2026 Workshop
Teachers

The Institute for Modern Worship (IMW) was created by, and for, local church leaders out of an expressed desire for worship related support, continuing education, and community amongst persons called to worship ministry. IMW is committed to recruiting, equipping, and retaining authentic, compassionate, and confident local church worship leaders for fruitful ministry in their local context and beyond.

Praise and Worship Leader at Residing Hope

Blake Trent was born and raised in Central Florida and has been a worship leader for about 10 years.  Most of that time he has served with young people and because of that he loves passionate high-energy worship moments. For the past five years, he has served as the worship leader for Residing Hope, (formerly known as the Florida United Methodist Children's Home) a foster care group home that has presented many different kinds of challenges for leadership.  He plays a variety of instruments, and has spent a number of years writing and producing music.  When he's not leading worship, he enjoys traveling with his wife Elizabeth, and watching Marvel movies with their two cats.

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Director of Music and Family Ministries at FUMC Sanford

Ryan began his ministry journey at Good Shepherd UMC in Kansas City, Missouri, where he started playing drums for the worship team at 8 years old, and grew to become a multi-instrumentalist worship leader for the youth group and contemporary worship services. His path took him to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Music, focusing on choral education and jazz studies. In Tulsa, Ryan answered his call into vocational ministry, leading worship and serving as program coordinator for Youthfront Camps, and pursuing a Master of Divinity at Phillips Theological Seminary. Now living in Florida with his fiancee Rianne, Ryan is also connected to the Institute for Modern Worship, and serves on the board for the Stetson Wesley Foundation. Whether it's directing a community choir for Black History Month celebrations, or designing contemplative discussion-based worship services; Ryan is passionate about creating vital worship experiences and theologically rich music for our inclusive Church.

Youth Worship Director FUMC Winter Park, Admin Director at FUMC Sanford, and MDiv Student

Sofia Friedley Fernandez is a student, worship leader, and singer-songwriter passionate about reclaiming worship as a space for deep moral and spiritual formation. She has served in full-time worship ministry for over eight years across diverse congregations within and outside of the United Methodist Connection. Sofia currently directs Youth Worhsip (FUMC Winter Park) & Administration (FUMC Sanford), leads contemporary services & retreats, and develops worship ethics resources for the Institute for Modern Worship. Sofia is pursuing her Master of Divinity in Christian Ethics under the mentorship shop of Dr. David P. Gushee, at Mercer University, where her research focuses on modern worship ethics, liturgical formation, and trauma-informed ministry. Through her teaching, Sofia seeks to help worship leaders design services that are both theologically rich and pastorally responsible, equipping the church to bear a faithful witness in the world.

Senior Director of Ministry Connections; Ministry Leadership Center

Kirsten brings over 24 years of experience in church ministry, with many of those years devoted to leading students and families. For the past 15 years, she’s come alongside faith communities—offering resources, training, and consulting—to help them move toward their mission with clarity and confidence. All the while, she’s stayed rooted in local church leadership and currently serves as an Equipping Pastor. She has served in both small and large congregations and is passionate about helping leaders thrive. She is driven by a desire to help the church move forward, create safe and authentic spaces, and guide people in discovering their God-given value. She never turns down a good cup of coffee or a meaningful conversation.

Co-Director: Gator Wesley Foundation, Gainesville, FL

Conference Young People's Ministry Specialist

Joel is a Licensed Local Pastor in the Florida Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Joel married his best friend Heather in 2001. They have two daughters, Elliot and Norah. Joel grew up in Ocala, FL and graduated from UF in 1999. Joel’s call into full time ministry has taken him through Youth Ministry, Camping Ministry, and now serving alongside college students in Gainesville, FL.

Sr. Director of Strategic Engagement at the Ministry Leadership Center

Brian Lawson is a United Methodist pastor serving as the Senior Director of Strategic Engagement at the Ministry Leadership Center and as Senior Pastor of Zellwood United Methodist Church. He has served in ministry for more than 20 years through youth and young adult ministry, congregational leadership, and nearly a decade of developing leaders through educational nonprofits that support the Church. Brian’s work focuses on organizational culture, strategic communication, and equipping leaders and faith communities for transformational ministry. He earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Ministry from Warner University and studied Christian education at Asbury Theological Seminary. Brian is also an artist, husband, and father.

Director of Programming and Ministry at the Camp Warren Willis 

As the director of the programming and ministry, Tyler oversees the summer camp, year-round retreats, and recreation opportunities. In addition to managing in-house ministries, he elevates the camp experience by maintaining accreditation standards (American Camp Association), refining hospitality for guest groups, and leading special projects. Tyler is a Provisional Certified Family Life Educator, meaning he is qualified to educate others in familial systems and life transitions. He earned a B.S. in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences and is completing a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management. His academic interests include the sustainable stewardship of funds and efficient people-management practices, both of which have informed his work in camping and campus ministry. Tyler and his wonderful wife, Allison, live in Fruitland Park with their incredible toddlers, Owen & Susanna.

