Tom came to McKendree Church as Senior Pastor in June of 2005.  Prior to his appointment here, Tom was the District Superintendent in Cookeville for four years, and before that, he served as pastor at Livingston First UMC for ten years.  In addition to preaching at New Wine Fellowship and the Traditional Service, Tom sees his responsibilities as equipping the laity and staff to do ministry, leading the church to discipleship, and growing the Kingdom.

Tom’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland and a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt University.

Having grown up in the Inglewood area of Nashville, Tom attended Isaac Litton High School and was a member of Inglewood United Methodist Church.  His determination in life is to be nothing more than a servant of God.

Tom enjoys seeing lives changed and watching as God reaches out in the downtown neighborhood for the lost.  He says McKendree is constantly seeking ways to maintain open relationships with the downtown area.  Tom is asking God to lead us into becoming a regional church.

His hobbies include golf, fishing, and being with his dogs.  He is devoted to his wife Gayle.

Favorite scripture: I John 1:3

Arriving at McKendree in 2004 following a distinguished career in various facets of the United Methodist Church, Ron is charged with caring for the personal and spiritual well-being of the congregation and regularly visits homebound and hospitalized members.

An important aspect of his work includes outreach efforts to the burgeoning downtown community on behalf of McKendree, and Ron also helps lead in the weekly worship service, preaches several times each year and teaches various Sunday school classes.

With a B.A. in English, a Masters in theology and Biblical studies, a Masters in journalism/communications and a Doctor of Divinity, Ron was the founding editor of the Alive Now! devotional guide.  He also served as vice president and editorial director of Abingdon Press, and he is a former publisher of The United Methodist Reporter.

Ron and his wife, Marlene, live next door to McKendree at The Cumberland Apartments, where they strive to be witnesses to those living in the heart of the city.  His hobbies include reading, refinishing antique furniture and golfing.  Ron and Marlene have two sons, Paul and Mark.  Paul lives in Freiburg, Germany, with his wife and three children.  Mark and Karen live in Tucker, Georgia.

“I firmly believe God is at work within the hearts and minds of people here at this historical church,” Ron says.  “McKendree is uniquely positioned to minister to the needs of the city in ways that we haven’t even thought of yet.  Through prayer and discernment we will be led by God’s Spirit into a bright and shining future for Jesus Christ.”

Favorite scripture: John 3:16

New staff member Kevin Sparkman comes to McKendree as a product of New Wine Fellowship. "Through the ministry of New Wine I instantly fostered a burden to see Nashville as a city living for Christ. Our God is big - completely selling ourselves out to this call will only show a glimpse of what He can do!"

Kevin oversees the various aspects of outreach to the community through the ministries and facilities of New Wine and McKendree. He also administrates event publicity for these entities and manages content for the many forms of New Wine and McKendree online and through other forms of media.

Kevin received his Bachelor of Music from Belmont University in 2002. From freelance writing to traveling musician, he has enjoyed wearing several hats in the music industry. Before going into full-time ministry, Kevin was most recently owner of Exit 3 Entertainment, Inc. and general manager of Beatmart Recordings.

When not on campus, you can catch Kevin at home with his Jack Russell named Kali, out golfing or playing tennis, or on the road playing drums.

Favorite scriptures: Ephesians 6:10-20, Matthew 5:13-16

As Program/Educational Director and Appointed Deacon, Kathy Maul has a variety of responsibilities – liturgist, giving the children’s sermon, teaching Sunday school for the middle school children, teaching confirmation classes, and working in Educational Ministries.

Kathy’s educational background includes an Associate of Arts degree in Vocal Music from Lonmorris College, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Education from Centenary College, and a Master of Arts from Scarritt Graduate School.  She has served churches in Texas, Louisiana and Tennessee and served on the Board of Diaconal Ministries as a member and as Secretary.  Kathy is the past president of the Tennessee Conference Chapter of Christian Educators Fellowship.

When asked what she likes most about her job – “Hands down, it’s the people.  They have a clear concept of themselves as ministers.”  She says McKendree has always been good about taking care of its own, but it is exciting to see them reach beyond the walls.  “They are constantly redefining ‘ministry’ to meet the needs of the members and community.”

Kathy enjoys family time with husband Bill and son Daniel.

Leading McKendree worship in song is our organist and acting choir director, Bill Maul.  Work in the office is often accompanied by the sounds of the pipe organ as Bill prepares for Sundays.  Bill sees himself as part of the worship team by providing suitable and meaningful music for the 11:00 a.m. service.  “I enjoy the freedom to do all genres of music, do alternate harmonies and intros to hymns, and having my work appreciated.”

Bill’s credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Sacred Music from Messiah College in Grantham, Pennsylvania and a Master of Arts in Church Music Performance from Scarritt College in Nashville.

Bill sees God working through the McKendree congregation’s caring attitude and the church’s outreach work through programs such as Room in the Inn.

