Robert was born in Atlanta. He is a fifth generation native of Atlanta, graduated from Brookhaven Elementary and Cross Keys High School, both in DeKalb County. He holds Bachelor degrees in Political Science and Biology with a minor in Broadcast Journalism, a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, and the Doctor of Ministry Degree from the University of Chicago - McCormick Theological Seminary. He is an ordained elder in the North Georgia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Robert is married to Denise and they have two daughters, Christine and Caroline, and two Boston Terriers, Zoe and Lola. Robert enjoys cooking, working in the yard, reading, hiking, camping with his family, traveling, and meeting people from all walks of life.

Robert is a life-long United Methodist, serving in a variety of ministry and leadership roles in the local church. He has a huge heart for people of all ages and stages of their life’s journey, a strong love and faith in the Lord, and a desire to help people discover and develop a living relationship with Jesus as Lord of their life.

Sharon has been an elder in the North Georgia Annual Conference with 14 years of preaching, teaching, and pastoral experience. She has a Masters of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta Georgia, and a Masters degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Her undergraduate degree in psychology is also from LSU.

Her ministry is strongly influenced by experiences as a Speech Language Pathologist. Providing reading and language intervention for children with learning delays and disorders was great training for making the gospel accessible to children of every age and stage. Working with adults with neuro-genic disorders such as stroke, dementia, and brain trauma is a very helpful background for relating to the pastoral care issues with older adults.

Sharon grew up and lived in Louisiana until she came to Georgia in 1998. She is a recent widow, having lost her husband, Bruce, in November 2011 after a long illness. Her children are Ian (27) Camille (25) and Chas (20). Chas still lives at home and attends Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia.

Patricia began attending Hickory Flat Church in 2004 and became involved in children’s ministry as a volunteer. After many years of outstanding volunteer leadership, Patricia joined the staff in 2011. Caring for children and their families, equipping volunteers, and making ministry memorable are gifts that Patricia brings to children’s ministry. She holds as a BA in Accounting from Mississippi State University. Patricia and her husband Brian enjoy spending time outdoors with their four children, Hannah, Haley, Griffin, and Grace.

Melanie is a native Atlantan. She graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Music degree with an emphasis in Music Education and from Lee University with a Master of Church Music degree. Melanie taught music for elementary and middle school students in Cobb County for 14 years. In those 14 years she led many performance groups in formal concerts as well as dramas and musicals.

She is the Minister of Worship Arts at Hickory Flat United Methodist Church where she leads and directs the ‘all for ONE’ Worship Team and the Adult Choir. She also directs handbells and Kingdom Kids. In her ministry, she is responsible for designing the services every week as well as any musical and artistic pieces that go into the services.

Melanie accepted Jesus as her Savior when she was six years old. Through years of great Bible teaching and growth in the Lord, she has Jesus in the center of her life now and forever.

She and her husband Kenny live in Canton with their 2 dogs. They have three children and four grandchildren.

Craig is one of eight children born into a wonderful family. His father was career military and as a child he moved around a lot, but most of his formative years were spent in the Columbus/Talbotton area of West Central Georgia. Craig grew up and was confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church. He attended Southern Tech and received a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology in 1987. He and his wife, Brenda, have one daughter, Brittany. The Sherers have lived in Cherokee County for many years and have attended Hickory Flat UMC since 1992. It was at HFUMC that Craig accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior and matured spiritually. Craig served as a volunteer in several different roles in the church before leaving engineering in 2000 to become the Youth Pastor (Sr. High) and more recently added the responsibility of Minister of Facilities and Operations. Craig truly enjoys guiding people of all ages and backgrounds as they grow in their understanding of and faith in God’s Word.

Craig's greatest joy in his work:
''I want to be used up by God helping all those I encounter to experience the love and freedom that comes from having an intimate relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.''

Brenda is married to Craig and is the mother of Brittany who is in college. Brenda serves as the Director of Outreach and Missions which encompasses Hickory Flat Cares, the church ministry to our neighbors in Cherokee County, as well as regional, national, and international missions. Brenda has been part of the faith community at Hickory Flat and a resident of Cherokee County for many years. She has a degree in Education from the University of West Georgia, with professional experience in education, church ministry, and the nonprofit sector. Brenda previously served at Hickory Flat as the Minister to Children.

Brenda was called into missions and ministry several years ago and is blessed and honored to serve the Lord as He directs.

Fran and her husband Gary are members of the Hickory Flat Church family. She and Gary have three adult children and two grandchildren.

Fran joined the Preschool and Kindergarten as a teacher in 2008 and the Director of the school in 2009. She has a huge heart for children, a strong love and faith in the Lord, and a background in leadership, ministry, education, and administration.

Connie is married to Scott and they have two young daughters and a dog named Chipper (their first child). Connie and her family have worshipped and served at Hickory Flat UMC since 2003. Connie began her service as Nursery Coordinator as a volunteer. After months of outstanding volunteer service, she was invited to join our staff in 2006. Connie holds a graduate degree from Georgia State University in Community Counseling and thoroughly enjoys working with children and families.

Connie also serves as a lay leader for our Wings Women's Ministry

Mollie was born and raised in Brandon, FL, and now lives in Ellijay. She is married to Kenny. Mollie is a graduate of the University of South Florida where she studied Religious Studies and Sociology. She has served as a youth ministry intern at churches in Florida, Georgia, and Washington State. Mollie is thrilled to live out her call to ministry by serving the youth and their families at Hickory Flat Church. She is passionate about challenging students to grow closer in their relationship with God and to impact their world. In her free time, Mollie enjoys making music, baking, sewing, and playing with her dog, Delilah.

One of Mollie’s favorite quotes and goal for life is:
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'.”
-Erma Bombeck