Christ UMC staff set the stage for Communion during Sunday morning worship in Franklin, TN.

STAFF DIRECTORY

Appointments are recommended for meeting with a member of our Pastoral Staff. Please call the office at 615-790-2112 to schedule. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00am–3:30pm.

Appointments are recommended for meeting with a member of our Pastoral Staff. Please call the office at 615-790-2112 to schedule. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00am–3:30pm.

REV. DR. CHRIS HAYNES

 

LEAD PASTOR

REV. DR. CHRIS HAYNES

 

LEAD PASTOR

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

 

In his free time, Chris likes to visit National Parks and hopes to one day hike the entire Appalachian Trail. Chris considers himself a collector whose 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

REV. DR. CHRIS HAYNES

 

LEAD PASTOR

REV. DR. CHRIS HAYNES

 

LEAD PASTOR

Reverend Doctor Chris Haynes, Lead Pastor of Christ UMC in Franklin, Tennessee.

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

 

In his free time, Chris likes to visit National Parks and hopes to one day hike the entire Appalachian Trail. Chris considers himself a collector whose 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



REV. ANNE HOOK

 

MINISTER OF MUSIC AND WORSHIP

REV. ANNE HOOK

 

MINISTER OF MUSIC AND WORSHIP

Anne has always loved music which led to her pursual of a Bachelor of Music degree. 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 is an Acolyte Captain, and together they have two grown sons, Stephen and Andrew.

 

When Anne isn’t making music, she enjoys woodworking and crafts. She is well-known for furniture building and watercolor paintings. Skilled at using her hands, she uses them to repair appliances and plan worship. She is also 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!

REV. ANNE HOOK

 

MINISTER OF MUSIC AND WORSHIP

REV. ANNE HOOK

 

MINISTER OF MUSIC AND WORSHIP

Reverend Anne Hook, Minister of Music and Worship at Christ UMC in Franklin, Tennessee.

Anne has always loved music which led to her pursual of a Bachelor of Music degree. 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 is an Acolyte Captain, and together they have two grown sons, Stephen and Andrew.

 

When Anne isn’t making music, she enjoys woodworking and crafts. She is well-known for furniture building and watercolor paintings. Skilled at using her hands, she uses them to repair appliances and plan worship. She is also 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!



REV. PAUL BONNER

 

YOUTH MINISTER

REV. PAUL BONNER

 

YOUTH MINISTER

Paul Bonner was born in Michigan but grew up here in Williamson County. He graduated from Brentwood High School, giving him a firm foundation that led him to pursue a Business Management degree from Middle Tennessee State University. Paul later went on to receive his Master’s 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 sudoku 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

REV. PAUL BONNER

 

YOUTH MINISTER

REV. PAUL BONNER

 

YOUTH MINISTER

Reverend Paul Bonner, Youth Minister at Christ UMC in Franklin, Tennessee.

Paul Bonner was born in Michigan but grew up here in Williamson County. He graduated from Brentwood High School, giving him a firm foundation that led him to pursue a Business Management degree from Middle Tennessee State University. Paul later went on to receive his Master’s 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 sudoku 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



BRENNAN PERKINS

 

MINISTER OF CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

BRENNAN PERKINS

 

MINISTER OF CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

Brennan grew up in northern Kentucky and received his bachelor’s degree in homiletics from Johnson University in Knoxville, Tennessee. It’s there that he met his future wife Lanie (our children’s minister at Christ UMC). Brennan is pursuing his Master of Divinity degree at Vanderbilt University Divinity School, where he will serve as the student body president this academic year. He enjoys taking walks with his and Lanie’s new puppy, Dela, discovering the best local eats that Nashville has to offer, and spending evenings at Centennial Park.

 

Some fun facts that Brennan shares about himself: A good milkshake heals my soul. Prior to moving to Nashville, I was a substitute Spanish teacher in a public high school... despite knowing very little Spanish. I believe the Kentucky Derby should qualify as a federal holiday.

