Leadership

Reverend Doctor Scott Pickering has dedicated 27 years to serving eight United Methodist Churches within the North Georgia Conference. As a respected leader in the conference, he has made significant contributions to establishing leadership criteria for individuals seeking commissioning and ordination in ministry.
In addition to his church roles, Scott is actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America, serving on the National Committee on Religious Relationships. He recently completed an eight-year tenure on the General Commission on United Methodist Men's Board of Directors and has led the denomination's Scouting Ministries since 2020.
Scott is also an instructor for Early Response Teams, focusing on disaster relief, and a trainer for Mental Health First Aid. He firmly believes in the importance of mission work and emphasizes its integral role in the church's local, regional, or global outreach.
Academically, Scott earned a Master of Theological Studies degree from Candler School of Theology and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Church Leadership from Wesley Theological Seminary. Further enhancing his knowledge, he has studied at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta and the Church of God School of Theology in Cleveland, Tennessee, exploring various cultural and theological perspectives.

ext. 2018

Tara and her husband, Stephen, have 6 beautiful children. She has served her church families in many roles through the years, such as Church Secretary, Sunday School Teacher, Nursery Teacher, VBS Director, Special Events Coordinator, and Children's Church Teacher. She also has taught Elementary Science for six years. She enjoys spending time with her family and watching her children play soccer, dance and cheer.
"But Jesus said, 'Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.' "   Matthew 19:14

ext. 2015

 Mr. Streetman holds an undergraduate degree from Georgia Southwestern State University where he studied under Dr. Ned DeJournett and a Master’s Degree in Music from the University of Georgia where he studied with Dr. Allen Crowell.  He holds memberships in the Georgia Music Educators Association, the National Association for Music Education, and the American Choral Director's Association. He is also the Director of Choral Studies at the Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School. He was Davidson Fine Arts’ teacher of the year 2020-2022, 2022-2023 Richmond County Choral Director of the Year and currently serves as the Georgia American Choral Director’s Association Repertoire and Resource chair in Vocal Jazz/A cappella.

 ext. 2014

Mark Dickens came to Aldersgate as organist in 2016.  An Augusta native, he began studying organ with Keith Shafer as a high school student, and continued at the University of South Carolina earning a Bachelor of Music degree.  He is an active member of the local American Guild of Organists chapter, editing the newsletter, and coordinating the 2023 young organists' competition.

 ext. 2014

Michelle Rutherford is a lifelong resident of the Augusta area. She has 27 years of clerical experience with 15 of those years being in the medical field. She and her husband, Steve, have a blended family of 6 children including 4 teenagers of which still live at home. In her free time, Michelle loves spending time with her family as well as crocheting, tatting, and cross-stitching.

ext. 2012

Jill Sessions has served as Communications Specialist on staff since 2007. As a member of Aldersgate UMC, she has led children's programs and women's Bible Studies. Connecting people with the Lord, each other, resources, and information is her personal and professional mission. Jill holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Ohio University and a Master of Science degree in Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina. She and her husband have been married over 30 years and have two adult children. Their daughter works as a Speech Language Pathologist and their son is a Chemical Engineer.

ext. 2017

ext. 2025