Geoffrey Lentz is a native of Pensacola, Florida and attended First United Methodist Church of Pensacola, Florida as a child. It was at First Church, at the age of 5, where he told his mother that one day he wanted to be a preacher just like Preacher Henry Roberts.
After high school Geoffrey attended the University of West Florida where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology. While at UWF he met Elizabeth (Liz) Milnes and the two were later married. After graduating from UWF, Geoffrey and Liz moved to Durham, North Carolina where Geoffrey attended Duke University pursuing a Masters of Divinity degree. While at Duke, the two welcomed their first child Luke Wesley.
2005 - 2012
First United Methodist Church of Pensacola, Florida
Associate and Executive Pastor
Geoffrey’s first appointment after Duke was back to First Church. He served as the Associate and Executive Pastor from 2005 - 2012. During this time Geoffrey had the opportunity to work under and learn from Dr. Henry Roberts, and then Dr. Wesley Wachob, both of whom he counts as mentors.
Geoffrey was instrumental in the capital campaign to purchase Wesley Abbey and founded the ICON service which he preached weekly. It was also during this time that Geoffrey and Liz welcomed their second child, Eliza Jane, and he completed his Doctorate in Ministry from Drew University.
2013 - 2022
First United Methodist Church of Port St. Joe, Florida
Senior Pastor
In 2013 Geoffrey was appointed as Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church of Port St. Joe. During his time in Port St. Joe Geoffrey led the church through a period of growth, building, and rebuilding. In 2018 the church dedicated a new multi-use space which overlooks St. Joseph Bay. Little did anyone know that only six months later a direct hit from Hurricane Michael, a category 5 storm, would push the waters of St. Joseph Bay into the church destroying everything in its path including the sanctuary, educational buildings, and even Geoffrey and Liz’s home.
Following the storm, Geoffrey led the community rebuilding effort, coordinating with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and FEMA to begin the process of rebuilding. In the midst of storm recovery, and then during the pandemic, First Church of Port St Joe continued to minister in new ways. To address food insecurity in their community, the church established the Two Fish Food Market, which is now the largest food pantry in Gulf County.
2022 - Present
First United Methodist Church of Pensacola, Florida
Senior Pastor
In July of 2022, Geoffrey returned to First United Methodist Church of Pensacola as the Senior Pastor following the retirement of his mentor, Dr. Wesley Wachob.
In addition to ministering to the communities he has served on a local level, Geoffrey is also involved and supportive of the work of our Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. He serves on various boards, including the Board of Ordained Ministry, and is committed to the conference partnership with the church in Tanzania.
Geoffrey loves music. Without a doubt you’ll hear him whistling, humming, or singing through the halls of First Church. He loves listening to live music of all genres, but does have the bad habit of listening to country music. He is even known to sing from time to time in his sermons.
Geoffrey is a big fan of Duke basketball, and all ACC teams, except for Carolina! He loves traveling and the outdoors, especially the mountains of North Carolina around Lake Junaluska. He is a fast reader and enjoys reading poetry, especially the works of Wendell Berry, Mary Oliver, and Emily Dickenson.