MEET OUR STAFF

Senior Pastor

The Rev. Dr. Garen F. Dodson has served as Senior Pastor of Spirit of Joy since October 2001. An ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), he has served pastorates in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Kentucky.

Dr. Dodson received his education from the University of Southern Mississippi, Millsaps College, Lexington Theological Seminary   and Emory University.

Upon graduating from Emory University, Dr. Dodson spent severeal years on Wall Street as a financial analyst and investment representative with  Merrill Lynch, Paine Webber, Alex Brown & Sons, and Morgan Stanley.  He has held the post of adjunct professor in National-Louis University, Shorter College, and Strayer University.

An active mediator certified by the Georgia Supreme Court Office of Dispute Resolution, Dr. Dodson is a mediator with the Justice Center of Atlanta, Gwinnett County Court System, United States Postal Service, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Alcovy Judicial Circuit of Athens, GA, and the National Association of Securities Dealers.

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Youth Pastor

A first year student at McAfee School of Theology (Mercer University) in Atlanta, GA, Justin Safley is enrolled in the Master of Divinity degree program.  He received the Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS in 2006, with concentration in History, Administrative Justice and Religion.. 

A native of Pearl, Mississippi, Justin has directed various children and youth ministries in the local church.  He has been involved in church summer camps teaching youth to understand the meaning of their faith.

Justin and his wife, Mallory, reside in Atlanta.

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Food Bank Director

Jessie Massey was one of the founders of the Food Bank in November 2001 and sereves also as President of the Food Bank Board of Directors.

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Music Director

Carol Hanson has served as choir director, pianist and organist in several churches in the Atlanta area over the past 15 years. She has been associated with Spirit of Joy since June 2002.

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Pianist

Beckie Bennion is an accomplished musician who has been performing most of her life. She has served as Spirit of Joy pianist since December 2005.

Email Beckie Bennion