Staff

Hello and welcome to Walnut Hill Church! I’m so glad you found us and are interested in this special place.

I often describe Walnut Hill as a “retreat” from the hustle and bustle. Pulling up to the old stone sanctuary resting on the hill surrounded by green trees and blue skies never disappoints. I’ve named the horses I watch from my office window. Even the drive to get here is peaceful, down Old Richmond Road nestled between farms. God’s beautiful handiwork. It’s so Kentucky.

On Sunday mornings as we gather for worship, we take a deep breath, settle in, delve into scripture, sing hymns and pray together. Coffee and some of the best church refreshments I’ve ever had (and I’ve had my share…) follow the service. It’s pretty simple really. In a world filled with schedules and complications, God invites us to take a sabbath. To rest in Him. Enjoy His creation. Experience the peace only He can provide. He actually commands it. For our own good and for His glory.

I’d like to personally invite you to join us on the hill. 

Grace and Peace,

Shawn

Shawn was born in Lynchburg, VA and raised in Richmond, KY, where he was an active member of the youth group at First Presbyterian Church. He graduated from the Richmond Model School and attended Western Kentucky University; during the summers he worked at Camp Burnamwood, a Presbyterian summer camp in Irvine, KY, where he began to feel a “strong nudge from the Holy Spirit to devote my life to serving God and the church as my vocation.” Upon graduation from WKU, he attended and graduated from Columbia Seminary, whereupon he began serving congregations in North Carolina, Kentucky, and, most recently, West Chester, Ohio. In 2021, he celebrated his thirtieth year ordination. On December 31, 2023, the Vestry and PNC’s chosen candidate, Reverend Shawn E. Barkley, was presented to the congregation and voted in as the fortieth minister of Walnut Hill Church.

Shawn has a deep passion for God’s Word and hopes to encourage others in their relationship with Jesus. His messages are typically a Bible-based expository teaching style, sprinkled with sports, useless trivia and self-deprecating comments about being bald.

Shawn is married to Amy Jo, a Richmond, KY native and graduate of Transylvania University, and has one adult son, Davis, who works at Sherwin Williams and thankfully lives just a couple miles down the road!

Walnut Hill is truly blessed to have Dr. Angela Hurley, who has been leading the music for our 11am worship service for nearly 50 years. Dr. Hurley is a Professor Emerita at Transylvania University where she served as Chair of the Humanities Division and Professor of Education. In addition to providing organ music each Sunday, Angela directs a monthly choir and plays the organ for special services, funerals and weddings upon request.

Jessica has served Walnut Hill as Church Administrator since early 2022. She brings a wealth of talent, knowledge and experience to the role. From bookkeeping to managing the website, newsletter creation, social media content, all areas of communication and pretty much everything else asked of her…she delivers all with faithfulness, professionalism and a smile. She is a true gift and we’re delighted she is a vital member of the team.

Born and raised in Lexington, Hope is an Asbury College graduate who has been active at Walnut Hill since 2023. She credits a robust youth group experience in her childhood church for much of her faith formation, and is excited and honored to play a positive role in the lives of our little ones at Walnut Hill. We’re so thankful she is part of our ministry team!

Mya and Emma do a wonderful job caring for our very youngest during the 11AM worship hour, as well as during special events. Our littles pop out of the nursery to join their families during refreshment time with crafts in hand and faces beaming. Both Mya and Emma were hired in early 2023.

Senior Warden, Beth Hilliard

Junior Warden, Candy Field

Esther Livingston

Mark Horman

Laura Proctor

Dave Olszewski

Cory Sharrard

Ron Johnston, Treasurer