Pastor Geoffrey is our new Senior Pastor. He was born and raised in Pensacola and attended First Church as a child. The Lentzes were also a part of this church family when Geoffrey was first appointed here after graduating from seminary. During that appointment, Geoffrey had the opportunity to work under and learn from our two previous Senior Pastors, Dr. Roberts and Dr. Wachob, both of whom he counts as mentors.
Dr. Lentz is a graduate of Pine Forest High School and the University of West Florida. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from UWF, a Masters of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctorate in Ministry from Drew University. He has been a pastor in the United Methodist Church for 17 years. His first appointment after Duke was here at First Church where he served as our Associate then Executive Pastor (2005–2012). In 2013, Geoffrey was called to serve as the Senior Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Port St. Joe, FL (2013–2022). Pastor Geoffrey is involved with and supportive of the work of our Annual Conference. He serves on various boards, including the Board of Ordained Ministry, and is committed to our conference partnership with the Church in Tanzania. Geoffrey is married to Liz and they have two children, Luke and Eliza.