First United Methodist Church of Stuart
The Team
Meet Our Staff!
Jeff Bennett
Pastor
Rev. Jeff Bennett has served First UMC Stuart since 2016. Jeff has a deep desire to see people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ and believes that getting involved in a small group Bible study is key to this growth. He loves seeing God use the church to transform the world!
Before coming to First UMC Jeff served 13 years as lead pastor of Ponte Vedra UMC near Jacksonville. He has been a pastor for over 30 years and worked for ten years as a software engineer prior to hearing God's call to pastoral ministry. Jeff and his wife Jill have three children, Abby, Sophie, and Spencer.
Dee Blount
Director of Fellowship
Dee Blount has served on the staff of First UMC in various capacities since 1988. She loves Christ and connecting people to his church. Dee is married to Nick; they just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Dee and Nick have a daughter who grew up at the church.
Thomas Green
Minister of Music
For over twenty years, Thomas Green has led engaging worship to all age groups in the United Methodist church. He has served as our director of worship since 2015, when he moved to Stuart with his son, Noah. Being born into a military family gave Thomas a diverse background living in Idaho, California, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and now Florida. He holds a bachelor’s in music, master’s in psychology, and is currently pursing a Ph.D. in psychology at Keiser University.
Chrissy Stanley
Administrator
Chrissy was born and raised in Clarkston, Michigan. She moved to Florida in 1995. After 9/11 she realized that life was fragile and she wanted to rekindle her relationship with Jesus, so began her search for a church here in Florida. Chrissy found FUMC Stuart a few months later and has been a member ever since and considers this church and the people in it her family. Chrissy sings in the choir, is on the praise team and rings hand bells. She is also apart of a small group that she loves. Chrissy is married to George and they have two children Annie and Tyler.
Catherine Ellis
Children's Minister
Catherine has served First UMC Stuart since 2016, first a Administrator, and since 2019 as Children's Ministers. She has worked with children for over 20 years and loves to show them the love of Jesus. Catherine and her husband, Paxton, have four children, Aiden, Conner, Bennett, and Delayni.
Rhiannon Kump
Director of Preschool
Rhiannon is currently in training to lead the FUMPS School Family as Preschool Director. She was raised in Pennsylvania where her family enriched her and her 2 siblings in a Catholic upbringing. Rhi has had a love for children from a young age. Throughout high school, she was an Assistant Dance Teacher where she celebrated the love of dance with her dance family. Rhi attended Florida Atlantic University where she graduated in 2012 with her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She moved back to Pennsylvania where she continued her work with children as a Child Welfare Professional and Dance Choreographer for 10 years. In 2017, she married her wonderful husband, Jeffrey. They welcomed into their family their beautiful daughter, Scarlett, in 2019. After many visits to Florida, Rhi and her family made the big move in 2022 where she continued her work to enrich children’s lives as an Early Childhood Professional. She has had many opportunities to work with the educators at FUMPS and other local preschools. Rhiannon is excited to be a part of the FUMPS Team to foster the growth and development of children alongside their teachers and families!
Shelby Halsom
Youth Director
Shelby Halsom felt her call to youth ministry as a high school senior and has been dedicated to helping students grow closer to God ever since. She now serves as the Youth Director at FUMC Stuart, where she leads with a passion for connection, discipleship, and community. Shelby grew up in Lakeland, Florida, and went on to attend Florida Southern College, where she studied Religion with a focus in Youth Ministry. Along with her passion for youth ministry, Shelby also enjoys singing and often uses her love for music as another way to connect with God. She and her husband, Riley, are excited to be part of the FUMC Stuart family and happy to call Stuart home.
