A Message from Pastor Scott

Dear Trinity,


God has blessed me with the privilege of being your pastor for the past five years. I am grateful for the love that you have shown my family and me. You have helped me grow both as a pastor and as a disciple of Jesus Christ. 


Beginning July 1, I will be appointed by our Bishop to serve as the associate pastor at Perdido Bay UMC in Pensacola, FL.


Being a United Methodist elder means that I have covenanted to serve where I am appointed. I am excited about this coming opportunity to work with Dr. Levi Gardener and the people of Perdido Bay UMC. Yet, I also acknowledge that I will miss you; you have been a blessing for me. Trinity UMC is truly a place of healing, help, and hope. I am grateful for you.


In Christ,

Scott

(pastor@trinityfwb.org)

Meet the New Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. Ebb Hagan and family will be joining Trinity OFFICIALLY on July 10. Ebb grew up in Evergreen, AL where he attended Evergreen First United Methodist Church. After two years at Troy State University and two years at the University of Alabama, he ultimately graduated from Washington State University (Go Cougs!). This allows him to stay out of the Bama/Auburn and Florida State/Florida rivalry cross-fire! After spending the better part of 20 years in Seattle, WA, Ebb is enjoying living close to home.


Rev. Hagan received his Master of Divinity degree at Princeton Seminary in New Jersey. While at Princeton he was an assistant on the Dead Sea Scrolls Project and was awarded an archaeological fellowship to work a dig in Bethsaida, Galilee, Israel and research in Jerusalem. He completed his doctoral studies at Emory University. His personal academic interest is the cross-section between biblical principles and secular cultural media.


Ebb's wife, Emily, grew up in Inchelium WA which is located in NE Washington state. She is also a graduate of Washington State University and graduated with a Masters in Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary. They are joined by their three teenaged children Gaston, Mallory, and Stefan. The kids are enjoying the freedom of the Florida Panhandle lifestyle.


In his free time, Ebb enjoys going to WWE Monday Raw and Friday Night Smackdown live events and watching live music! He loves getting outside to play disc golf whenever possible.

Our Team

  • Rev. Dr. EbB Hagan

    Senior Pastor (As of July 1, 2022)

    TRINITY@TRINITYFWB.ORG

    Ebb grew up in Evergreen, AL where he attended Evergreen First United Methodist Church. After two years at Troy State University and two years at the University of Alabama, he ultimately graduated from Washington State University (Go Cougs!). This allows him to stay out of the Bama/Auburn and Florida State/Florida rivalry cross-fire! After spending the better part of 20 years in Seattle, WA, Ebb is enjoying living close to home.

    Rev. Hagan received his Master of Divinity degree at Princeton Seminary in New Jersey. While at Princeton he was an assistant on the Dead Sea Scrolls Project and was awarded an archaeological fellowship to work a dig in Bethsaida, Galilee, Israel and research in Jerusalem. He completed his doctoral studies at Emory University. His personal academic interest is the cross-section between biblical principles and secular cultural media.

    Ebb's wife, Emily, grew up in Inchelium WA which is located in NE Washington state. She is also a graduate of Washington State University and graduated with a Masters in Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary.

    They are joined by their three teenaged children Gaston, Mallory, and Stefan. The kids are enjoying the freedom of the Florida Panhandle lifestyle.


    In his free time, Ebb enjoys going to WWE Monday Raw and Friday Night Smackdown live events and watching live music! He loves getting outside to play disc golf whenever possible.


    Favorite verse: Matthew 5:9 (NIV) -“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

    Favorite TV: Friday Night Smackdown & The Walking Dead

    Favorite Book: The Kings of New York by Michael Weinreb

  • Paula ROane

    Discipleship & Children's Ministry director

    children@trinityfwb.org

    Paula Roane joined the staff at Trinity on May 1, 2000. She was born in Miami, FL and grew up in Pensacola. She graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Social Work. After receiving her Master’s Degree in Psychology from the University of West Florida she spent five years as a Mental Health Counselor in Panama City before heading off to Duke Divinity school where she received a Master’s Degree in Religious Education. Paula served churches in North Carolina, was the Director of the UWF Wesley Foundation as well as serving nine years as the Minister of Children at Destin UMC. She is a Deacon in the United Methodist Church.


