Pastor
Rev. John Hill
Rev. John Hill was born and raised in Ashland, Kentucky. He grew up a United Methodist and as a youth was highly involved in the local church, district, and conference youth ministries. While working at Aldersgate Camp in Kentucky during summers in college, he felt God’s call to vocational ministry. He earned his B.A. in Religion with minors in Philosophy and Leadership Studies from the University of Richmond in Virginia. He then attended Emory University and earned his M.Div. from the Candler School of Theology. Prior to coming to Blakemore, John has served as a youth minister at Northside UMC in Atlanta, associate pastor at Christ UMC in Louisville, pastor at Bethpage UMC in Sumner County, and associate pastor at Christ UMC in Franklin. He has been the pastor of Blakemore UMC since 2015. He has two children, Becca (11) and James (7), is a true blue Kentucky basketball fan, loves strategy board games and science fiction, and enjoys traveling and trying new things.
Music Director
Matthew Pyles
Matthew graduated summa cum laude from Middle Tennessee State University where he received his vocal/general music education degree with honors and was recognized with an Outstanding Achievement in Vocal Music Education award. While at MTSU he was the chapter president of ACDA and sang in their top choirs. He currently directs the middle school choirs, conducts the school musical and provides private lessons at Harpeth Hall in Nashville. He is also a freelance musician in the greater Nashville area.
Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator
Steffie Misner Wampler
Steffie has been a member of Blakemore for a few years and already knows our congregation and young people well. She brings work experience with young people from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and lots of volunteer experience here at Blakemore. She is full of creativity, passion, and ideas for the future of our ministry with young people. Steffie is originally from California. She earned her undergraduate degree from Belmont University and is pursuing a Master of Theological Studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School.
Music Intern
Hannah Howell
Hannah is from Dallas, TX but is now a freshman at Belmont University majoring in Commercial Music for Voice. She attended a performing arts high school where she discovered her passion for music and hopes to combine this love for music and her faith to pursue a career as a worship leader one day. She is so excited to be a part of the Blakemore family!