Leadership

Rev. Brett DeHart has served as Senior Pastor of Aldersgate United Methodist Church since 2020. He has served several congregations in North Georgia over the last 18 years. In each setting, community engagement and missional outreach increased. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Florida State University and a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. Brett and his wife have been married for nearly 30 years and have two young adult children.

ext. 2018

Rev. Meg Wilkes has served alongside her husband (an elder in the South Carolina Conference) for over 30 years, and has been an ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church since 2013. Meg is experienced in ministry with people of all ages and circumstances, and delights in designing creative worship opportunities, teaching/facilitating small groups, and offering pastoral care. She has most recently served as an Associate Minister in South Carolina. Meg earned her Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia and her Master of Practical Theology from Pfeiffer University/Wesley Theological Seminary.

ext. 2016

 Linda Leslie Bradberry is a lifelong musician, choral conductor, pianist, teacher, gardener, mother of two and grandmother of five. She is celebrating 34 years of service through music and worship at Aldersgate. "The Lord is my strength and my song."
Ps. 118:14

 ext. 2014

Kim Capers has served as Director of Children and Family Ministries since 2017. During her Christian Education career, she has served Reid Memorial, Church of The Good Shepherd and Episcopal Day School. She is also a catechist trained in The Catechesis of The Good Shepherd, Levels I, II and III.
 She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a Minor in Child Development. Kim and her husband have been married for 43 years. They have been blessed with 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grand.

ext. 2015

Laura began serving as the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at Aldersgate in 2017. Her 23 years in ministry began as what might be seen as an “accidental” call to service after responding to a misprinted job ad for a local church. Since that time, Laura has served as the director of ministries to children, youth, and families in area Methodist and Episcopal churches. She has successfully aimed at enriching worship and formation experiences, expanding outreach opportunities, and developing inter-denominational initiatives for the parishes she has served. Outside of church life, Laura continues her service to Christ and others by volunteering for local and international outreach projects. Laura is a native of Augusta with two adult children, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology from Augusta University.

ext. 2013

Ed Wicker has served as Church Business Administrator of Aldersgate United Methodist Church since 2017. He has served as finance chair for 10 years and served on the finance committee for 30 years. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. Ed and his wife, Marie, have been married for nearly 42 years. They have an adult son, David, living in Denver and an adult daughter, Brenner, who is married to Paul in Augusta. Ed and Marie have 3 granddaughters and 1 grandson.

ext. 2010

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 will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary in 2021 and have two adult children.

ext. 2017

Rachel Neal has served on the Aldersgate Office Staff since October 2019. She has worked as Director of Guest Services for the World Golf Foundation in St. Augustine, Florida and the Gulf Coast Exploreum in Mobile, Alabama. She has worked in Human Resource Management as well as Operations Management in the hospitality industry. She is newly married with two amazing sons, a beautiful stepdaughter, and an awesome stepson. 

ext. 2012

ext. 2025

 James Baughn has served as a staff member of Aldersgate UMC since 2006. He hosts and/or caters for funerals, weddings, church wide meals and Wednesday night suppers. James considers it an honor to serve in the lives of others. He's lived in the Augusta area since the mid 90’s. James has been married to his wonderful wife, Beth, since 1994. They have two great young adult children, Jack and Julia.

Connie Pearre joined the staff as the Nursery Director in 2006. Working with our youngest children beginning in 2002, her love for children abounds. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and newest grand baby, and gardening in her free time.