    Life Verse: Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

    Favorite Treat: Chocolate

    Favorite Movie: Hallmark Christmas Movies

  • Matt Hull

    Youth Minister

    youth@trinityfwb.org

    Matt Hull was born in Baltimore, MD, but has been in Florida since he was 7. He received a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences with a focus on Diversity Studies from The University of West Florida. He was in retail management before entering full time ministry. He joined the Trinity staff in 2006. You will always find him in a polo, shorts, and flip flops no matter the weather. He is married to Shannon and together they have a daughter, Justice. He loves disc golf, watching Orioles baseball, traveling, and grilling.


    Life verse: Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) - “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

    Favorite Movie: Star Wars 4-6

    Favorite Book: Blue Like Jazz - Donald Miller

  • Melissa johnson

    Youth Assistant

    youthassistant@trinityfwb.org

    Melissa Johnson began as our receptionist in 2014 and became our assistant youth director in 2018 after volunteering and interning with our youth group for several years. A Ft. Walton Beach native, Melissa was raised at Trinity United Methodist Church with her grandfather, John Remine and nanny, Annie Ferguson. She is an alumni of the University of West Florida (Go Argos!) and has a degree in Children and Society. For many years Melissa knew her calling was to work with the young people in her community. One summer at Oakwood Experience at Blue Lake, Melissa felt her calling to ministry and has been full speed ahead ever since. Melissa married her high school sweetheart, John and they have a daughter, Jane (2020) and two fur-baby cats, Piper and Kona. She has a passion for people, adventure and friendly competition. Her passion for others doesn’t end with the church, Melissa also works for Okaloosa County as a substitute teacher. In her free time she can be found bingeing Netflix shows, enjoying a football game with good food or planning her next road trip with friends.


    Life Verse: "Leave your simple ways and you will live;  walk in the way of insight." Proverbs 9:6 (NIV)

    Favorite TV show: Grey's Anatomy & The Office

    Favorite Book: Love Does by Bob Goff

  • Lisa Simon

    Music Ministry Director

    music@trinityfwb.org

    Lisa was born in Ohio where she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at the age of 8. That moment has been the foundation for her life. She has been in church music since singing her first solo at the age of 5. (Ask her! She still remembers the words!) Graduated from Ohio Northern University with a Bachelor of Music, in voice, she has also completed half of a master’s Choral Conducting degree at Texas Tech University. She taught music in Ohio and has also given private piano and voice lessons since college graduation. Lisa served 3 churches in the surrounding FWB area, as a single mom, was a full-time music teacher at a local elementary school when she came to Trinity UMC as a part-time choir director/organist in April of 2002-2012. In 2012 she married and moved to Mobile, AL. Served in music ministry at Methodist churches in AL, including Fairhope UMC, and returned to Trinity UMC in full time music ministry, September, 2018. Singing, reading, Bible Study and worship are what guide her daily. In her free time, she helps Michael, her husband, with his ministry. Lisa is a teacher and a coach at heart and has taught music and coached sports of all kinds. She is a Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Browns and an Ohio State fan. She is the proud parent of two children and their spouses.


    Life Verse: “To Believe is to be Strong!” Romans 8:31-39

    Favorite Drink: Cinnamon coffee with lots of sugar and cream

    Favorite Book: Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, & Finding the Church by – Rachel Held Evans

  • Jacque Schlageter

    Business Administrator

    business.administrator@trinityfwb.org

    Jacque Schlageter has been a part of the Trinity staff since 2016. Originally from Huntington Beach, CA, Jacque spent a majority of her life in Ft. Walton Beach, FL with a few years spent in the Middle East. These years spent overseas developed a love for traveling and Jacque has been fortunate to visit many different countries and experience various cultures around the world. She has a passion for animal rescue and has been volunteering and fostering dogs with the Saving with Soul organization since 2017. She describes this experience as being the “best and most rewarding experience in my lifetime”. She typically has 4 dogs (3 + 1 foster) and 2 cats at home. Jacque loves being outdoors and active, growing up a competitive swimmer, she has worked with the Okaloosa County Beach Safety as a lifeguard part-time since 2014.


    Life Mantra: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”

    Favorite Movie: The Martian

    Favorite Book: Lone Survivor

  • Ramses Schlageter

    Assistant Business Administrator


    Ramses joined the Trinity staff in 2016 and is our avid greeter and protector. When he isn’t hard at work, Ramses spends his free time cuddling with his momma, going for walks, playing with his siblings, and enjoying a good snooze. His favorite place is the beach and he loves to run. Ramses is a bit of a food connoisseur, he is happy and willing to try any and all food that comes his way, it’s truly the way to his heart. .


