Meet Our Team
I am passionate about faith development, spiritual formation, preaching, and writing; and I have been profoundly influenced by my participation in the Upper Room’s Two Year Academy for Spiritual Formation. The Christian mystics of the Middle Ages, as well as the writings of the early Christians a presented by the book The Sayings of the Desert Fathers fascinate me because I believe these early Christians along with St. John of the Cross, Julian of Norwich, the writer of The Cloud of Unknowing, and the like, have much wisdom to convey to us in a modern age.
My goal in worship is to help connect the ordinary person with the Spirit of the Living God as revealed to the world in Jesus Christ. For me, worship means singing old and new hymns, chanting our prayers, grounding ourselves in the beautiful rituals and sacraments of the church, embracing the prayer of silence, and deeply listening to the Word of God as proclaimed in Scripture. One of the foundational scriptures that shapes me is “You will know the truth and the truth will make you free” (John 8:32).
Being influenced by and formed by many people and their writings and teaching, I give particular thanks for the lives and works of modern folk like Roberta Bondi, Kathleen Norris, Parker Palmer, Howard Thurman, and Richard Rohr. In addition to the sense of fulfillment I receive from working for God in the church, I also enjoy gardening, walking, and running.
As for “where I come from” and my background in work and school, I grew up in the very small town of Hurtsboro, AL. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Huntingdon College, with double majors in English and History. After graduating from Candler School of Theology at Emory University with a Master of Divinity, I began serving as a pastor in the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. From 1998 – 2009, I served in four appointments within our conference. Just before my appointment to Point Washington UMC in January 2018, I served at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Panama City, Florida; and I spent several years in Toronto, Ontario serving as a pastor in the United Church of Canada.
In addition to pastoral duties in the local church, I have served as the Chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry's Conference Relations Committee (2020-present) and am a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry. I am also a member of the Committee on Petitions and Resolutions for our conference. From 2016-2024, I was a member of the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits and served as the Chair of the Pension Committee for those same years. From 2005-2009, I led the annual conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry and as a member of the CORE Team, the Alabama-West Florida annual conference leadership group. I have also worked closely with the District Committee on Ministry, the conference and district United Methodist Women’s groups, Clergywomen in Ministry, the Commission on the Status and Role of Women committee, and the Youth Ministry Academy.
REV. AMY PERSONS, SENIOR PASTOR
CHRIS KLAUS, DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRY
I am excited to be part of the staff at Point Washington UMC. Some of my earliest memories—singing in my father’s church choir in South Louisiana— sparked a lifelong love of worship and ministry.
My upbringing fostered a love for good food and music of all genres. As the son of a music minister, I spent my life immersed in church communities— choirs, youth groups, and Sunday worship—where I feel most at home lifting my voice in praise.
I studied voice and commercial music at the University of North Alabama and entered full-time ministry in Huntsville, Alabama, in 2007. In 2015, I moved to the Emerald Coast to serve on staff at Destin Methodist Church, where I remained until 2022. After a brief respite from ministry leadership, I am looking forward to what’s next in the life and ministries of Point Washington.
For me, worship ministry is more than just music—it’s a sacred, communal practice that brings generations together and deepens our walk with Christ. I find meaning in the beauty of diverse voices blending in harmony—musically and spiritually—a powerful reminder of worship’s ability to unite and transform.
I am married to Keri and have two daughters, Carson (married to AJ) and Erin. June, our chocolate lab, holds the key to all of our hearts.
PAUL BARNETT, YOUTH DIRECTOR
I have served as Director of Youth Ministries at Point Washington United Methodist Church since July 2005. Prior to joining the ministry team at PWUMC, I served on staff at Niceville UMC, as a volunteer youth leader at St. Augustine UMC, and as a short term missionary to Guinea-Bissau, Africa. I came to know Christ at the age of 16 in 1997 and experienced the call to the ministry in 1999 while working as a youth ministry intern at Niceville UMC.
I was born and raised in Niceville, Florida and graduated from Niceville High School in 1998. I received a Bachelors Degree in Social Sciences with an emphasis in History and Religion from Flagler College in 2004. I have one child, Isaiah.
I have a deep passion for connecting teenagers to Christ and to each other in true Christian community. When not hanging out with the students of POWASH Youth, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing disc golf, ultimate frisbee, kayaking, throwing the cast net, watching movies, and watching college football!
KELLY YOAKUM, CHILDREN'S DIRECTOR
My first experience in ministry was leading worship in children's ministry growing up as a preacher's kid in a small military town in Alabama. After graduating with an Early Childhood degree, I began teaching in a private Christian school in Birmingham, Alabama. While volunteering in the children's music ministry, my home church asked me to step in as children's director interim to coordinate, recruit, and lead children's programming. Through that experience, I found an excitement for working full time ministry.
