MEET THE STAFF

OF ST. LUKE

Dr. William Edward Flippin, Jr. is a luminary of intellectual curiosity and spiritual depth, illuminating the path for others with his profound love of learning and commitment to community. A distinguished scholar, pastor, and franchise expert, Dr. Flippin embodies the pursuit of knowledge as a means to liberate the soul, cultivate the mind, and forge a beloved community.

With a rich academic heritage, Dr. Flippin has walked the hallowed halls of esteemed institutions, including Morehouse College, the Interdenominational Theological Center, Emory University, the Lutheran School of Theology, and Ashland Theological Seminary. His academic journey has been marked by a relentless quest for understanding, a passion for justice, and a dedication to serving others.

As a pastor, Dr. Flippin has served congregations with compassion, wisdom, and prophetic leadership, guiding them toward a deeper understanding of their role in shaping a more just and equitable society. His ministry is characterized by a profound respect for the complexities of human experience and a commitment to empowering others to find their voice and agency. Ordained Baptist in 2002, he has served as Senior Pastor of St. Matthew Lutheran (ELCA), Columbus, GA 2008-13; Emmanuel Lutheran (ELCA) Atlanta, Georgia 2013-19; served as Assistant to the Bishop/Director of Evangelical Mission Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod 2019-21. He was visiting missioner for Church of the Holy Apostles and the Mediator Episcopal Church Philadelphia, PA 2021-22; his most recent calls were Interims in Macon, Georgia and the Atlanta metro area 2022-24. He serves on the Council of the Lutheran World Federation re-elected in 2023. He served on the ELCA Church Council from 2013-19.

Dr. Flippin's expertise extends beyond the pulpit to the boardroom, where he has leveraged his knowledge of franchise development to drive growth, innovation, and community engagement. His work is informed by a deep understanding of the intersections between faith, culture, and economics, and a desire to harness the power of business to build a more just and thriving world.

Through his work, Dr. Flippin seeks to create spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and mutual learning, where individuals and communities can come together to explore, grow, and flourish. His life's work is a testament to the transformative power of education, faith, and community, and a beacon of hope for a brighter future. He has been married to Kedra Shamel Phillips-Flippin for twenty-two years. Kedra is a registered nurse for over twenty-five years and Real Estate Founding Partner and Investor of Phlip Smart Property Solutions, LLC. They both are the proud parents of a daughter Shamel Emani.

Kinsey Healy is a dedicated music educator and choral director with years of experience leading ensembles and performing in a variety of settings. She holds a Bachelor of Choral Music Education and a Master of Music from the University of Memphis.

As Director of Music Ministries at St. Luke Lutheran, she plays the piano and oversees the Adult Choir and Handbell Choir. She works closely with singers and instrumentalists of all experience levels to support worship through thoughtful and engaging music. Kinsey is passionate about fostering a welcoming environment where musicians feel encouraged to grow and serve.

Julia Cunningham brings a heart for meaningful connection, creative ministry, and faithful service to her role as Director of Youth & Family Ministries at St. Luke Lutheran. She is passionate about creating spaces where youth feel seen, supported, and encouraged to grow in their faith, and she is excited to walk alongside young people and families as they ask questions, build relationships, and experience joy in community.

Julia brings energy, compassion, and consistency to the ministry while helping cultivate a welcoming and safe environment that encourages spiritual growth, service, and connection. Outside of church life, Julia enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new places with her two dogs, and hunting for unique finds through thrifting and antiquing.