Aside from music, Bill enjoys working on the computer, walking, and just relaxing in his backyard.  He and his wife Kathy have one son, Daniel.

Favorite scriptures: Psalm 40, John 3:16-17

McKendree is proud to operate a three star daycare facility in the Christian Life Center, and Cindy is largely responsible for the program’s stellar reputation.  Working daily to maintain the high quality and standards necessary to keep the daycare one of the best in Nashville, Cindy oversees an 18-member professional staff who care for 70 children, ranging from infants through age 5.  She says McKendree offers her “a supportive environment and the autonomy to direct this program based on ‘best practice’ for children and families.”

Cindy holds a B.S. in child and family studies from the University of Tennessee and has previously directed three other early childhood programs.  She is a former president of the Nashville Area Association for the Education of Young Children and is active in the early childhood education community.

Married to Jay Ligon since 2001, Cindy’s now a proud step mom to Peyton and Wes.  She enjoys spending free time with her family, reading mysteries, painting and design, and she is a self-admitted reality TV junkie.

Favorite scripture: Romans 8:28

Facilitating the day-to-day business operations at McKendree since 1999, Jordan schedules use of the building’s facilities, manages bills and contributions and helps provide assistance for those in need.  Jordan also enjoys directing the New Wine Fellowship worship service.  Of his job, Jordan says, “I have to be able to believe in what I do, and being a part of the McKendree staff allows me to not only use my talents in the business world, but also use my passion and desire for outreach too.”

Jordan holds an Associate of Arts and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.  A bass and acoustic guitar player for a local rock band, Jordan’s other hobbies include wakeboarding, basketball, Bible and book studies, and spending time with family and friends. On August 3, 2007 Jordan married the love of his life, Lacey Price, who is his first priority next to Jesus Christ. Originally from Iowa, Jordan and all three of his siblings now call Nashville home.

“My door is almost always open,” Jordan encourages.  “So if you ever want to chat, ask a question or need someone to pray with, please stop by.”

Favorite scripture: I Corinthians 9:19

One of the McKendree longest-employed staff members, Ruth is responsible for many of the church’s daily operations.  She works with the pastoral staff, oversees publication of the church’s newsletter, compiles and prints worship bulletins for each service, gives tours of the building, assists with financial records and interacts regularly with church members.  “I truly enjoy the camaraderie of our office staff,” says Ruth.  “We work together as a team and share in spiritual discussions and work-related issues, as well as laugh together.  I also appreciate the support and friendship of the McKendree Church members.  I consider them my dear friends!”

Ruth brought to McKendree a rich background in ministry and outreach.  She has a B.A. in Christian Education with a specialization in children’s ministry, as well as a B.A. in missions with a minor in deaf ministry.  She has been an ordained minister in the Assemblies of God denomination and has served as an associate pastor and/or children’s pastor in several churches; she has been a counselor at a men’s maximum-security federal prison in Missouri; and Ruth also served a term as a missionary to Uruguay, South America.

Ruth has eight siblings and 27 nieces and nephews. “The wonderful thing about that is, I can spoil them rotten, then give them back to mom and dad,” she says.  Ruth also enjoys reading, needlework, crossword puzzles, and coin collecting.  “My newest hobby is working Sudoku puzzles!”

Favorite scripture: Isaiah 41:10

Assisting the church’s office staff Monday-Wednesday of each week, Annie Ruth answers phones, greets visitors, assists with the production of the church’s newsletter and helps record financial contributions, among many other duties.  She “enjoys working in a Christian environment with co-workers who respect and support each other.”  And Annie Ruth holds a special place in her heart for the United Methodist Church – she grew up in the denomination, attended Martin Methodist College, and was employed at both the United Methodist Publishing House and McKendree Village prior to joining our staff.

In her spare time, Annie Ruth enjoys reading and bike-riding with her husband Stan.  The Griffins have two grown sons, Daniel, and David, who is married to Audrey. I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my grandson Jason (born 2005).

Favorite scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6

Working to ensure a safe, healthy and nurturing environment in our nursery as well as fostering positive relationships with parents are duties Shireen not only takes very seriously, but thoroughly enjoys.  After teaching high school for 17 years in her native Bangladesh, she has been working in early childhood education in the United States for more than nine years now.  “I believe that every job is a way of helping others, and God wants to see us in that way,” Shireen says.

Shireen and her husband are the parents of two children – a daughter currently studying computer engineering at Columbia University, and a son at Overton High School.  In her spare time, Shireen enjoys gardening and reading.

Favorite scripture: Isaiah 41:10

Handling general custodial, maintenance and grounds keeping at McKendree, Mark is also an accomplished musician hailing from Oregon.  A composer and songwriter, Mark’s beautiful piano melodies often ring through the halls of McKendree in his spare time.

In addition to music, Mark enjoys smallmouth bass fishing and Oregon football.  (Go Ducks!)

Favorite scripture: Mark 11:23-24