Jason Byassee
Rev. Dr. Jason Byassee
Senior Minister
Email: Jason Byassee, Ext. 227
Jason Byassee grew up in Chapel Hill and studied at Davidson College before doing master’s and doctoral work at Duke University. He has previously worked as a pastor of a small rural church, as an editor at Christian Century magazine, and as a research fellow at Leadership Education at Duke Divinity School. He has written four books and articles and reviews for such publications as Faith & Leadership, Sojourners, Books & Culture, and First Things. He has taught at five seminaries or divinity schools and guest lectured on dozens of other campuses.
His wife Jaylynn is pastor of Bethelview and Valle Crucis United Methodist Churches, both near Boone. The Byassee’s have three young boys (Jack, 8, Sam, 6, and Will, 4) who will attend Hardin Park Elementary School. Jason enjoys basketball, running, reading, hiking, travel, and – you guessed it – preaching.
George Naff
Dr. George E. Naff
Director of Congregational Care
Email: George Naff, Ext. 226
As Director of Congregational Care, Dr. George E. Naff provides counseling for members of the church and their families, specializing in Logotherapy – a spiritually-based, meaning-centered psychotherapy. Dr. Naff’s work is primarily with people dealing with spiritual, relationship, grief, personal growth, and mood issues. He visits in the local hospitals, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. He facilitates growth and therapeutic groups as needed and is the staff liaison with the Senior Adult Ministries.
Dr. Naff is a National Certified Counselor and a N.C. Licensed Professional Counselor. After completing two degrees in music and directing bands for several years at the high school and collegiate level, he completed a masters and doctorate in counseling and a Diplomate in Logotherapy.
He and his wife, Sue, are now “empty nesters” and proud grandparents.
Rev. Jeff McClain
Pastor Blackburn’s Chapel
Email: Jeff McClain, 336-877-1706 Ext. 232
Jeff serves as the pastor of the historic Blackburn’s Chapel in Todd. He is excited about people connecting to God and each other as they learn to live as disciples of Jesus in the local community.
Jeff earned his Masters of Divinity from North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago and his Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering from the University of Michigan. Before responding to God’s call to vocational ministry, Jeff worked for 9 years as a software engineer in Colorado and a manufacturing manager in his home state of Michigan. Jeff enjoys music, sports, reading, and playing with his infant daughter, Emma.
Vern Collins
Vern Collins
Associate Pastor
Email: Vern Collins, Ext. 232
Vern has been on staff at Boone UMC since the fall of 1998. He has been a part of seeing a thriving Youth Ministry emerge and more recently has been given the opportunity to lead Crossroads, the newest worship gathering.
A native of Greensboro, Vern first came to the mountains of Boone as a student at ASU, where he graduated with a degree in English. He met his wife Piper in 1999 and they married in the Fall of 2001. They have four children and love all that living in the High Country has to offer.
When not spending time pouring into his ministry, Vern can be found with his family or pursuing one of his other loves (fishing, climbing, biking, snowboarding, or any number of other outdoor activities).
Ronnie Wise
Ronald D. Wise
Director of Worship & The Arts
Email: Ronnie Wise, Ext. 225
Ronald D. Wise joined the Boone UMC staff in 2002. As the Director of Worship and the Arts and Principal Organist, he oversees a program of five singing choirs, four handbell choirs, a concert series and the weekly worship services.
He is a member of the American Guild of Organists, the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers, the America Choral Directors Association, The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts and the Académie André Marchal. He studied with several distinguished organists and has played organ concerts and recitals in the United States, France and the United Kingdom.
He studied at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ and the Juilliard School in New York City.
Colette Krontz
Colette Krontz
Director of Children’s Ministry
Email: Colette Krontz, Ext. 228
Colette Krontz is minister to and with children at Boone United Methodist Church. She has been involved with children’s ministry for the past twelve years and has been Director since 2007.
I first became involved in the children’s ministry at Boone UMC because I had a young son and daughter who enjoyed the programs offered and that made life easy for me. My son is now out of the home, my daughter just footsteps behind, and here I remain. Because now that I have a birds eye view of what my children found so attractive about spending time with other children and adults who love Jesus , I want to be here too! Children are born with an innate sense of wonder and faith that is real and authentic. Our focus in ministry with children is not only on religious instruction or teaching, but rather spiritual formation during childhood, which includes instruction but involves much more. As teachers and leaders, our role is to provide a foundation of experiences on which children move toward a maturing faith and a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ, through which we become more like Christ living in our everyday lives in the world. Being allowed to come along beside children in that process is a blessing. Being married to a man who indulges me in that is beyond measure. I look forward to meeting your child!
April Creed
Interim Preschool Director
Email: April Creed, 828-264-6092
Support Staff
Jennifer Greer, Business Administrator, Ext. 224
Barbara DuClos, Office Assistant, Ext 230
Denise Stanley, Communications, Ext 223
Mae Robbins, Financial Secretary, Ext 222
Andy Ellis, Youth Assistant, Ext 229
Kathy Butler, Pianist/Worship Leader
Luke Edwards, Crossroads Worship Coordinator and Boone Area Missions
Mike Carson, Custodian
James Choate, Night Custodian
