Our Pastors

Co-Pastors Craig and Dionne Hammond

Reverends Craig and Dionne Hammond are the co-pastors of First United Methodist of Melbourne. Married for 21 years and parents of three children, Pastor Craig and Pastor Dionne have served several churches in Florida over the last 14 years. Craig from Spring Lake, MI, and Dionne from Centerport, NY, the two met at Houghton College in upstate NY.

After college, the two worked in New York City for a number of years and then transitioned from the marketplace to graduate school as they discovered their call into pastoral ministry. Craig graduated with a Master's of Divinity from Asbury Seminary in 1998 and Dionne followed with her Master's of Divinity in 2007.

They share a vision for dynamic ministry in Melbourne that is centered in engaging worship, intentional discipleship, and being the hands and feet of Jesus to the least, the lost, and the lonely. Building on the rich 125-year-history of First United Methodist Church of Melbourne, Pastors Craig and Dionne echo the Apostle Paul’s words, believing God has only just begun the ministry at First Church: “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6

Their love for the beach, outdoors, and running makes Melbourne a great place in which to live and raise their family. Other pastime interests are good books and good movies and good friends.