Staff

We can't wait to meet you this Sunday.

Pastor

Sam McConkey

Pastor Sam was born and raised in northeast Ohio. He attended God’s Bible School & College in Cincinnati, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Education, and later received his Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky.

He has served in a variety of ministry settings, including youth ministry at Highland Ft. Thomas, two years at Carter’s Chapel, five years at Oakland, and five years at Rockfield. Sam was ordained as an elder in the Kentucky Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church in 2020 and is passionate about making disciples of Jesus Christ.

Sam and his wife, Melissa, have three children: Lewis, Miel, and Ruel.

In his free time, Sam enjoys running, backpacking, and roasting coffee.

sam@franklinfirstumc.com

Administrator

Stacie Johnson

Stacie Johnson has been serving at Franklin First United Methodist Church since September 2021, following a lifelong calling to church work. She brings years of experience in church administration, communications, and creative design, along with a passion for helping others feel welcomed and connected.

Stacie holds a degree in Music Education from Western Kentucky University and has a rich background as a music teacher, director, and music therapist. She also serves as Assistant Conductor of the Franklin Community Chorus, continuing her love for music and ministry.

stacie@franklinfirstumc.com

Choir Director

Bonita Schwab

Bonita Schwab has devoted her life to music education and ministry, serving as an elementary music teacher for 31 years. Her passion for music extends deeply into her long-standing connection with Franklin First United Methodist Church, where she has been actively involved for 45 years. Over the decades, Bonita has faithfully served the church in a variety of musical leadership roles. She began as the Handbell Director, later led as Children’s Choir Director, and currently serves as Chancel Choir Director while continuing her work with the handbell program. Her dedication has helped shape generations of musicians and worship experiences within the church community. Bonita is married to Frank Schwab, and together they have three daughters: Michelle Antle, Laura Doty (Brandon), and Pamela Smith Ingram (Jason). She is a proud grandmother to seven grandchildren—Alivia, Houston, Madaleigh, Macy, Addison, Jaxon, and Blayke—who bring her immense joy. In her free time, Bonita enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, playing the piano, and caring for her grandchildren.

bonita.schwab@franklinfirstumc.com

Organist

Patsy Lane

A devoted member of FFUMC since 1973 and serving as organist and pianist since 1984, Patsy has cultivated a lifelong passion for music that began at the age of eight. Music has been both a calling and a source of joy throughout her life, especially in the context of worship. For more than 60 years, Patsy also had the privilege of teaching and mentoring countless young musicians, encouraging them to grow in both skill and confidence. Sharing the gift of music—whether through worship or instruction—continues to be one of the greatest blessings in Patsy's life.

Contemporary Worship Leader

AJ McGillivray

AJ McGillivray began his time at Franklin First United Methodist Church as the drummer for the contemporary worship band and has since stepped into the role of Contemporary Worship Leader.

Outside the church, AJ serves as a Resident Hall Director at Western Kentucky University. He is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Student Affairs.

Through both ministry and music, he brings energy, leadership, and a heart for connection to everything he does.

Social Media & Admin Associate

Weston Robinson

Weston has been an important part of Franklin First UMC’s worship ministry, serving as guitarist with our Praise Band and sharing his love of music each week. He is now expanding his ministry at the church by also serving as our Social Media and Admin Associate. In these roles, Weston helps keep things running smoothly behind the scenes while also sharing the life and ministry of our church with our congregation and community online. We are grateful for the creativity, energy, and many talents Weston brings to the Franklin First UMC team.

weston@franklinfirstumc.com