About Us

We recognize that people look for God in many ways. Whether you visit in person or online, we hope you discover something here to encourage you in your spiritual journey. Here is more info about United Methodist beliefs and if you are new to The United Methodist Church, here is a great place to get to know us.

 Rob and Sherry are both from Atlanta, Georgia. Rob grew up in Dunwoody, and Sherry in Lithia Springs. They both graduated from high school: Peachtree High School for Rob and Douglas County High School for Sherry. They met at Georgia State University and got married in 1978. 

They have two grown kids. Their daughter, Alison, is married to Lowell White III, a real estate developer and entrepreneur. They live in Watkinsville and have a 15-year-old daughter, Mia Claire, a 13-year-old son, Channing, and a 9-year-old daughter, Gracyn. 

Their son, Clayton, is married to his high school sweetheart, Lauren Smith. He works as a salesperson, while Lauren is a lawyer. They live in East Cobb and have a son, Shane, 9, and a daughter, Bailey, 7.

Rob is a second-career pastor. He spent 15 years in a family business, then went into business for himself, served as a Vice President for an IT design firm, and was the CEO of Johnson Industries, Dealer Services Division, until it was sold to Genuine Parts Company. He finally answered the call to ordained ministry at 44 years old. He graduated from Emory’s Candler School of Theology with a Master’s of Divinity and later received a Doctorate from Emory. He was ordained an elder in 2007. He’s served at Wesley Chapel UMC, St. Stephen UMC, Tate UMC, McEver UMC, and Watkinsville First.

Rob loves playing with and keeping up with technology, as well as enjoying golf, fishing, and hunting for turkey and deer.

Sherry was a full-time housewife and mother who worked part-time in the family business and Rob’s business. After the kids were able to drive, she worked as a UPS store manager. She retired in 2002. Sherry enjoys cooking and reading about 4 or 5 books a week, and volunteering at Piedmont, Athens.

We’re excited to serve at Johnson UMC!

Small but mighty! Small but spiritually distinct! That is Johnson UMC. We welcome you with the love and service of Christ.