MEET OUR STAFF
PASTOR KEITH COX
Pastor Keith graduated from Central High School in Macon, GA. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Mercer University in Human Services. He received his Master of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center and Gammon Theological Seminary. He has been serving as a pastor in the Methodist Church for 27 years and was ordained as Elder in Full Connection in the North GA UMC Conference in 2003. Keith became an ordained Elder for the South GA Conference in The Global Methodist Church in June 2023.
Pastor Keith and his wife April arrived in Waynesboro in June of 2023. He serves the community in different capacities. He is the volunteer chaplain for the Burke County Fire Department and the Edmond Burke Academy Varsity Football Team. He is the Chapel speaker several times throughout the school year for Faith Christian Academy and Edmond Burke Academy. He organized the Lenten Devotions and Luncheon during Holy Week with the help from several local pastors and churches. He preaches on third Sundays at Thankful Baptist Church in Waynesboro during their 9:30 worship service.
He and his wife, April, have been married for 28 years. April is a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for Columbia County. Their daughter, Meagan Booker lives in Rome, GA with her husband Joshua and two-year-old daughter Elizabeth. Their son, Jordan, is married to Millie and they are both attending Southeastern Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC.
Administrative Assistant
Ashley Hammac
I am originally from Thomson, Georgia, but recently moved to Hephzibah to be closer to the Charter School, where two of our daughters attend. Our oldest daughter is attending college and aspires to become a registered nurse, and I couldn’t be prouder of all three of our girls.
My husband and I are active members of Antioch Christian Church, where we have worshiped together since we were teens in youth group. They are most definitely our second family.
For more than 20 years, I have had the privilege of serving at Burns Preschool and Daycare Center, located within Burns Memorial Methodist Church. Those years have been a true blessing to me, and I am excited to begin this new chapter serving Waynesboro First Methodist Church.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially taking trips to the mountains and making lasting memories together.
Director of Music and Children's Ministries
Cindy McCook
Cindy has served in ministry at Waynesboro First Methodist Church since January 1999. Prior to serving here, she graduated from Brewton Parker College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music. She has a heart for worship and sharing the love of Jesus through music to all ages. Cindy is also passionate about children’s ministry. She loves to teach and share God word with all the children of our church and community.
Cindy enjoys spending time with her friends and family, cool weather, movies, and gardening.
Church Organist and Pianist
Joy Johnson
Joy is a Graduate of the University of Georgia.
Joy started playing the piano in churches at 11 years of age and loves to play Southern gospel, contemporary Christian music and hymns.
She is animal lover who loves visiting zoos, safaris and aquariums and assisting with cat rescues. Joy loves going to the beach and watching Westerns on TV, but she has never flown or been on a cruise …and doesn’t plan to!
Director of Youth Ministries
Jacob Britton
My name is Jacob Britton, and I’m 24 years old. I was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, and over the years God has really grown my heart for serving others and sharing the Gospel. For the past five summers, I’ve had the opportunity to serve with TEAMeffort Missions, where I’ve helped lead mission trips for middle and high school students. Seeing students grow in their faith while serving others has given me a deep passion for youth ministry, and I love encouraging the next generation to follow Christ and live out their faith.
I currently live in Jacksonville, Florida, where I serve with TEAMeffort missions and look for ways to invest in others. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time outdoors. Whether it’s hiking, exploring new places, or just being in nature, I love seeing God’s creation and taking time to reflect.
A verse that has had a huge impact on my life is Matthew 28:19–20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” That passage reminds me of the mission God has called all of us to. My prayer is to faithfully follow wherever He leads and to help others grow in their relationship with Him along the way.
Director of Preschool Ministries
Kelli Jenkins
After graduating from Edmund Burke Academy, I attended Augusta Technical college and received a 2 year degree with emphasis on medical transcription and medical coding. I worked at Burke County Hospital, until after a year of my first child being born when I decided I wanted to be home with her and started a state licensed daycare in my home and then opened my heart to so many children for the next 10 years.
I then applied for the preschool position at WFM and have been employed there since 2004 and will be starting my 20th year with Waynesboro First Methodist this fall term.
Preschool Ministries Teacher
Julie Cunningham
Julie has been the Preschool Ministries Teacher since September 2019. Prior to working at First Methodist in the Preschool Ministry, she worked as a teacher for Bible Play School at First Baptist Church in Waynesboro for 10 years and also served as the Youth Director at First Methodist.
Julie attended college at Sweet Briar College and Charleston Southern University. She and her husband Steven have been married for 21 years and have five children. Her hobbies include reading and spending time outdoors.