Retreats Coordinator at Camp Warren Willis

Kimberlyn Gallo is the Retreats Coordinator at the Warren Willis United Methodist Camp and Retreat Center. She coordinates all of the camp’s in-house retreats, including Confirmation Retreat, God's Masterpiece, Fall Retreat, Foster Family Camp, and Family Retreat. Kimberlyn has been a dedicated part of the Warren Willis team since 2015, previously serving as a Summer Leadership Team member, Year-Round Program Intern, and Coordinator for After School Adventures and Day Camp.She earned a B.S. in Christian Leadership and Management with a concentration in Business Management. Her passion is creating intentional, joy-filled spaces where kids, youth, families, and church communities can connect, grow, and encounter God in new ways. When she’s not planning retreats, Kimberlyn enjoys spending time outdoors with her two dogs, Na’vi and Faith, whether that’s hiking a trail, exploring a new spot, or just soaking up some sunshine.

Children's Ministries Leader at Hyde Park UMC Tampa, FL

Kim has a passion for bringing children closer to Jesus in fun and creative ways. She is the Children's Ministries Director at Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Fl. She is originally from Fort Myers, Fl., and moved to Tampa in 2013 with her husband of 13 years. They have 3 beautiful girls in grades 5, 8, and 11; all who love to serve with her each week. She is a proud graduate of YMI and continues to grow in ministry by teaming up with others in the conference to build a network of other Children Ministry leaders.

Sr. Pastor - Shepherd's Community UMC, Lakeland, FL

Michael LeBlanc is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. He attended Asbury School of Theology and Iliff School of Witchcraft and Wizardy (jk, that was a seminary too). Before that he was raised in a fundamentalist church and knew exactly nothing about Wesleyan theology. He learned what United Methodists believed while teaching what United Methodists believe during confirmation.

Director of the Office of Clergy Excellence and

SW District Superintendent 

I serve as both the South West superintendent and as the Director for the Office of Clergy Excellence. I am passionate about helping everyone realize their unique call to serve God, whether as laity or clergy, and helping people live into that call. And I am also passionate about helping clergy thrive (and not just survive) in ministry, which was the subject of my doctoral work. I am a certified spiritual director and also a certified yoga instructor.

Director of Children's Ministry at Suntree UMC in Melbourne, FL

Hi! I'm Kaitlin Francavilla, I have been leading in ministry for over 14 years. I have done church in Tampa, Lakeland, Orlando and Melbourne. I like to say"I have done ministry coast to coast. " Doing ministry with young people is an essential and building the church of tomarrow. I have seen how children and youth protection policy training is essential and have worked for several years to make engaging.

Director of Children & Family Ministries at Trinity UMC Gainesville, FL

Brian grew up in Gainesville and has attended Trinity since preschool. He was active in Trinity’s youth group, where he met his wife, Sarah. They have two children, Will and Catie, both of whom have served at Warren Willis Summer Camp. Brian has 20 years of experience in youth and college ministry and 15 years in children and family ministry. He especially enjoys teaching young people and building meaningful relationships through ministry.

 Director of Sports & Recreation Ministries  

Ben’s favorite parts about what he does at Trinity include working with kids and families, working outside with sports and games, and being challenged in working with his hands. Ben was born, was raised, and attended schools here in Gainesville from elementary through the University of Florida. Prior to joining the staff at Trinity, Ben worked at several area restaurants, worked with the Appalachia Service Project (ASP), and taught and coached at Buchholz High School.

Director of Modern Worship Arts - FUMC Lakeland, FL

Founder and CEO - Institute for Modern Worship

Jeremy Hearn is the Founder and CEO of the Institute for Modern Worship. Hearn currently resides in Lakeland, FL, where he serves as Director of Modern Worship Arts at First United Methodist Church of Lakeland, Florida, overseeing weekly worship for the churches two unique modern worship experiences. Jeremy has more than twenty years of professional worship leading experience.

Director - University of South Florida Wesley Foundation

Greg previously served at Grace at Lithia for over 20 years, where he impacted countless lives through ministry and leadership. We are grateful he is beginning this new chapter with us.

Greg and his wife Cindy have two children, Derrick and Emily. Derrick is currently a student at Valencia and Emily is a graduate of Florida State University. With their kids out of the house, the have plenty of room to spoil their dog Jeremiah.

Director of Modern Worship Arts - FUMC Lakeland, FL

Founder and CEO - Institute for Modern Worship

Jeremy Hearn is the Founder and CEO of the Institute for Modern Worship. Hearn currently resides in Lakeland, FL, where he serves as Director of Modern Worship Arts at First United Methodist Church of Lakeland, Florida, overseeing weekly worship for the churches two unique modern worship experiences. Jeremy has more than twenty years of professional worship leading experience.