About the Pastor
Rev. JoAn Kinrade, an ordained Deacon in the North GA Annual Conference, grew up in the farming community of Sioux Valley, MN, and learned a great deal about God and the cycle of life by tagging along with her dad as he tended large herds of cattle and hogs and worked fields of soybeans, corn, oats and hay.
JoAn is a “what you see is what you get” woman of faith; a compassionate listener and no-nonsense truth-teller with a gift for journeying with people through the joys and sorrows of life. She enjoys “doing life” with people from all backgrounds, helping them become aware of God’s divine presence in everyday moments.
Prior to her appointment to Sunny Side in July, 2021, she served as Minister of Spiritual Formation at Newnan First and as Weekend Chaplain at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. She is also a Spiritual Director, currently seeking certification through Columbia Theological Seminary. For 18 years, prior to God’s call to the ordained ministry in 1999, JoAn was an elementary teacher in Coweta County.
JoAn has been married to David, Minister of Music and Organist at Newnan First United Methodist Church, for 39 years. They have two adult daughters, Emily and Rachel, and a 6yo granddaughter, Harper Rae.
When she’s not meditating on scripture, preaching, teaching, or visiting, she can most likely be found hiking in the woods, doing a bit of yoga, walking for exercise while listening to worship music or a podcast, or playing with her granddaughter. She enjoys a good cup of coffee or glass of wine and would love to get to know you!
- Bachelor of Music Education, Morningside College
- Master of Early Childhood Education, University of West Georgia
- Master of Divinity, Candler School of Theology
