David Cott serves as the Pastor of Ringgold United Methodist Church, where he is dedicated to helping people grow in their relationship with God—whether they’re exploring faith for the first time, seeking answers, or deepening their love and service to God and others. He lives in Ringgold, Georgia, with his wife of 12 years, Katie, and their 65-pound lapdog, Max, though he also enjoys time at his “lakehouse-without-a-lake” in Winder. A lifelong learner and creative spirit, David enjoys reading, hiking, woodworking, and watercolor painting. Passionate about nurturing creativity and kindness, David especially loves teaching these values to his grandchildren. Growing up in Miami, he could drive a boat before he could drive a car, grew coconuts in the backyard, and knew the local alligators by name.

Sally Ensley embodies compassion and dedication as the Minister of Care and Community. Her role extends to connecting with the sick and shut-in members of the church, fostering the power of prayer, and making meaningful visits. Sally's community involvement echoes her commitment to representing the church and identifying opportunities to support the local community's needs. Facilitating Bible and book studies, Sally helps enrich the spiritual growth of the congregation. She is a cornerstone in various mission endeavors and uses her wisdom to guide those in need. Residing in Ringgold, Sally's heart finds joy in her two grandchildren, Savanah and Jaice. Her selflessness shines through her lifelong mission to help those in need, making missions and counseling her pillars of passion. Sally has also led over 75 mission trips, spanning weekends and extended stays, both locally and internationally. Her dedication to service leaves an indelible mark on the church community and beyond.

Jamie Smith, our Director of Youth Ministries, takes on the vital task of nurturing the spiritual and emotional growth of our youth community. Jamie provides a supportive environment where tweens and teens are cherished, understood, and empowered on their spiritual journey. Residing in Ringgold, Jamie lives with her husband Mason, son Alex, and their feline companions, Copper and Gilbert. Beyond her role, Jamie delights in the simple pleasures of life, from delving into books to cheering on the Braves, all while sipping on a good cup of coffee and completing a challenging puzzle. Her true passion lies in cultivating a sense of belonging and acceptance for all youth, ensuring every voice is heard and embraced. Notably, Jamie's commitment to history shines through her collection of antique books, particularly those that tell the story of United Methodist heritage.

Kirsten Lankford serves as our Director of Children’s Ministries, where she strives to make the church a safe and loving place for all children. Through creative storytelling and engaging activities, she helps kids learn about Jesus in fun and meaningful ways. Kirsten lives right next to the church with her husband, Taylor, and their cat, aptly named Cat. She enjoys walking the greenway with Taylor, reading good books, and finding joy in the arts—especially music and dance. Passionate about sharing the love of Jesus, Kirsten brings energy, creativity, and a playful spirit (she can even say “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” backwards!) to everything she does.

Taylor Lankford serves as the Executive Director of Worship & the Arts where he masterfully orchestrates the symphony of worship and artistry. Taylor navigates the intricate planning and execution of each worship service, collaborating with different teams. With a deep understanding of the transformative power of the arts, Taylor guides, nurtures, and cultivates various creative ministries, spanning music, dance, drama, and visual arts. He lives right next to the church, with his wife, Kirsten, and their beloved cat, aptly named Church Cat. Beyond the realm of worship, Taylor's interests vary from watching football, spending time cooking & baking, playing video games and traveling. His passion lies in the belief that singing is a universal human birthright, and he advocates for the therapeutic and unifying potential it holds. Taylor also serves the community as an election worker, embodying his commitment to community service as he assists voters at the polls.

Drew Sherrill brings versatility to his role as Communications and Technical Director. Juggling a myriad of responsibilities, he creates multimedia and worship content, spearheads church communication across various platforms, masterminds our weekly live streams, and expertly manages technology within the building. Beyond the technical realm, his heart resonates with serving God and spending time with his wife Bailey and son Liam. When not immersed in his work, Drew finds joy in spending time with friends, playing guitar, nature outings, and the occasional attempt at golf. Drew has a passion for bad movies, a trait that he believes adds a unique perspective to appreciating the better things in life.

As the Director of r|Preschool, Kodi Lowry exemplifies a commitment to nurturing young hearts and minds. With a devotion to creating a secure, enjoyable, and Christ-centered environment, Kodi oversees our preschool, fostering growth for children, staff, and families alike. Beyond her professional role, she finds strength and joy in her loving family, living with her husband Bradley, energetic sons Barrett and Beau, and their two canine companions Boone and Charlie. Kodi's enthusiasm for life extends to her hobbies, including reading, cheering on her kids in sports, and lively game nights. Her heart resonates with sharing the love of Christ and celebrating the joys of family, often accompanied by a refreshing sip of Dr. Pepper. An unabashed Christmas enthusiast, Kodi's spirit shines as she embraces the early celebration of Jesus' birth.

Marty McGee brings a wealth of experience to our Senior Adult Ministries as its dedicated director. With a heart for serving senior adults, Marty coordinates the vibrant 49'ers monthly activities, spearheads the Growing Stronger exercise program, and curates the insightful Communicator newsletter. Beyond his role, he extends his care by assisting families and funeral homes during times of loss. Marty's devotion to aiding families in biblical budgeting underscores his passion for financial stewardship. Beyond his service, he finds joy in golf, playing music ranging from Liturgical to Bluegrass, and exploring new horizons through travel. An accomplished trombonist for over five decades, Marty has graced stages from churches to renowned venues like Riverbend. He lives in Ringgold with his wife, Laurie.

Will Waldrop, the Director of Cleanliness, plays a vital role in ensuring our church is a welcoming space for worship and service. From Friday to Sunday, Will's diligent efforts prepare the church for vibrant Sunday worship and a fruitful week ahead. His tasks are diverse, covering everything from toilet scrubbing to blind dusting. Will's heart overflows with gratitude for the church's impact on his life, believing that a church in need of cleaning is a church actively touched by God's children. Residing in Ringgold, he finds solace and companionship with his father and step-mother. Outside of his role, Will loves any form of exercise, traveling, and participating in missions that serve others. He's a passionate advocate for guiding individuals to embrace their true selves and gladly shares their burdens, echoing the spirit of Galatians 6:2. And beneath his exterior, Will surprises with his ability to converse in Spanish, proving that appearances can be deceiving.