Pastor, Head of Staff

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Rev. Lisa Martin concluded her service with First Presbyterian Church in September 2025. We give thanks for her ministry among us as we prayerfully prepare to welcome an interim pastor.

 

Lisa has served as Pastor and Head of Staff at First Church since June 2018, bringing warmth, wisdom, and dedication to the community. A cradle Presbyterian with deep Virginia roots, she was raised on a large farm near Lexington as the youngest of eight children—and a twin. Her early experiences instilled a strong work ethic, a love for community, and a grounded approach to ministry that she carries to this day.

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Lisa holds degrees from Berea College (B.A.), Lexington Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Union Presbyterian Seminary (Th.M.). Since her ordination in 1994, she has served congregations across North Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, and now Florida. She is passionate about cultivating healthy, outward-focused congregations and holds certifications in conflict mediation, church growth, family systems theory, stewardship, and revitalization. She also serves as Moderator for the Ministry on Pastoral Transition for the Presbytery of Florida.

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Lisa is the proud mother of two daughters, Anna and Ashley, who live and work in New York City. In 2017, she married Roy Martin, also a Presbyterian minister who recently retired as General Presbyter for the Presbytery of Florida. Together they share a blended family of four children, three grandchildren, one cat, and two dogs—and a deep appreciation for the blessings of life.

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Lisa is grateful to serve the congregation of First Church. Through seasons of growth and challenge—including the aftermath of Hurricane Michael and the Covid Pandemic—she continues to lead with faith, resilience, and a deep love for the people of Lynn Haven.

Music Director, Organist

 

Brad Thoreson has served as Music Director and Organist at First Church since June 2018. Originally from North Dakota, Brad studied in Springfield, Missouri, and spent several years in a unique career as a dueling piano entertainer before transitioning into church music leadership.

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Brad grew up experiencing a wide range of Christian traditions, which deeply influenced his understanding of worship. A somewhat-lapsed Episcopalian who is now active in Presbyterian life, he brings a rich, eclectic perspective to music ministry—what he calls a "tapestry approach" that blends reverence, creativity, and inclusivity.

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Since moving to Northwest Florida in 2013, Brad has made his home in Lynn Haven. In addition to his role in worship, he works in management for a local retailer and is actively involved in several community organizations. His passion for music, community, and collaborative worship continues to shape his ministry both within and beyond the church walls.

Administrative Assistant

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Terri has served as Administrative Assistant at First Church since 2024. With a warm spirit and a heart for ministry, Terri is often the first welcoming face or voice people encounter when connecting with the church. She brings a deep commitment to supporting the daily life of the congregation—coordinating communications, managing office operations, and assisting staff, members, and visitors with care and efficiency.

Terri’s dedication helps keep the church running smoothly, and her presence reflects the hospitality and faith at the heart of First Church.

Treasurer, Administrative Volunteer

 

If you need someone to make sure something gets done, Janet is the person! As Church Treasurer and dedicated administrative volunteer, she brings reliability, precision, and heart to everything she does. From managing the church’s finances to helping with behind-the-scenes logistics, Janet’s steady presence is essential to the life of First Church. We truly couldn’t get through a week without her support and dedication.

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Willow, along with her sister Wren and their mamma, are First Church’s well-loved feline companions. Unofficially serving as ministers of pest control, they bring joy, charm, and the occasional surprise visit to sanctuary. Their quiet ministry reminds us all that sometimes, God’s helpers have whiskers.