Joel Simpson begin serving at First United Methodist in April 2018. He grew up in Morganton, NC and attended UNC Charlotte, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. He attended seminary at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta. He is currently pursuing his doctorate degree at Duke University. Joel and Dani, his wife, live in Taylorsville. They enjoy hiking, especially National Parks, reading books together, and spending time in the community.