Pastors
Dr. Rodney Powell
Senior Pastor
rpowell@stjohnsrh.org
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.
Ryan Powell
Associate Pastor
ryanpowell@stjohnsrh.org
Pastor Ryan is a native of Monroe, NC. Before his appointment to St. John's in 2019, he served as pastor of Zoar United Methodist Church in Cheraw for two years. Joining Pastor Ryan in his ministry are his wife, Dana, and their children, Hudson and Peyton. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, fly fishing, woodworking, and golfing. He's also a big sports fan, cheering for the Kentucky Wildcats, Carolina Panthers, and Charlotte Hornets.Staff
Val Kenney
Director of Youth Ministry
vkenney@stjohnsrh.org
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 from 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
Director of Children's Ministries
scrockford@stjohnsrh.org
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!
Lexi Grainger
Nursery Coordinator
nursery@stjohnsrh.org
Lexi grew up in Rock Hill, attending St. John's from childhood. She attended South Pointe High School and then went on to attend Appalachian State University where she received a bachelor's degree in Athletic Training. After her undergraduate studies, Lexi attended the University of North Georgia where she received a master's degree in Physical Education. While she was working on her master's, she married Brian Grainger and they now have two sons, Beau and Cooper. When she is not helping our smallest members, she is working as the head Athletic Trainer for Westminster Catawba Christian School and raising her boys.
Katie Goodwin
Director of Preschool
kgoodwin@stjohnsrh.org
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 Greene
Director of After-School
after-school@stjohnsrh.org
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.
Mellissa J. Howie
Administrative Assistant
mhowie@stjohnsrh.org
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.
