STAFF

Ryan Heatherly

Senior Pastor

 When I was 18 years old, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I knew I was headed to college, but I could not envision my next steps then. After a simple conversation with my dad, I took his advice to give business a try. I liked the classes, the school, the experience, but not the jobs that came later. After three stints in outside sales, I still had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I had been laid off once and fired once in those first three jobs. I felt defeated and aimless. Over the next six months I saw professional doors close and ministry doors open. 

Thanks to God’s call in my life, I regained purpose and direction. Once I surrendered to Christian ministry, I gained valuable lessons on my journey. I have walked in the Holy Land where Jesus and his disciples walked; I have sailed upon the same waters of the early apostles. My purpose is forever linked with that of Christ Jesus. 

 Through ups and downs, God has been faithful, and I am humbled and honored to serve as pastor of our community. What a treasure we have found McMinnville to be, and much of our experience is because of the community at McMinnville First United Methodist Church. We have a great church, but it would be strengthened with your life experiences, insights, and perspectives. WE invite YOU to find community with us and would be humbled to be part of yours. We hope you find McMinnville First as a place of grace, hope, and hospitality, as I have. If you cannot join us for worship or other ministry events, I make myself available to you and your family. You never know when you might need a pastor, and I would be honored to be yours. 

In Christ,

Ryan Heatherly

Matt Sands

Youth Director

Matt has been a member at First United Methodist since July 2017  and began serving as Youth Ministry Director in February 2019.

Robert Hicks

Organist

Robert Hicks has served as Organist at First United Methodist Church since November 2018.  He also directs the Heritage Ringers at Heritage Academy, as well as serving as Adjunct Professor in Music at Tusculum University. He has been Organist and Choir Director at churches in New Hampshire, Utah, New Jersey and Michigan. Prior to moving from New Hampshire to Tennessee, he experienced what real winter was like while living in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. More recently, however, he has served as the Music Director for Daystar Academy, a small private school in the desert country of southwest Utah, where he taught violin and piano lessons as well as choir, handbells and instrumental ensembles.

He studied piano and violin from a young age, growing up in North Carolina and participating in the Suzuki Violins of East Carolina, including a tour to England. He received a BA in Music from Southern Adventist University in Tennessee and a Master of Music degree from Andrews University in Michigan. He has taught music at private schools in New York, Kansas, New Jersey and British Columbia and has played in the Chattanooga, Walla Walla, Salina and Grand Junction Symphonies. In addition to violin, piano and organ he plays trumpet, viola and baritone horn.

Robert and his wife Tricia, who is also a musician, have three children – Carrie, Sara and Jenna. He enjoys outdoor activities, especially hiking, having climbed over 40 peaks in Utah, Colorado and New Hampshire, and is currently working on the goal of climbing the highest point in every state.

Rachel Waters

Secretary/Receptionist