Throughout the years, I have served in children's ministry through a leadership role full time and as a volunteer. My passion is building a community to reflect the love of God.
My hobbies include playing the piano, spending time with friends and the outdoors, watching my daughter's college volleyball team, baking apple pies and homemade yeast rolls, and taking my dog, Conner, on walks.
I am excited to build relationships within the Santa Rosa Beach community and offer a welcoming place for families to grow in connection and to create a curiosity for following Christ.
AMY STOYLES, BUSINESS MANAGER
MANDY MARKHAM JOHNSON,
COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING COORDINATOR
I joined the PWUMC team in June 2025 after retiring from the University of Alabama where I was most recently Director of Marketing for UA Online in the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education. Prior to that position, I worked with the University's campus bookstores in many different roles - primarily promoting the UA brand and trying to buy enough merchandise to satisfy the Crimson Tide fans who shopped in our stores and online. I started working at UA a few months before Nick Saban did and retired about a year after he retired. What a time to be a Bama employee and fan!
I am originally from Birmingham, Alabama and hold a bachelor’s degree from Samford University and a master’s degree from Birmingham-Southern College. My husband, Phillip, and I live locally with our two rescued Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Birdie and Olive. We've been visiting 30A for many years and enjoy the beach and riding our bikes in the lovely state parks in our area. We also love worshipping at PWUMC and have found the members and minsters to be welcoming, caring and wonderful examples of Christ's love.
MARGARET COX, AUDIO / VISUAL TECH
I was born and raised in the heart of Knoxville, Tennessee. From my earliest days, I found solace and purpose in the halls of the First Baptist Church Knoxville. It was there that my passion for music blossomed, leading me to become a longtime soloist both within the church choir and in the wider community.
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One of the highlights of my musical journey was the honor of singing the National Anthem for the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball games over three decades. It was a privilege to lend my voice to such a beloved tradition and to be part of the excitement surrounding those games.
In addition to my musical endeavors, I found fulfillment in service and event management. For a decade, I had the distinct privilege of serving as the producer and director of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies in Knoxville, TN. This role allowed me to celebrate the achievements of remarkable athletes and contribute to the rich tapestry of women's sports history.
My professional journey also led me to the position of Director of Corporate Operations for the Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation, where I had the opportunity to promote the vibrant culture and attractions of my hometown.
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Even in retirement, my commitment to service and music remains unwavering. For over 15 years, I dedicated my time as a volunteer audiovisual technician at First Baptist Church, and now, in my new home in Florida, I've found joy in continuing this role at Point Washington United Methodist Church. Additionally, I'm delighted to serve as the Audio Visual Director for Point Washington, while still sharing my voice in the church choir and assisting as the volunteer assistant music director.
Through music, service, and community involvement, I've found purpose and fulfillment, and I look forward to continuing to share my talents and passion with those around me.
In my free time, I cherish moments spent with my friends and family. I also love playing golf. There's something truly special about the serene atmosphere, the challenge of the game, and the camaraderie shared among fellow golfers. It's a wonderful way for me to unwind and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors.
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And of course, I can't forget to mention my beloved furry companion, Bunker. As a dedicated dog lover, I find endless delight in showering Bunker with love and affection. Whether we're taking leisurely walks, playing fetch in the backyard, or simply cuddling up together, Bunker fills my life with unconditional love and happiness.
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In all aspects of my life, whether it's through music, service, hobbies, or companionship, I strive to find meaning and fulfillment. I am grateful for each day and the opportunities it brings to make a positive impact and share my blessings with those around me.
JULIENE WATSON, SENIOR NURSERY ATTENDANT
I have been the senior nursery attendant at PWUMC for over 10 years! I love the kiddos of this community and look forward to providing dependable, safe and nurturing care every Sunday morning, Wednesday night and anytime in between! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and grandson.
Tyler Stevens
Facilities Maintenance Supervisor
850-231-4928
TYLER STEVENS, FACILITIES MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR
HILLARY TURNER, PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR
It is my pleasure to be the Director of The Preschool at Point Washington where we strive to give the best faith-based education we can provide! I am a native of the area, born and raised in Lynn Haven, Florida, and in the middle of two wonderful sisters, one involved in Pensacola Theatre and the other teaching right down the road at South Walton Montessori. My parents are also local real estate agents. I have been with the preschool since 2019 and also have a background in working on behavior and social skills with children.
I cherish my roots in Florida and in my free time, I can be found taking my dogs to the bay, completing a puzzle, or reading a good book. The Preschool at Point Washington has my heart and I look forward to all the possibilities ahead!"