Rev. Newman was originally from Jacksonville, Florida and attended the University of Florida for two years before enlisting in the US Army. He was medically retired and returned to Jacksonville University for a degree in Marketing.
After many
years in the business world, God called him into full time Christian work at St.
Simons Island. Dr.
Newman, at age 51, entered Chandler School of Theology for his Master of
Divinity degree while
serving as Pastor of Macedonia UMC in 1987-90.
Next, he served Norcross, St. James, and Bright Star UMCs. Then appointed as
Executive Director of Aldersgate
Homes, Inc., Rev. Newman was instrumental in the creation of Collinswood Retreat
Center. He
then served Roswell UMC until retirement on 2002, Called out of retirement to
serve Villa Rica UMC for
two years, Dr. Newman next served as the International Director of Development
for the International
Leadership Institute. He is currently serving Macedonia UMC in retired status.
Dr. Newman was on the Board of Feed the Hungry Foundation and served as Co-Chair
for 2 years. He
also was on the Board for The United Way of Douglas County and was on the Teacher of the Year
selection
committee for the Douglas County School System.
Sam, and his wife, Angie, have six children, and ten grandchildren. They enjoy
travel, golf, reading,
painting, and teaching. He is a two-time Seniors Champion of the Georgia Pastors Golf Association.