lead pastor
Ernie WAGONER
Ernie and his wife, Alex, felt called to plant Sojourn in 2009. After years of preparation, they took a leap of faith and planted Sojourn in the fall of 2012. Over the years of leading this community, they have become more convinced than ever that the local church is Jesus’ means for authentic community, spiritual growth, and true transformation.
Growing up in the Northwest Metro Atlanta area, Ernie had dreams of becoming a sports commentator and one day working for ESPN but Jesus had other plans. In the midst of college, Ernie felt a call to pastoral ministry and he changed his major to Bible/Theology to pursue the passion God put in his heart. After graduating college and moving back to Atlanta, Ernie and Alex started dating and dreaming about a life together. Two years later they were married and now have the joy of raising three boys: Judson, Luca, and Rowan.
Because of Ernie's experience growing up in what is informally called, 'the Bible belt,’ he has an especially tender heart for those who have become jaded with the church and those who have given up the thought that Jesus is actually someone worth trusting. Alex and Ernie deeply desire to see the good news of Jesus transform many in East Cobb as well as throughout the world.
You can get in touch with Ernie here.
Director of Operations
Maggie greenwood
Maggie and her husband, David, have been a part of Sojourn Church since 2013 and currently live in Marietta with their two sons, Wyatt and Jacob. After 14 years working in the non-profit sector, Maggie felt called to leave her job and joined the Sojourn staff in the summer of 2022.
Maggie is passionate in developing people in their strengths and helping them utilize those passions for the church and the community. As the Director of Operations, Maggie oversees daily operations/processes and works closely with volunteers and ministry team leads to make sure that everything runs smoothly day to day and week to week.
Maggie loves spending time with her family and friends, reading, and watching her boys play sports! And on Saturdays in the fall, you will find her cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs!
You can get in touch with Maggie here.
sojourn kids DIRECTOR
Virginia Fobes
Virginia and her husband, Andy, married young and have been blessed with three children - Daniel, James, and Hannah. The Fobes family has also welcomed two daughters by marriage; James’ wife, Indigo and Daniel’s wife, Emily.
Virginia enjoys creating healthy food options, outdoor activities, and meaningful conversations. Other favorite moments for her include listening to live music, drinking espresso, the crackle, smell and warmth of being near a campfire or fireplace, and reading. Her ideal vacation plans will always include a beach!
Virginia seeks to demonstrate her love of the Father as she follows Jesus by the help of his Spirit. She is grateful that she was able to care for the children and young families at StoneBridge church for the last 4.5 years. Prior to that Virginia spent 5 years as a teacher with Cobb County Schools where she served families and preschool aged children with special needs. Virginia thanks God for providing a place for her to serve with Sojourn Kids and their families.
You can get in touch with Virginia here.
Worship Director
Trevor McGee
Trevor is the Worship Director at Sojourn. He is married to the love of his life Mindy and they have three kids: Ellie, Richard, and Thea who have him wrapped around their finger. Born and raised in and around Atlanta, he loves having the opportunity to lead worship back in the areas he grew up in.
Having led worship for over 15 years Trevor leads from a place of passion for hearing God's people lifting up their voices in praise, as well as a passion for music and songwriting. He's never happier than when he is in service to his community here at Sojourn. He cares deeply for the church and desires to help shepherd God's people through the worship ministry.
You can get in touch with Trevor here.
sojourn Students & Young Adults Director
Samuel Beary
Samuel is a native of the great state of Arkansas. He joined Sojourn’s staff in the fall of 2023. Before moving to Georgia, he served in student ministries in both Alabama and Arkansas. Samuel received his bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry from Ouachita Baptist University in 2016. The next year he married his best friend and love, Julie. Samuel and Julie have one son, Kaleb, and they are expecting another in 2024.
Samuel’s call to student ministry began in high school, when God used his church’s student ministry to open his eyes to the good news that is the Gospel. Ever since those early days, Samuel has been ministering to teenagers. His desire is to help students understand the Gospel and walk with Jesus. Having experienced the blessings of a student ministry himself, he is passionate about cultivating a life-giving space for teenagers.
Outside of ministry, Samuel likes to cook, read, watch movies, play disc golf, and of course, spend time with his family.
You can get in touch with Sam here.
COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR
ALEX WAGONER
Alex was born and raised in South Windsor, Connecticut. A true Yankee at heart, she moved to the South at age 16 to discover southern culture to be a shockingly different way of life. However, she met her southern gentleman a few years later. She and Ernie were married in 2008 and now have 3 incredible boys (Judson, Luca, and Rowan) they’re raising together.
Alex enjoys cooking, making her house a home, coming up with fun adventures to do with her boys and praying they don’t get any broken bones, reading and podcasts and continually growing, and Friday night family Sabbath.
She’s grateful to be at Sojourn with this incredible community!
You can get in touch with Alex here.
MInistry Coordinator
Cheri Craft
Cheri was born here in Marietta and attended Cobb County schools. She married her husband, Ken, in 1991, and they raised three awesome children welcoming their daughter-in-law into the family in 2021. She spent over thirty years loving and teaching students in Cobb’s elementary classrooms. The Lord has provided many opportunities to share his story with others through Sunday School, Bible Studies, Scouting, Awana Clubs, and close friendships.
Cheri enjoys reading mystery series and shopping with her mom and sister. Her family loves water sports at the lake and spending time on the beach. The early mornings provide a great workout time or a neighborhood walk.
Either working or during leisure activities, Cheri seeks to see God’s hand working and share that to encourage those He puts in her path.
You can get in touch with Cheri here.
Our Elders
Sojourn is governed and led by a plurality of Elders. These Elders are committed to lead Sojourn through prayerfully and strategically serving and shepherding this community. We are committed to leading Sojourn to know Jesus, treasure Jesus and obey Jesus. Jesus is the hope for our body and it is our desire to point our community to Him.
Our Advisory Board
Our Advisory Board counsels Sojourn in many different areas. As an organization, Sojourn takes seriously our responsibility to care for our facility, staff, and community. Each board member has a specific role to help guide us. If you have any questions about any of the areas they are responsible for, feel free to reach out
Ministry Leads
We believe that everyone at Sojourn has an integral role to play and that all are called to share the Gospel of Jesus where they live, work and play. In light of these, we have different team leads over ministry areas.
Maggie Greenwood: Women’s Ministry
Mike Marotta: Local Care
Andrew Long: Global Outreach
Jared Karr: Men’s Events
Mike & Cherri Marotta: Community Groups
Our Networks
At Sojourn, we are supported by two Networks: The Transformation Network and Acts 29.
The Transformation Network is a local, Northwest Atlanta based network of Churches that provides support for our Lead Pastor, insight to our staff, and opportunities to connect for our Youth through One Camp, One Worship Nights, and Men’s Retreats.
Acts 29 is a global, diverse Church Planting network that aims to plant healthy, multiplying churches. They offer accountability, coaching, training, and support for our staff through Pastor’s Cohorts, Retreats, training, and conferences - all with the aim to support and sustain Church Planters and Church Staff for the long haul.
We are grateful for both of these networks and the support and accountability they provide.