Pastors & Staff

Dr. Rodney Powell has been a minister in the South Carolina Annual Conference for over 35 years. He and his wife, Angela, began their appointment at St. John's in June 2018.

Dr. Powell holds a Doctorate in Gerontology and Ministry Design from Erskine Theological Seminary. He received his Master of Divinity from Emory University and is also a graduate of Spartanburg Methodist College and Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC.

The Powells enjoy spending time with their two sons, two daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren.

Rett was born and raised in Murrells Inlet, SC. He grew up in Socastee UMC, and graduated from Socastee High School in 2003. He went to the University of South Carolina, Honors College where he received a B.A. in Religious Studies. Rett received his MDiv from Duke Divinity School in May of 2010, he was ordained as an Elder in June of 2012 at the SC Annual Conference, and he began his ministry at St. John's on July 1, 2010. Rett shares his life and ministry with his wife Lollie and their sons Wyatt and Thomas.

Jenifer has been part of the St. John’s staff as Director of Christian Education since 2001. A native of Hartsville, SC, Jenifer graduated from Wofford College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Government and from Duke University’s Divinity School with a Master’s in Church Ministries. Jenifer was Director of Church Ministries at Oxford University UMC in Oxford, MS prior to moving to Rock Hill. She and her husband, Matt, have two sons.

Val joined the St. John's staff in 2012 after answering his call to full time Youth in late 2011. Val spent nearly 27 years in Corporate America in the copier industry before answering his call. He served four years in the United States Navy and has been blessed to have been able to visit the Holy Land along with 23 other countries. Val obtained his Paraprofessional Certification in Youth Ministry fm Pfeiffer University in 2015. Val and his wife, Cindy, have been married for over years. They have two children who have blessed them with six wonderful grandchildren.

Sarah Crockford has been on the staff at St. John’s since 2001. A native of Denver Colorado, Sarah also lived in Detroit and Columbia, SC before settling in Rock Hill. She holds a B.S. in Special Education from Winthrop University and has worked with children over the years from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds. She and her husband, John, have two children, Katie and Evan. Stop by and say hello and find out how you can be a part of the children’s ministry team at St. John’s!

Katie grew up in Rock Hill and still has much of her family in town. She married Chris Goodwin and they have three children: Corbin, Chloe and Atticus. Katie received a B.A. in Elementary Education from Clemson University in 1993. She taught second grade at St. Anne School for seven years and earned her M.A. in Counseling and Development from Winthrop University during that time. She enjoyed eight years as a stay home mother and was ready to start back part time at St. John’s Preschool as a K4 teacher for the 2008-2009 school year. Being a part of such a caring and positive environment encouraged her to take the position as the director for the preschool. Katie is dedicated to maintaining and growing the excellence St. John’s Preschool has to offer.

Linda grew up in Hartsville, South Carolina. After a twenty-year career in business and government service, she elected to pursue her current position as Director of the after-school program. She is certified in CPR and First Aid. Linda has two daughters, Mary Beth and Lindsey. Linda enjoys running, reading, and dining with good friends.

Justin L. Addington serves as Director of Music and Worship at St. John’s. Justin received a Bachelor of Arts (cum laude) in Music Education from Limestone College, a Master of Church Music in Choral Conducting from Concordia University Wisconsin, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Worship Studies from the Robert E. Webber Institute.

Justin is a member of the Fellowship of United Methodist Musicians, the Hymn Society of America, the Handbell Musicians of America, and the American Guild of Organists. In addition to his 17 years as a church musician, Justin has also taught music in the public schools and worked as a musical director/pianist for semi-professional and community theater companies.

Mellissa joined the St. John’s team in August of 1999 as a part time receptionist. After a year she became a full-time employee as the Administrative Assistant. Born in Spartanburg, SC, but grew up in Charlotte. Mellissa and her family joined St. John’s in January 2003. She has a daughter, Leigh Freeman (Will) who have blessed her with two grandchildren, Tyler and Sadie. She has 3 dogs, Sandi, Honey and Millie and a cat, Baxter. What spare time she is able to squeeze out of her schedule is spent in the enjoyment of NASCAR racing, going to the beach and mountains and quality time with family and friends.