Meet The Staff

 

 

Dr. Mike Hoppe – Lead Pastor

Mike has served as Lead Pastor at Stillwater Church since 2013, guiding the church in worship, teaching, and community service. He has a passion for the work of mission and helping people find their God-given role to make a difference for Christ. Mike earned degrees from Ohio Northern University (B.A.), Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Asbury Theological Seminary (D.Min.). Mike and his wife, Reed, enjoy life with their two wonderful children.

Rev. Tony Barnes – Associate Pastor 

Tony has served as Associate Pastor at Stillwater Church since 2022, serving the church in pastoral care, traditional worship leadership, and teaching. Tony is passionate about pastoral ministry and helping people grow deeper in their connection to Christ. He previously served for over 35 years in leading church music ministries. Tony graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi (B.A. in Music Education) and is currently completing theological studies through Wesley Biblical Seminary and United Theological Seminary. Tony and his wife, Jennifer, are the proud parents of three wonderful children. 

Kim Whisonant – Office Manager

Kim has served as Office Manager at Stillwater Church since 2021. In this role, she maintains attendance and membership data, issues prayer emails and e-newsletters, schedules volunteers, and supports the church’s various ministries. Kim loves supporting our church staff and volunteers to help the church run smoothly, connecting the congregation through prayer needs, and sharing church news to invite and engage our community. Kim earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University. She was a chemical engineer for ten years before becoming a stay-at-home mom for 19 years. Kim and her husband, Chuck, have been members of Stillwater since 1996. They enjoy traveling, Braves baseball, and spending time with their sons, Justin and Nicholas, along with their dog, Ruby.

Linda Burr – Financial Secretary

Linda Burr returned to Stillwater in August of 2025 as Financial Secretary after previously serving in this position from 2014 to 2018 and then as Church Secretary until 2021. Her primary responsibility is overseeing the financial activities of the Church, the Early Learning Center, and the Resale Store. Linda is active in small group ministry and has facilitated a Tuesday morning group of Senior Adults for the past three years. Linda has been married to Eldon for 45 years, has 4 children and their spouses, and 8 grandchildren. 

Linden Davis – Early Learning Center Director

Linden has served as the Early Learning Center Director at Stillwater Church since 2024. In this role, she leads, manages, and builds up a group women that teaches and shapes the hearts and minds of little humans. Linden is passionate about children and families. She loves helping them grow in their faith and connection to Christ. She previously served as the preschool director at a school in Mobile for almost a decade. Linden went to the University of Mobile and studied Early Childhood Education. Outside of church, Linden loves to read, go to Disney, and spend as much time outside as possible. She believes sunshine and Jesus can heal anything! Linden and her husband, Timothy, have been married for 12 years  and they have two beautiful red headed children. 

 
 

Donald Finklea – Stillwater Resale Co-Director

Don was selected as the Co-Director of the newly opened Stillwater Resale Store as of January 1, 2026. As a local, he graduated Chickasaw Academy and furthered his education at Alabama Southern Community College. A retired business consultant, his experience with retail and management will help our store grow and serve our Church’s Mission needs. Don has been a member of Stillwater Church for over 20 years and has served on many different boards and committees. As a craftsman, he has directed the renovation and expansion of our church campus. Don and his wife of over 30 years have 5 boys, numerous grandchildren and love to travel.
 
 

Judy Callen – Stillwater Resale Co-Director

Judy was hired as Co-Director of Stillwater Resale Store in early January 2026 and brings with her many years of managerial experience. Judy worked for a major retail store for 23 years. Upon retirement, she volunteered at Open Doors Resale Store, which she helped to plan and operate for 12 years. She has been a member of Stillwater Church since 1980, serving on several committees. She is married to her husband, Dick, and they have 4 children, 8 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. Her hobbies include reading, long early morning walks, and traveling.
 
 

Betty Moye – Director of Children’s Ministries

Sewing seeds of faith in young minds and providing opportunities for families to learn and grow together is a passion for Betty.  She served in children’s ministry for over 20 years before taking a break to help provide care for her first grandson.  After ten years and several more beautiful grandchildren, Betty rejoined the staff at Stillwater Church in November of 2023.  She and her husband, Charlie, celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2023 and love spending quality time with their children and grandchildren. Betty also works as a Real Estate Professional and is currently studying for her broker license.  

Travis Grimes – Contemporary Worship Leader

Travis has served as the contemporary worship leader at Stillwater Church since 2025. In this role, he directs and leads the worship team for the contemporary service and for the youth ministry on occasion. He’s always loved music, and gave his life to Christ at the age of 19 which sparked a love for leading worship. He went to the University of Mobile and served in RamCorps, a traveling music ministry. He earned his Bachelors in Accounting and Masters in Business Administration. Outside of church, Travis enjoys playing saxophone and hanging out with friends. 

Emily Donaldson – Social Media Coordinator

Emily has served as the Social Media Coordinator at Stillwater Church since 2025. In this role, she is in charge of keeping the Facebook, Instagram and website pages updated for upcoming events at the church. Emily is passionate about spreading the love of Jesus through her posts and the different ministries we have here at Stillwater. Emily is currently a student at the University of South Alabama majoring in Marketing in hopes of making social media management her full time job. Outside the church, Emily enjoys riding horses, watching sports and crocheting. 

Trae Weeks – College and Middle School Leader

Trae is a student at the University of Mobile where he’s studying to become a pastor. He leads the VIBE college ministry, which meets on Thursday nights. Trae also proudly serves our country in the Army.  He’s passionate about Jesus, Star Wars and football!