Ministry Team - Harbor United Methodist Church

Russ Nanney, Lead Pastor

I grew up in Raleigh and graduated from Campbell University and Duke Divinity School. My wife, Lindsey, and I were thrilled to become first-time parents with the birth of our son, Boone, in December 2019. We live in Wilmington where we spend much of our free time outdoors fishing, hiking, jogging, and ministering alongside our congregation. I have a passion for preaching God’s Word and leading people into a deeper relationship with Christ.

Please contact me if you have questions related to your study of the Bible or would like to better understand the mission, vision, and values at Harbor Church.

Christian B Rutherford, Youth and Family Ministries Director

What’s up y’all!? I’m Christian and I am super excited to be at Harbor serving our youth and families! I grew up in Charlotte, NC and attended Liberty University for my undergraduate and graduate studies. I have a BS in Religion with a focus in youth ministry and a MA in Christian Ministry with a focus in discipleship and church ministry. I have been married to my beautiful wife, Maria, since 2013. We were blessed with our little miracle, Poet, in 2017. I love extreme sports, so you will often find me doing something with a skateboard or a surfboard. I seek to be real and authentic and have a huge heart for those outside the church. I want to reach the unreached and mend the hearts of those who have been hurt. I often say: “a relationship with Jesus is about running to Him, not away from Him.”

Please contact me if you have any questions about the Youth Program at Harbor or would like to know more about the skateboard ministry.

Lisa Southerland, Children’s Ministries and Preschool Director

I am a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and administrate all programs for children ages birth through 5th grade. My passion is for our local families: that they find a place within a community of faith to grow and minister alongside other families.

Please contact me if you have any questions about the church, our children’s programs, and how to get your family more involved at Harbor Church.

Shauna Eber, Office and Finance Manager

Shauna Eber has accepted the position of Office Manager at Harbor United Methodist effective June 5, 2023. In this role, Shauna will support office staff in addition to maintaining financial records of the Church, Preschool, Afterschool and the many missions of the Church.

Shauna started her career as a Mathematics Educator in NJ. After moving to North Carolina in 2008, she has worked in various roles of increasing complexity including, Department Chair of Ashley High School’s Mathematics Department and Mathematics co-teacher to teachers of Exceptional Children at North Carolina Virtual Public School. Shauna also volunteered her time serving on Harbor’s Mother’s Of Preschoolers (MOPS) Leadership team in the role of Finance Coordinator, Discussion Group Leader, and Table Leader. Most recently Shauna has been the Lead Teacher of a toddler’s class at First Presbyterian Preschool and Kindergarten.

Shauna has a BS in Mathematics from Virginia Tech, a Master of School Administration from UNC- Wilmington, and has been a licensed 6-12 Mathematics Educator for 17 years. Shauna lives in the south end of town with her husband Brian and their three sons Adam (10), Jon (7), and Matt (4). When not working or chasing after her boys, Shauna enjoys time at the beach, catching up with friends, and trying her hand at cooking and baking new recipes.

Please contact me if you have questions about Harbor facilities, Harbor outreach ministries, and scheduling events

Jess Allen, Office Assistant

Please contact me if you have any general questions about Harbor.

Jennifer Roden, Traditional Music Director

I grew up in Albertville, Alabama and began singing in church at a very young age. I graduated from Snead State Community College with an Associate’s Degree, I completed my Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Alabama and my Juris Doctor at the University of Alabama School of Law. Throughout school I participated in choir and band programs. I now practice law full time in Wilmington and spend whatever free time I have with my husband Will, our son Raylan and our two dogs Max and Lexi. At Harbor I direct our adult choir (which practices on Thursday nights at 6:30) and lead music during our Traditional service. If you have any interest in singing in our choir or participating in our music programs at Harbor please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Please contact me if you have an interest in the choir.

Rene McCann, Traditional Service Pianist

Pic & Bio coming soon

Debbie Black, After School Program Director

Hi! I am Debbie Black, the After School Director at Harbor UMC! I have been a member at Harbor for several years and enjoy the people and the many community outreach programs. Harbor UMC is a very welcoming atmosphere!

Buddy Kinley, Custodian

I served in the US Army for 19 years in communications, transportation, and as a medic. I have three kids, and I enjoy spending time with them. When I can, I like to fish and play pool. I am glad to be on staff and a member of Harbor. In my job as custodian, I take care of Harbor’s facilities, help with the upkeep of buildings, and assist with other events and tasks as needed.

Tia Irving, Farm Manager

Long time Harbor Church member Theresa “Tia” Irving theresa_irving@bellsouth.net , is bringing Harbor to fruition! Planting, fertilizing and harvesting plants is just a small part of of the job.