Name: Jamie Westlake
But please call me: Pastor Jamie
Position: Senior Pastor
How I became a Christian: I am still in the process of becoming a Christian, and I have a long way to go! I grew up in the church, but I was, you could say, in the right place for a long time for the wrong reasons before I chose to be a follower of Jesus. My best friends were hanging out in the church, so I did, too, but I became clear I didn't believe anything being taught when I was 16. I stopped taking communion and reciting the Apostle's Creed (http://www.creeds.net/ancient/apostles.htm), but kept spending time with my friends in church. A lot of loving, caring, devoted folks put up with me and my questions and they never gave up on me. I was elected President of my youth group, so I decided I needed to be real with myself and everyone else and quit going to church. Before I left for good, I went on one last week long retreat to a camp called Lake Junaluska where I experienced the love and grace of God through Jesus Christ in communion! God has a great sense of humor. I belonged to the church long before I was invested in believing in God or obeying His will.
How I ended up at FUMC Brandon: I serve local churches at the pleasure of what we call a "Bishop," or a spiritual leader in charge of 739 churches in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. He believed that the gifts and graces that I have would be a good fit with First UMC in Brandon. I'm thrilled to serve here!
The most important thing I do around here is: experience God's joy by offering my life in an ongoing, grateful conversation with Him, which, I hope, helps me make more and better disciples of Jesus Christ.
Education: I have learned the most about ministry from the people I have had the privilege of loving and serving God with, but I also have a B.A. from Florida Southern College and a M.Div. from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University.
Family facts: My wife, Denise, loves to serve God with me. She is truly my partner in ministry. While we don't have any children of our own, we enjoy working with children. Denise volunteers with the Tech Team, leads a Small Group of middle school girls, and works with children at the Boys and Girl's Club. Our dog, Theophilus (aka, "Theo"), is a miniature Schnauzer with lots of energy.
How I spend my free time: I like to jog long distances. I've run in 4 marathons. I enjoy going to movies with my wife, which often times produces great sermon illustrations! I like to spend time near bodies of water.
Where I’ve lived besides Brandon: Illinois, DeLand, FL, Lakeland, FL, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Miami, Largo, FL, Keystone Heights, FL, Ft. Myers, FL.