Rev. Joe Lay

Senior Pastor

Rev. Joseph "Joe" S. Lay, Jr. was born in Arlington, Virginia, and grew up mainly in Tennessee.  Joe is married to the former Laura Schaerer of Tracy City, Tennessee, and they have two daughters, Elizabeth and Catherine.  Joe graduated from Warren County High School in McMinnville, Tennessee.  He received his Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, in May 1981.  He then received his Master of Divinity Degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, in 1984.  He was ordained a Deacon in the United Methodist Church in 1983, and ordained an Elder in 1986.

Joe became Senior Pastor of the Trinity family in June of 2006, after serving Navarre United Methodist Church in Navarre, Florida, for 20 years.  Joe loves to spend time with his family,  but he also loves establishing and nurturing relationships with the people at Trinity and in the community where Opelika has become home.

• Life Verse:  "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."  John 3: 16 

• Favorite Foods:  Steak

• Favorite Movie and Why:  "It's a Wonderful Life" - The main character, George Bailey, prays for God to help him and God answers his prayer.

• Hobbies / Pastimes / Interests:  I enjoy spending time with my family and all types of sports.

• Ambitions / Aspirations:  To be faithful and obedient to the task God gives me.

• What Do You Like to Read:  Bible

• People Are Surprised to Know:  I used to sing in a rock band.

• Best Counsel / Advice You've Ever Been Given:  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."  From Proverbs 3: 5 - 6