 

Favorite Movie Quote: “The night is darkest just before the dawn. And I promise you, the dawn is coming.” —The Dark Knight



RACHEL SALMON PARKS

 

MINISTER OF CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

RACHEL SALMON PARKS

 

MINISTER OF CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

Rachel is from Louisville, Kentucky; sadly, she’s not a fan of fried chicken. After graduating with her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Louisville, Rachel moved to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt University Divinity School in 2022. It was in Nashville that Rachel met her Michigander husband, Jeremy, and his fur baby Cannoli. Together they have adopted another pup, Rosie, and a cat, Bloo. Their little animal rescue is quite demanding, but Rachel’s true calling is to the United Methodist Church, where she is a candidate for ordained ministry. Rachel is excited to partner with Christ UMC in showing the inclusive hospitality of Jesus Christ, and the unconditional love of God to all.

 

Some additional fun facts: Rachel loves crafting, singing poorly, and hunting for treasure at local thrift stores. Her favorite season is fall and she feels most like herself in a big comfy sweater and combat boots, but she does miss her purple hair days. Rachel and Jeremy also love to travel; together they have explored bits of Europe and South America!

 

Favorite Movie Quote: “Just keep swimming!” —Finding Nemo



LANIE PERKINS

 

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY COORDINATOR

LANIE PERKINS

 

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY COORDINATOR

Lanie grew up in the West Georgia area with two older sisters and a younger brother—and she’s now the proud (and self-declared) “fun aunt” to three nieces and one nephew! As a first-generation college student, Lanie graduated from Johnson University in Knoxville, with a Bachelor’s in Intercultural Studies. It was there she also met her husband, Brennan. They recently made the exciting move to Nashville and are ready to explore all the city has to offer!

 

A few things to know about Lanie: She loves iced coffee, never goes anywhere without her pink “emotional support” water bottle, and she absolutely thrives outdoors in the sunshine. There’s just something about the warmth and light that recharges her spirit.

 

Favorite Movie Quote: “‘I’m not different, am I?’ ‘We all are. But there’s something kind of fantastic about that, isn’t there?’”   —Fantastic Mr. Fox

LANIE PERKINS

 

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY COORDINATOR

BRENNAN PERKINS

 

MINISTER OF CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

Brennan Perkins, Minister of Congregational Life

Brennan grew up in northern Kentucky and received his bachelor’s degree in homiletics from Johnson University in Knoxville, Tennessee. It’s there that he met his future wife Lanie (our children’s minister at Christ UMC). Brennan is pursuing his Master of Divinity degree at Vanderbilt University Divinity School, where he will serve as the student body president this academic year. He enjoys taking walks with his and Lanie’s new puppy, Dela, discovering the best local eats that Nashville has to offer, and spending evenings at Centennial Park.

 

Some fun facts that Brennan shares about himself: A good milkshake heals my soul. Prior to moving to Nashville, I was a substitute Spanish teacher in a public high school... despite knowing very little Spanish. I believe the Kentucky Derby should qualify as a federal holiday.

 

Favorite Movie Quote: “The night is darkest just before the dawn. And I promise you, the dawn is coming.” —The Dark Knight



LANIE PERKINS

 

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY COORDINATOR

RACHEL SALMON PARKS

 

MINISTER OF CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

Rachel Salmon Parks, Minister of Congregational Life

Rachel is from Louisville, Kentucky; sadly, she’s not a fan of fried chicken. After graduating with her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Louisville, Rachel moved to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt University Divinity School in 2022. It was in Nashville that Rachel met her Michigander husband, Jeremy, and his fur baby Cannoli. Together they have adopted another pup, Rosie, and a cat, Bloo. Their little animal rescue is quite demanding, but Rachel’s true calling is to the United Methodist Church, where she is a candidate for ordained ministry. Rachel is excited to partner with Christ UMC in showing the inclusive hospitality of Jesus Christ, and the unconditional love of God to all.

 

Some additional fun facts: Rachel loves crafting, singing poorly, and hunting for treasure at local thrift stores. Her favorite season is fall and she feels most like herself in a big comfy sweater and combat boots, but she does miss her purple hair days. Rachel and Jeremy also love to travel; together they have explored bits of Europe and South America!

 

Favorite Movie Quote: “Just keep swimming!” —Finding Nemo



LANIE PERKINS

 

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY COORDINATOR

LANIE PERKINS

 

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY COORDINATOR

Lanie Perkins, Children's Ministry Coordinator at Christ UMC in Franklin. Tennessee.

