Petal UMC Staff & Leadership

The staff and leadership here at Petal UMC is comprised of men and women who love, care, and pray for every single person. If you have questions for any of our staff, feel free to reach out and email them or call our church office to speak with them.

  • Dr. Toby Lofton

    Pastor

    Dr. Toby Lofton is the Senior Pastor at Petal United Methodist Church. With over twenty years in church leadership, he is an Ordained Elder in Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church. His doctoral work created an Order that helped military chaplains recover, sustain, and strengthen their spirituality. Toby is a retired US Army Chaplain. He and his wife have three adult children and six grandchildren. 




  • Sammy Barr

    Minister of Music

    Sammy has served as choir director at Petal UMC since 1985.  He holds a Master's degree in music from the University of Southern Mississippi and before his retirement, directed bands at Grenada HS, Sumrall HS, Petal HS, and Jones County Junior College.

    While not playing music or running sound, Sammy enjoys spending time with his 4 children and 4 grandchildren.

  • Chris slade

    Youth Director

    Rethink worship Leader


  • Erin Pope

    Administrative ASSISTANT

    CHURCH business administrator