I went to Waverly Central High School graduating in 1976. I went to work after high school before attending college but later attended APSU in Clarksville, Martin Methodist College in Pulaski and Candler School of Theology (Emory University) in Atlanta.

 

I was ordained as an Associate Member (Deacon) in the UMC in 1994, serving in the UMC beginning my 39th year. I have served in small rural churches and medium size churches throughout the Tennessee Conference, along with serving in the Caney Fork River District Office as District Leadership Strategist for 2 years before retiring. In my responsibility as DLS, I helped oversee 110 churches in the District helping them to develop plans for growth and evangelism while working with their pastors to strengthen their gifts. 

 

You will learn that I am a passionate sports fan supporting the Chicago Cubs (MLB team), Green Bay Packers & Tennessee Titans (NFL teams), Nashville Predators (NHL team), but mainly the Tennessee Volunteers football, baseball and basketball teams.

 

You will also discover I love to laugh and joke around. Not only am I passionate about sports, but I am passionate about serving Christ and helping others develop a relationship with Jesus. You will soon discover I never meet a stranger. I love to sing, play my guitar, and share Jesus. I have a deep love and appreciation for all kinds of music.

 

As far as church music, I believe that a good blend of traditional and contemporary music works best. I truly believe great things are ahead for First LaVergne UMC. The location is great, the people are great, but more importantly, our God is great!

As an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, music-director, composer, and folk-musician, Joshua seeks to invite God’s love into a bleeding world through intentional worship. With a passion for the local church, Joshua served as a worship leader and music director in South Florida for the last six years before finding his new church home in LaVergne.

 

While dedicated to the worship at LaVergne Methodist, Joshua also writes, records, and performs nationally with The Lubben Brothers: a folk-band driven by redemptive storytelling with music airing on radio and film throughout the country, including features on NPR’s “Live from Here” and Netflix. Joshua firmly believes that the gift of music can soften the hardest of hearts, and he is excited for how LaVergne Methodist will advance God’s kingdom through worship and service.