Rev. Dr. Rhonda Abbott Blevins

Pastor

Rhonda is an East Tennessee native and a graduate of Tennessee Tech University with a degree in secondary education. With a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas and a Doctor of Ministry from Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia, Rhonda considers herself a lifelong learner. Theologically progressive, ecumenically minded, spiritually impassioned and relationship oriented, Rhonda seeks to minister in and through the Chapel in a way that promotes a thoughtful, compelling, and life-giving faith that manifests through love in action. 

With over 25 years in ministry, Rhonda has served as a campus minister, associate pastor, and denominational leader. A trained life coach and certified Enneagram trainer, Rhonda offers clergy coaching and church training through Pinnacle Leadership Associates in Chapin, South Carolina.

Rhonda and her husband, Terry, have two sons, Jake and Rhys. The Blevins crew is loving life in Florida and their ministry at Chapel by the Sea! 

Joe Creegan

Minister of Education

Joe holds an Associate of Advertising Degree from Northwood Institute, a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Business Education, and a Master’s degree in Interpersonal & Organizational Communication from Western Michigan University. He has served as adjunct professor for Detroit College of Business, Central Piedmont Community College, and currently, St. Petersburg College.  
 
As Vice President of Operations for Residence Inn by Marriott, he was instrumental in growing a culture that inspired professional development, instilled loyalty, embraced accountability, and ensured financial success.

His business philosophy was best expressed by one of the General Managers in his chain of command upon his departure from Marriott: “Joe understands the vital role that a corporate culture and environment play in achieving success. Joe helped to fashion a culture & environment at Residence Inn that not only encourages growth and success but makes it inevitable.”
 
Joe started his consulting practice in 1990 (Profit With People) focusing on the needs of organizations struggling with performance and organizational issues.  

 He is a contributing author to “The Good Book of Business,” with chapters: “Culture and the Bottom Line,” “Speaking by Doing’, Incentives: The Missing Pieces,” and others.
 
Joe is passionate about communicating and living the teachings of Jesus, finding meaning and purpose transcendent to any other life experience.  

He is married to Carla, has two daughters, Rhonda & Jennifer, step-son Marc, and three grandchildren: Kailee, Hope, & Josh.

Brent Douglas

Director of Music

Brent Douglas is the Director of Music at Chapel by the Sea.

Brent has a Master of Music in conducting as well as a Bachelor of Music in piano from the University of South Florida, Tampa with additional training from around the globe.

Brent’s experience consists of conducting and performing symphonies and operas from Tampa to Dusseldorf and beyond. He is also a gifted vocal instructor and has assisted in Walker’s Rising Stars Vocal Competition on numerous occasions. He has conducted symphonies, operas, orchestras, vocalists, and held masterclasses since 2014. Brent has been the conductor on several international choral concert tours and has been an orchestral pianist since 2013, including serving as orchestral pianist for the Florida Orchestra.

This means Brent is prolific at playing the piano, celeste, harpsichord and organ along with conducting. One of his many special projects includes ECKERD SINGS! which is an Annual Choral Concert featuring living composers inspired by living poets at Eckerd College, where he served as an instructor. It is difficult to summarize his lengthy accomplishments, as the list is long and diverse.

Dan Brafford

Operations Manager

Dan Brafford was born and raised in Cabarrus County, North Carolina on a 110 acre dairy farm that he worked on through high school. Graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School and Evans Business College. Dan married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann Moss, in 1967 and was drafted by the U.S. Army later that year, serving in Germany until 1969. Returning to North Carolina, Dan began working with Southern Latex which became a part of Reichhold Chemicals. During this time, Dan graduated from Pfeiffer College with a B.S. in Business Administration, making the Dean’s List and receiving the Wall Street Journal Award for Academic Achievement while working full-time. He was employed for 32 years and left as Senior Sales Specialist. Seven years before leaving Reichhold, Dan purchased a Floor Coverings International Franchise and continued that business until 2011. The business developed into one of the top ten in the national franchise system, winning numerous customer service awards nationally. Selling the franchise in 2011, Dan worked as a consultant for new owners for three years. Dan then developed and operated a new business, Focus Flooring, for three more years. After he sold Focus Flooring, he worked as a consultant for the new owner who is still in business today. Dan retired in 2021 and moved to Florida to be near family. Dan and Mary Ann are blessed with two children and four grandchildren and are extremely proud of them.

Rick Frye

Facilities Manager

Adjunct Wedding Ministers

Rev. Dr. Scott Moncrieff; Minister of Education, Joe Creegan