Lanie grew up in the West Georgia area with two older sisters and a younger brother—and she’s now the proud (and self-declared) “fun aunt” to three nieces and one nephew! As a first-generation college student, Lanie graduated from Johnson University in Knoxville, with a Bachelor’s in Intercultural Studies. It was there she also met her husband, Brennan. They recently made the exciting move to Nashville and are ready to explore all the city has to offer!

 

A few things to know about Lanie: She loves iced coffee, never goes anywhere without her pink “emotional support” water bottle, and she absolutely thrives outdoors in the sunshine. There’s just something about the warmth and light that recharges her spirit.

 

Favorite Movie Quote: “‘I’m not different, am I?’ ‘We all are. But there’s something kind of fantastic about that, isn’t there?’”   —Fantastic Mr. Fox



MICHELLE FREDENHAGEN

 

BUSINESS MANAGER

MICHELLE FREDENHAGEN

 

BUSINESS MANAGER

Michelle is the mother of a teenage daughter which leads to her wearing many hats, including but not limited to—taxi driver, chef, seamstress, ignored advice-giver, and ATM. Michelle has a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Political Science and got her start in accounting while working for the mob. 

 

You can find Michelle resting in her free time because being a mom of a teenage daughter is exhausting. 

 

Favorite Movie Quote: “You’re killin’ me, Smalls”  —The Sandlot

 

MICHELLE FREDENHAGEN

 

BUSINESS MANAGER

MICHELLE FREDENHAGEN

 

BUSINESS MANAGER

Michelle Fredenhagen, Business Manager at Christ UMC in Franklin, Tennessee.

Michelle is the mother of a teenage daughter which leads to her wearing many hats, including but not limited to—taxi driver, chef, seamstress, ignored advice-giver, and ATM. Michelle has a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Political Science and got her start in accounting while working for the mob. 

 

You can find Michelle resting in her free time because being a mom of a teenage daughter is exhausting. 

 

Favorite Movie Quote: “You’re killin’ me, Smalls”  —The Sandlot



ALEXANDRA CROCKER

 

OFFICE MANAGER

ALEXANDRA CROCKER

 

OFFICE MANAGER

Alexandra grew up in the Northeast and moved to Nashville in the late ’90s for college. She fell in love with the area, the people, and the culture of the South and has been here ever since! Alexandra lives in Franklin with her husband, Jarrel, and their children, Tim, Charlotte,  and Eva. She and her family enjoy music, theater, and the outdoors.

 

In her free time, Alexandra loves all things true crime, playing 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

ALEXANDRA CROCKER

 

OFFICE MANAGER

ALEXANDRA CROCKER

 

OFFICE MANAGER

Alexandra Crocker, Office Manager at Christ UMC in Franklin, Tennessee.

Alexandra grew up in the Northeast and moved to Nashville in the late ’90s for college. She fell in love with the area, the people, and the culture of the South and has been here ever since! Alexandra lives in Franklin with her husband, Jarrel, and their children, Tim, Charlotte,  and Eva. She and her family enjoy music, theater, and the outdoors.

 

In her free time, Alexandra loves all things true crime, playing 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



KEITH POPE

 

FACILITIES COORDINATOR

KEITH POPE

 

FACILITIES COORDINATOR

Keith was born in Alabama, but lived in Cleveland, Ohio, for eight years as a child. He attended Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University with an emphasis on business. He’s a huge sports fan, foodie, and gospel concert goer. He loves all things Nashville! He is a devout Christian, husband, and father of a step-daughter named Kennedi and an adopted grandson, named “TJ.” 

 

Keith loves to say he’s a “Sparkle Squad” of one. He prides himself on making each space shine with meticulous cleaning and a friendly smile. “I will handle the mess; you enjoy the results.”

KEITH POPE

 

FACILITIES COORDINATOR

KEITH POPE

 

FACILITIES COORDINATOR

Keith Pope, Facilities Coordinator at Christ UMC in Franklin, Tennessee.

Keith was born in Alabama, but lived in Cleveland, Ohio, for eight years as a child. He attended Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University with an emphasis on business. He’s a huge sports fan, foodie, and gospel concert goer. He loves all things Nashville! He is a devout Christian, husband, and father of a step-daughter named Kennedi and an adopted grandson, named “TJ.”

 

Keith loves to say he’s a “Sparkle Squad” of one. He prides himself on making each space shine with meticulous cleaning and a friendly smile. “I will handle the mess; you enjoy the results.”