Pastor – Rev. Tim Barnes
Tim grew up in a small village in north east England and moved to the U.S. at the age of 19 to Bossier City, Louisiana. After a first career in sports journalism and advertising sales, he landed in the church at the age of 25 as a pianist, then went on to become a music director and youth director, serving St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Shreveport for 13 years. He graduated from East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, TX, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science with a double minor in religion and psychology, and then graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity in 2017.
After serving on staff for over a decade, Tim has served Asbury UMC in Bossier City and St. Matthew’s UMC in Metairie before coming to FUMC Amite in July 2024. Because he spent the first portion of his life outside the church, Tim has a passion for reaching those who are on the outside looking in, as well as caring for the needs of those who are already here.
Tim and Suzanne have two grown children – Christian who is married to Callie and lives in Bossier City; and Hannah who is married to Ian, who live in Shreveport. There are no grandchildren – yet! They also have two rescue dogs, Maddie and Joseph. Being from England, Tim is an avid soccer fan, especially his favorite team, Liverpool.
Tim grew up in a small village in north east England and moved to the U.S. at the age of 19 to Bossier City, Louisiana. After a first career in sports journalism and advertising sales, he landed in the church at the age of 25 as a pianist, then went on to become a music director and youth director, serving St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Shreveport for 13 years. He graduated from East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, TX, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science with a double minor in religion and psychology, and then graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity in 2017.
After serving on staff for over a decade, Tim has served Asbury UMC in Bossier City and St. Matthew’s UMC in Metairie before coming to FUMC Amite in July 2024. Because he spent the first portion of his life outside the church, Tim has a passion for reaching those who are on the outside looking in, as well as caring for the needs of those who are already here.
Tim and Suzanne have two grown children – Christian who is married to Callie and lives in Bossier City; and Hannah who is married to Ian, who live in Shreveport. There are no grandchildren – yet! They also have two rescue dogs, Maddie and Joseph. Being from England, Tim is an avid soccer fan, especially his favorite team, Liverpool.
Caleb Callender - Youth Director & Contemporary Worship Director
Caleb and his wife, Kimberlee, came to us by way of the First United Methodist Church of Natchitoches. While at Northwestern State University, Caleb was a youth intern for a number of years, as well as a leader in their Praise Team. He was a Music Education major and plays many instruments. He has planned and led Contemporary services, and even started a Youth Praise Team. As a Youth Intern, Caleb has planned and led youth lessons and Bible Studies and discussions, as well as fellowship events.
He and Kimberlee both were very involved in the life of the church. She has been involved in singing with the Praise Team and helping with the Youth Ministry.
Caleb and his wife, Kimberlee, came to us by way of the First United Methodist Church of Natchitoches. While at Northwestern State University, Caleb was a youth intern for a number of years, as well as a leader in their Praise Team. He was a Music Education major and plays many instruments. He has planned and led Contemporary services, and even started a Youth Praise Team. As a Youth Intern, Caleb has planned and led youth lessons and Bible Studies and discussions, as well as fellowship events.
He and Kimberlee both were very involved in the life of the church. She has been involved in singing with the Praise Team and helping with the Youth Ministry.
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Katie "Walker" Walker - Choir Director
Walker holds a Bachelors of Music Education from Southeastern Louisiana University in addition to a teaching certificate in vocal music. Walker is an active member of the National and Louisiana chapter of the American Choral Directors Association for which she travels annually to attend workshops and participate in masterclasses. In addition to her role as Choir Director for First United Methodist of Amite Walker currently serves as the assistant director and librarian for Northshore Community Choir in Hammond where she resides. |
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Clytae Fluda - Organist/Accompanist
Music and music ministry have been important to Clytae throughout her life. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Music from LSU, and she did her post-graduate studies in music at Southeastern University. Clytae plays the organ for our traditional service, and she accompanies our choir in their ministry of music. |