

Office: (678) 430-6014

Rev. Walter Jones is Snellville United Methodist's Executive Pastor. Rev. Jones supervises and works with church staff to plan, implement, and be good stewards of God's finances given by the congregation to carry out His work.

Office: (678) 430-6000

Margie Tutton, and her family, joined SUMC six years ago. She became the main office receptionist in 2007.

On Sunday mornings during the 9:30 a.m. Sunday School/Worship hour, she is a teacher in the infant room, where she serves joyfully taking care of our youngest members!

Her passion for the Global Ministries of the Church and Mission has led her into leadership in the United Methodist Women as President and as member of the Faith Circle where she enjoys the fellowship of the ladies of SUMC. She considers herself to be the most successful at being happy.

Office: (678) 430-6002

Most people, when I tell them I’m the Communications Director of Snellville United Methodist, have no idea why a church needs a communications person. The most common reply I usually get is, “so does that mean you make the bulletins or something?” Well, while that is something I do…there is so much more that goes into the role of Communications Director. Church communications involves a lot of planning, strategy, website management, and graphic designs. However, the essential functions of the Communications Director is to oversee anything people read, touch, or click.

Office: (678) 430-6018

Deana Porter is Snellville United Methodist's Membership & iConnect Director. Deana teaches the aboutSUMC classes showing new members or returning attendees how they can grow spiritually through Sunday school classes, Bible studies, volunteering and serving using God given spiritual gifts, and Methodist beliefs. Deana also directs SUMC's iConnect Ministry designed to help you understand your purpose in life and where you can best utilize your gifts from God.

Office: (678) 430-6021

As SUMC’s Financial Secretary, Barbara Nixon’s expert organizational skills and financial knowledge are essential in properly managing and caring for God’s resources. Barbara is responsible for keeping the church’s general ledger and financial records and prepares related forms and reports as necessary. Barbara ensures that SUMC’s finances are in accord with legal, ethical and biblical standards on a daily basis.

Office: (678) 430-6008

Ella Collier is Snellville United Methodist's Parish Nurse and Health & Wholeness Director. Ella works in close conjunction with SUMC's health ministry team to plan health and well-being programs to meet the needs of our congregation and community.

Office: (678) 430-6019

Rona Rahtz is the Administrative Assistant to the Health & Wholeness Director and Membership & iConnect Director.

Office: (678) 430-6012

Theresa Clarke is Snellville United Methodist's Director of Worship Arts and Logistics. Theresa designs and coordinates SUMC's traditional and contemporary worship services and many special events held throughout the year. Her heart and talents help our worship teams organize their resources so you can concentrate on the message of Christ's love.

Office: (678) 430-6017

Chris Czarick is the Administrative Assistant to Children’s Ministries.

Chris uses her gifts & abilities daily to help shape SUMC’s Children’s Ministry into reaching young families with children. Chris assists the Minister to Families with Children to maximize ministry opportunities to offer a consistent experience from Sunday morning worship, to Awana, to Vacation Bible School, and other events/programs.

Through our Children’s Ministry staff and volunteers, children experience a safe, fun, and joyous environment to learn about God and share this knowledge with their family.

Office: (678) 430-6022

Pat Corley oversees SUMC’s Awana Ministry and is responsible for overall club operation. Pat provides direction, enthusiasm, leadership and support for Awana leaders, clubbers and parents.

Office: (678) 430-6022


Sarah Thurmond is the Administrative Assistant to the Children’s Ministry Department.

Sarah assists the various areas of SUMC’s Children’s Ministry and works closely with SUMC’s Awana Commander to ensure children are equipped with the materials they need to learn and succeed. Sara also works hard to form the best group of volunteers for Awana and encourages families to volunteer together in their child's club or small group.

Brandon Yarbrough is SUMC’s Director of High School Ministry. Brandon builds strong relationships with students and parents while encouraging the spiritual growth and habits of discipleship in our high school youth. His passion for youth ministry is infectious and he brings energy and enthusiasm to SUMC.

Office: (678) 430-6015


Lisa Gilbreath is the Administrative Assistant to the Worship & Logistics Director and Director of Music Ministry.

Lisa contributes a great deal of excellence every day to each ministry at SUMC and has proven to be the go-to person for answers. Lisa is highly organized, personable and she juggles a lot of tasks from coordinating meetings involving multiple calendars to seeing projects through to the end and on time.

Lisa and our Worship & Logistics Director work very hard with each pastor and ministry to ensure every Sunday’s worship service is delivered with excellence.

Office: (678) 430-6028

Beth Gray is Snellville United Methodist's Adult Ministry Coordinator. Beth coordinates SUMC's Bible study classes aimed at helping you become rooted and anchored in Jesus Christ.

Office: (678) 430-6010

Lisa Heffner is Snellville United Methodist's Preschool Director of the Early Learning Program (ELP). Lisa and her staff strive to provide a quality curriculum founded on academic excellence in a Christ centered learning environment and recognizes that each child is a unique gift from God.

Office: (678) 430-6037

Rob Henson oversees and provides excellent management of SUMC’s campus buildings and grounds and ensures the physical presence of SUMC is well maintained. Rob responsibly manages church resources and helps ministries of SUMC meet the needs of the congregation.

Brittany Jaynes is Snellville United Methodist's Associate Director of Music. Brittany leads our mid-high and senior-high youth choirs bringing exciting and innovative spirit to SUMC's Music Ministry.

Office: (678) 430-6038

Bonnie Linscott understands that a good Wedding Coordinator is invaluable. As Wedding Coordinator at SUMC, Bonnie meets with couples in an effort to establish the range of services available within a given budget and schedule. Bonnie works hard to ensure the church’s policies are met concerning the use of candles, appropriate music, photography, style of ceremony, and all of the facilities and equipment are available for the wedding.

Rev. Jay Suender is Snellville United Methodist's Youth Associate Pastor. Rev. Suender leads the 9:30 a.m. contemporary worship service with messages that engage your heart and mind in openness to the Holy Spirit.

Office: (404) 889-1310

Rev. Efrain Morales is Snellville United Methodist's Hispanic/Latino Pastor. Rev. Morales leads the Hispanic/Latino Ministry worship service and brings a deep sense of God's abiding presence with each sermon.

Margaret Peterson is SUMC’s talented Organist. Margaret lends inspiration to the traditional worship services by using the organ to lift the congregation in music for the praise of God.

As Sanctuary Technical Director, Martin Russell supports and inspires the vision for the traditional worship services through effective use of audio, visual, and lighting.

Office: (678) 430-6024

Rev. Julie Schendel is Snellville United Methodist's Associate Pastor. Rev. Schendel oversees our Pastoral Care Ministries, Evangelism, and on occasion leads our 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. traditional worship services.

Office: (678) 430-6039

Janet Seay serves as the Food Service Ministry Director. Along side a faithful army of volunteers, Janet plans and prepares healthy and nutritious meals for Wonderful Wednesday Night Dinners, church events, and other meetings.

Rebecca Smith is Snellville United Methodist's Director of Children's Choir. Rebecca leads our graded children's choirs and incorporates hands-on experiential activities that encourage growth and knowledge about God, learning the Bible, and fellowshipping with others. Opportunities about for all children whose desire is to sing and participate in a variety of musical activities.

Office: (678) 430-6013

Office: (678) 430-6001

James Williams is Snellville United Methodist's Director of Music Ministries. James oversees our Adult Choir and supervises a team of talented music staff and volunteers who lead Children's and Youth Choirs, Handbell Choirs, and Instrumental Ensembles.