Our Staff

Chris was born in Kentucky but has lived in Tennessee his whole life. Chris received his Bachelor of Science in 1996 from Vanderbilt University followed by his Master of Divinity in 1999, also from Vanderbilt. Chris completed his PhD from Drew University in 2016. Chris became an ordained elder in 2004 and has pastored seven United Methodist congregations in Tennesseee.

In his free time, Chris likes to visit the National Parks of the United States and hopes to one day hike the entire Appalachian Trail. Chris considers himself a collector and his collections include: baseball cards, coffee mugs, commemorative Coke bottles, Lego, Fiestaware dishes, comic books, stoneware communion sets, and Methodist Books of Discipline.

Favorite Movie Quote: "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Mark is married to Marne’ and they are parents of two grown children, Kathryn and Chris (married to Anna). Prior to serving on staff, he served for 12 years at Abingdon Press/Cokesbury as an editor, most notably of the DISCIPLE Bible Studies. Mark can be seen in December on the streets of downtown Franklin disguised as Scrooge and on various occasions dressed and talking as a pirate. He is also the keeper of the bees housed on the property of the Center for Living & Learning.

An English major, Mark’s undergrad degree was from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, hence his affinity with all things Tar Heel during basketball season. For his theological studies, Mark attended Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY, where Marne’ worked for the Library for the Blind at the Louisville Free Public Library and Mark worked part-time on a church staff, part-time for a store called “Something to Do,” and got his hair cut at “A Place to Go.” In his free time, Mark enjoys beekeeping, calligraphy, and impersonating characters while in full costume.

Favorite Movie Quote: “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” Princess Bride

Anne Hook has always loved music which led to her pursual of a Bachelor of Music degree for undergrad. She then went on to receive two Master's degrees, a Master of Sacred Music and a Master of Music, both of which focus on conducting. Anne became an Ordained Deacon in 1997. Anne is married to Dave, who himself is an Acolyte Captain, and together they have two grown sons, Stephen and Andrew.

When Anne isn't making beautiful music, she enjoys woodworking and crafts. She is well-known for her furniture building and watercolor paintings. Anne is skilled at using her hands and uses them to repair appliances and plan worship. Anne is a huge fan of the show Ted Lasso and agrees with Ted when he says, "If you care about someone, and you got a little love in your heart, there ain't nothing you can't get through together."

Favorite Movie Quote: "Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue." Airplane!

Paul Bonner was born in Michigan but grew up here in Williamson County. He graduated from Lipscomb Elementary school which gave him a firm foundation which led to him pursuing a Business Management degree from Middle Tennessee State University. Paul later went on to receive his Master's degree in Theology from Vanderbilt Divinity School. Paul was Commissioned in 2004 and became an Ordained Deacon in 2007. Together with his wife Amy, they have one son, Isaac.

In his free time, you can find Paul doing a plethora of activities such as carpentry and disc golf (a sport in which he is a semi-professional) with raquetball and suduko in between. Paul is a firm believer that Fall is the best season, sunsets on the beach are magical, and watching sports and hummingbirds are both great ways to enjoy life.

Favorite Movie Quote: "Get busy living, or get busy dying." Shawshank Redemption

Aimee Cox received her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health Care Administration from East Tennessee State University in her hometown of Johnson City, TN. Aimee married her college sweetheart, Matt, and together they have three daughters, Mattilda, Alice, and Emmylou. Aimee recently became a certified candidate for ministry and is currently pursuing ordination as an Elder. She is attending Duke Divinity School where she is working toward a Master's of Divinity with certifcations in Preaching and Methodist and Weselyan Studies.

When not at church, you can find Aimee rinkside cheering on her daughters' hockey teams or with her nose stuck in a book. As a self-proclamed book nerd, Aimee is always happy to lend fiction from her personal library or make recommendations for a good read. Aimee firmly believes that you should keep a book with you at all times in case of an emergency and when asked where she sees herself in ten years, her response will always be, "reading."

Favorite Movie Quote: "Somebody else is going to find a precious blessing from Jesus in this garbage dump of a situation." Juno

Alexandra grew up in the Northeast and moved to Nashville in the late 1990s to attend college. She fell in love with this area and with the people and culture in the South and has been here ever since! Alexandra lives in Franklin with her husband Jarrel and their three children, Tim, Charlotte, and Evangeline (Eva). She and her family enjoy music and theater and being outside.

In her free time, Alexandra loves all things true crime, playing the Nintendo Wii (she is a semi-professional couch bowler), and hearing live music. Her music taste ranges from soft rock and showtunes to 80s and 90s hair metal. While Alexandra claims she is "no fun" she and her family are self-professed "foodies" and enjoy cooking and trying new, eclectic restaurants in the area. She is always up to provide a yummy recommendation.

Favorite Movie Quote: "Oh, yeah, You blend." My Cousin Vinny