Our Team

Pastor Jason and Pastor Andrea have served at Advent since 2013. They both graduated from the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Columbia, SC in 2004. They met there in 2000 and were married in 2002. They love God, their family, Kate and Tim and their dogs, Lucy and Linus. They love the people of God at Advent and serving together as pastors. They feel extrememly blessed to be called to Advent as we live out our mission to Love God, Love People and Serve the World.   

“Born and raised in Waycross, GA, R.J. Thomas has always had a passion for both music and science. Moving to Athens, GA in 2010 to attend The University of Georgia, R.J. earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Environmental Chemistry, focusing on innovative methods for the removal of radionuclides from the environment.

This dedication to excellence led R.J. to a career with Southern Nuclear Company at Plant Vogtle Units 1 & 2, where he now serves as the Organizational Effectiveness Coordinator. In this role, R.J. supports leadership development, performance improvement, and organizational culture across the site. Previously, he worked as a Senior Nuclear Chemist, overseeing the Off-Site Dose Calculation Manual (ODCM) and ensuring compliance with federal regulations on radioactive effluents. He has also played a vital role in the plant’s Inclusion Council.

Outside of his professional endeavors, R.J. has been an integral part of various church communities as an organist since 2004. Over the years, he has shared his music with churches across Georgia and South Carolina, including Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Beech Haven Baptist Church, Union Chapel United Methodist, Aiken's First Baptist Church, and many others. Most recently, R.J. served as Organist at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Johnston, SC from January 2022 until now.

R.J.(pictured left) lives in Augusta, GA with his husband, Anthony, and their beloved Corgi, Maggie. He enjoys cooking, traveling, and working in the yard. As a member of the Augusta and Columbia Chapters of the American Guild of Organists, R.J. brings both professional expertise and personal passion to his new role as Organist and Music Director at Advent Lutheran Church, where he looks forward to creating worship experiences that glorify God and reflect the inclusive love of Christ.”