ASHFORD MEMORIAL
METHODIST CHURCH​
STAFF
Pastor
Reverend Robert Greene
​
Reverend Greene is originally from Macon where he grew up attending Vineville United Methodist Church. Robert graduated from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia in 1997. After four years in the corporate world, Robert clearly sensed the Lord calling him into ministry. In 2001, he entered the Candler School of Theology at Emory University and began serving as a minister at the same time.
Soon after making the decision to attend seminary, Robert met the former Kate Booth of Athens at a Bible study in Atlanta. They married in 2002 and have joyfully served in local churches since then. Robert and Kate have three children: William (17), Lauren (14), and Caroline (10).
A lifelong Methodist, Robert previously served in Macon, Whigham, Vidalia, and Albany, GA. Robert has served a total of 23 years in pastoral ministry.
Robert also answered the call from the Lord in 2011 to serve in the military as a Chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve. He continues to serve as a reserve chaplain at Robins Air Force Base in middle Georgia. In his spare time Robert enjoys traveling, playing golf and pickleball, watching sports (Go Dawgs and Go Braves!) and reading.
Associate Pastor
Len Bernat
Len is a leader groomed by 20 years of molding and shaping by some of the finest leaders in the United States Marine Corps. Their guidance helped Len realize his full potential as he moved from an enlisted Marine to becoming an Officer of Marines. Len became known for being the leader who could turn any lackluster organization into a strong, functional unit. The secret to his success was his focus on creating leaders who were trained to know all aspects of their responsibilities and then providing them the support they needed to be their very best while being held accountable for results.
After his years in the Marine Corps, Len worked in local government – retiring from Jackson County as the Purchasing Manager. In December of 2022, Len also retired from his position as the Pastor of Maxeys Christian Church. Len has shared his secrets in his first published work entitled “Leadership Matters: Advice from a USMC Career Officer.”
Director of Youth, College, & Family Programs
Chris Davis​
​
Chris is originally from Cleveland, Tennessee. He began his college studies at Volunteer State Community College. He then moved back home to attend Lee University and completed his B.S. in Youth Ministry and Christian Education in 2006. He met his wife, former Rebecca Hood of Bishop, GA at Mount Bethel United Methodist Church while serving in Youth Ministry. They then moved to Dahlonega to serve Dahlonega Methodist Church in 2008.
Chris and Rebecca have 2 fantastic daughters Reese Avery Davis in 2012 and Sadie Ray Davis 2016. In 2024 the Davis' felt it was time to go back close to family and now live in Bishop. Chris Came on staff at Ashford Memorial Methodist Church in September of 2024, while Rebecca is an 8th grade math teacher at Oconee Middle School. Chris serves as the Director to youth, college, and young families. He is excited to be on staff and looking forward to what the Lord brings to his family and Ashford Memorial in this new season of life.
Chris grew up in an Episcopalian home, did his internship at a Baptist Church, went to Lee University, and now works for the Methodist church. He would say he is Episcomethobapticostal.
Director of Music Ministries
Daniel Shafer
​
Daniel is currently pursuing his D.M.A. in Choral Conducting at the University of Georgia. Before his move to Athens, Daniel completed his M.M. in Choral Conducting at the University of Missouri - Columbia where he was the Director of Music at First Christian Church of Columbia, Missouri. Daniel also served as Music Director at Gray Memorial United Methodist Church in Tallahassee, FL while completing his B.M.E at Florida State University. Upon completing his undergraduate degree, Daniel became the Director of Choirs at Westminster Christian School in Miami, FL. During his tenure at Westminster, he led choral tours to London, Hawaii, Grand Cayman Islands, Walt Disney World, and Nashville. As a singer, Daniel has performed in productions of A Little Night Music, Don Giovanni, and Le portrait de Manon. He has also been a featured soloist with the Missouri Symphony Orchestra, Festival Singers of Florida, and Alarm Will Sound in performance with Meredith Monk.
Student Ministry Coordinator
Ellie Wooten
​
Ellie is originally from Cochran, GA. She and her husband, Nathaniel, got married in October 2021. Ellie has a B.S. Ed., M. Ed. and Ed. S from the University of Georgia in education. Ellie currently teaches first grade in Jackson County. Her favorite bible verse is Luke 1:45, "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her.”
Pianist
Tony Wall​
​
Tony Wall is originally from Winder, Ga. His wife, Denise, was born and raised here in Oconee County. They have 3 grown children (Erin, Russell and Patrick) and 6 grandchildren. Tony began playing piano in church as a teenager and has intermittently his entire adult life. He is retired from a 43-year career in healthcare (FNP) and came to Ashford Memorial in January of 2022.
​
Children's Ministry
Crystal Cannon
​
Crystal Cannon is originally from Valdosta, GA. Crystal is married to Bryce and they have 3 children (Waylon Grace, Paxton & a sweet baby due in February). She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with certifications in Gifted Education and ESOL Education from Georgia Gwinnett College. She joined Ashford in January 2022. Her favorite scripture is Psalm 118:24- “Today is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Church Office Manager
Amanda Kirk
​
Amanda is a graduate from Presbyterian College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. Amanda and her husband Robby are parents to a daughter Mary Jackson, a junior at Wofford College and a son Will, who will be an incoming freshman at UGA in the fall 2024.
Nursery Workers
​
Rose Rickett
Mabel Jackson
Lauren McCormack
Jesslyn Phillips