About Us: Pastoral Team
Gary Arnold
Pastor of Worship and the Arts
For over 25 years, Gary has provided worship experiences that touch the hearts and minds of participants.
Gary led the music and arts program for the St. Mark United Methodist Church during its heyday in midtown Atlanta. Considered one of the most creative churches for worship and music, Gary was instrumental in pushing that congregation to its inclusivity, diversity and exellence in choral offerings.
Gary also serves as the educational director of the Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS), bringing the power of the arts to the entire Lake Oconee area and its schools.
Contact
garywarnold@gmail.com
404-402-5542
David W. Key, Sr.
Founding Pastor
Having grown up a Baptist, David's ministry over the years has taken him into ecumenical/multi-denominational circles.
David teaches at one of the premiere theological educational institutions in the country - Emory University's Candler School of Theology. He is an adjunct instructor with the University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government, one of the country's leading institutions for training in organizational theory and practice.
David is a native of Augusta, Ga., earned his BBA in accounting from the University of Georgia, and carried out his MDIV and PhD studies in Louisville, Kentucky.
Contact
David W. Key, Sr.
dkey@LearnLink.Emory.Edu
770-309-2394
Becky Matheny
Pastor of Spiritual and Communal Development
Throughout her more than 30 years of ministry, Becky has always challenged people to think broader about God and deeper about their personal faith.
While serving as campus minister at the University of Georgia, she created and led one of the largest campus ministries in the country. Later, she served on staff as Minister of Education of the historic Second-Ponce deLeon Church in Atlanta. She presently also directs the Baptist Heritage Council of Georgia.
Becky earned her BA in Education from Samford University, and an MDIV from Southern Seminary. She did additional doctoral studies in Adult Education at the University of Georgia.
Contact
Becky Matheny
bmatheny@bellsouth.net
706-202-0124
Avis Williams
Pastor of Community Transformation
Avis E. Williams graduated in May 2008 from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta with a Master of Divinity degree. "Pastor Avis," as she is called in the greater Greene and Putnam County communities, works in community asset building, evangelism, and outreach, leading three weekly Bible study and prayer groups.
Pastor Avis works as a conduit between Lake Oconee Community Church and the local community, partnering with local agencies and school systems. Brothers and sisters from all walks of life are becoming active participants and witnesses as the hand of God moves to bring about transformation and reconciliation in the community. Pastor Avis is a lifelong member of the historic Bethlehem Church in Covington, Georgia.
Contact
Avis Williams
aewilliams@mindspring.com
404-379-5561