    Life Verse: "Leave people better than you found them."

    Favorite Food: Treats

    Favorite Movie: Marley and Me

  • MaKenzie Johnson

    communications & operations

    communications@trinityfwb.org

    MaKenzie Johnson has been a part of the Trinity staff since October 2020. A former military dependent born in the Midwest, MaKenzie has spent most of her formative years growing up in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. During Junior College, MaKenzie was able to spend a year studying abroad in South Korea which helped fuel her love of travel and exploring different cultures. She is a 2013 graduate from the University of West Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. After graduation she was fortunate enough to work in the field of Student Activities in higher education which she has done for the last seven years until she decided to answer God’s calling to work at Trinity and assist in spreading the message that Trinity provides spirit-filled ministries and worship opportunities to equip people to become disciples of Jesus Christ. MaKenzie was baptized in 2007 and has had a heart for God ever since. In her free time, MaKenzie enjoys spending time with her family. She is an avid book reader/collector, a massive New Orleans Saints fan and the proud so-to-be-mom to a beautiful baby boy in June 2022.


    Life Verse: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” Proverbs 27:17

    Favorite TV Show: Game of Thrones Favorite Food: Pina Rellena de Pollo from Chapala’s Mexican Restaurant Niceville, FL.

  • David yetter

    organist

    David began serving at Trinity in October of 2019. He is a native of upstate NY, Binghamton, NY. He received his B.Mus. & M. Mus. degrees from Westminster Choir College, Princeton, NJ in 1976 & 1978 respectively. While at college he sang with the Westminster Symphonic Choir in orchestral/choral concerts with the NY Philharmonic, the National Symphony of Washington, DC, the Pittsburgh Symphony, & the Atlanta Symphony. In Aug. 1986 he came to Christ UMC in Jackson, MS to serve as Assistant Music Director, organist/accompanist. It was at this church that David met & then married his wife, the former Susan Spann. in July 1988.   David served as Wesley Biblical Seminary chapel pianist & graduation ceremony organist from 1987 to 2015. David also served as a music instructor & private piano instructor at a small Christian college, Wesley College, 18 miles south of Jackson, MS from 1997 to 2010. He enjoys traveling, American History, reading, & aquaria. The Grand Tetons National Park in NW Wyoming is proof of our Almighty God’s handiwork! He is a HUGE fan of UKY Wildcat basketball & love all the reruns of the 1970s TV series: “EMERGENCY!”


    Life Verse: "When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives." Matthew 26:30

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Trinity United Methodist Church in Fort Walton Beach, FL offers the healing, help, and hope in Jesus Christ through genuine, heartfelt worship and learning experiences. Our church is a place where all are invited in to discover who God is and the purpose He has for all of us in His story. We think church should be one of the most engaging and exciting places on the planet. If you are interested in offering the hope and healing power of Christ to the world with us, please see the open employment opportunities below.

Trinity UMC is looking for a Worship & Praise Leader. This year-round part-time position will work with the pastoral staff and worship planning team to design meaningful contemporary worship service that will lead people to a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. The Worship & Praise Leader will lead the congregation into an atmosphere of worship that will grow the church members and disciple Jesus Christ through worship, music, and prayer.


This individual will need to have a clear testimony of faith in Jesus Christ and a vital, growing personal relationship with God. They must also have a vision for growth. This individual needs to be a team builder/player with love for God and His music. They need to have written and public communication skills and knowledge of Musical Theory and musical skills on an instrument, preferably voice, guitar, or keyboard.


PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

  • Skill and experience leading Contemporary Worship and Rehearsals, two years or more
  • Strong leadership and relational skill
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to recruit, train, and empower volunteers for a worship ministry
  •  Budgeting and organizational skills
  • Familiar with Pro-Presenter, Loop Community Tracks, and Song Select (Song Resource Library)
  •  Familiar with building order of worship, maintaining song repertoire, and communication and scheduling volunteers, preferably with Planning Center

REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY

  • Resume
  • Audition Tape of Musical Abilities (singing, instrument playing, etc.)

All applicants please send resume and audition tape to trinity@trinityfwb.org. 

Deadline to Apply is Continuous.