PASTOR AND STAFF
REV. LISA W. MARTIN
Pastor
Please allow me to introduce myself! I am a cradle Presbyterian whose blood flows with generations of Virginia Presbyterians.
There simply hasn’t been a time in my life when I doubted God’s love and providential care. That’s not to say that life has always been the easiest for me. But through it all, God has taught me lessons that I have been privileged to apply to my ministry with seeking, hurting individuals. I truly believe that “all things [really can] work together for good for those who love the Lord, who are called according to God’s purposes” (Romans 8).
I’m a farm girl, having been raised on a large farm near Lexington, Virginia. The youngest of eight children (and a twin), I grew up appreciating the simpler things of life. I’m not afraid of hard work, nor of getting my hands dirty. For me, ministry is like farm life: there’s always lots to do, sometimes less money than we’d like, but always food on the table and love in the home.
I graduated from Berea College (Kentucky), Lexington Theological Seminary (Kentucky, Master of Divinity), and Union Theological Seminary (Virginia, Master of Theology). Ordained on October 23, 1994, I have served congregations in North Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, and now Florida.
Because ministry changes through the years, I have found specialized training to be useful. I hold certifications in conflict mediation, church growth, family systems theory, stewardship, and revitalization. My passion is healthy congregations that focus outward in ministry to the neighborhood in which the church house resides. Serving the Presbytery of Florida, I chair the presbytery’s Committee on Congregational Revitalization.
The delights of my life are my daughters, Anna and Ashley, both of whom reside and work in New York City, a place I enjoy visiting (on occasion), but never living! On August 19, 2017, I married God’s best gift to me (besides my children). Roy, also a Presbyterian minister, serves as General Presbyter for the Presbytery of Florida. Together we have four children (Roy has a daughter and son, both in Florida), two grandchildren (in Florida), two cats, and one dog. I never knew I could be so blessed!
It is an honor to serve the Lynn Haven congregation. After 25 years of ordained ministry, I continue to grow into the adventure that ministry is. I’m grateful for an exceptional staff here at FPC. We’ve weathered Hurricane Michael together; we’ve grown in understanding of our role in this community; and we dearly care for each other. I can’t ask for more than that!
BRADLEY THORESON
Music Director, Organist
As Minnie Pearl may have said once or twice, "Howdy! I'm jest so proud to be here!"
That's how I feel! Thanks to a chance meeting at a Lynn Haven Block Party, I am proud to be a part of the First Church family.
I was raised in North Dakota (uffda!), and have been a professional musician for over twenty years.
My religious upbringing provided opportunities to worship in many different traditions and I bring that diversity to my music ministry. I consider myself a woefully lapsed Episcopalian and … practicing Presbyterian.
The loves of my life are Winston and Sophie, two feline companions who've been with me through it all.
It is a great privilege to say I work in ministry with a community of faith where love really is the doctrine, and is spoken through action.
ALINE TRUSELL
Administrative Assistant
I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the First Presbyterian Church of Lynn Haven Team. My husband (Walter) and I moved to the area about 10 years ago. He is an Engineer at Tyndal Air Force Base. I spent the last 8 years working for Gulf Coast State College. I graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Education many, many years ago. I have always been called to service areas and feel that my gifts are best used by serving others, whether it be in education or other non-profit areas. I love being part of a team and actually enjoy organizing and looking for ways to work smarter. Walter and I have visited this area our entire lives and were thrilled when the opportunity arose to move here full-time. We both come from active families who enjoyed everything water related. We both enjoy sailing, snorkeling, swimming and kayaking. We have chartered sailboats and sailed around the Caribbean for weeks at a time with our children and parents.
We have two awesome sons (Walt and Max) and an equally awesome daughter-in-law (Taylor). Walt and Taylor live in Cincinnati, Ohio and he is a Financial Analyst with a large insurance company and Taylor is a 2nd year pediatric resident with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Max is a Computer Engineer and works for Sales Force in San Francisco, California. We are not sure that we have fully adjusted to this whole “empty nest” thing but we are giving it our best.
I am excited to work with this friendly congregation and see what God has planned for this church.