Staff

Staff

Senior Pastor

Rev. Darren Brandon

Darren comes to St. Paul after serving seven years as Senior Pastor of Settle Memorial United Methodist Church in Owensboro, KY. He has also enjoyed serving United Methodist churches in Franklin, Berea, and Bardstown, as well as spending four years as a District Superintendent. Darren is a graduate of Belmont University and Vanderbilt University Divinity School. Darren and his wife Lori both grew up in Middle Tennessee. Abby, the youngest of their two daughters, is a student at Murray State University and will be doing her student teaching in Louisville this fall. Dea, their elder daughter, is a recent graduate of Memphis Theological Seminary with an emphasis in youth ministry. She and her husband, David, have a son, Davis, born in the spring of 2017. Dea is a recent graduate of Memphis Theological Seminary with an emphasis in youth ministry. In their free time Darren and Lori like to spend their free time at the family farm hammering away on projects. You might also see Darren riding his bike to work, playing a round of golf, or trying out a new restaurant. Darren and Lori are excited to live and serve in the Highlands.  
Associate Pastor

Rev. Dustin Woods

 Dustin Woods from Paintsville, Kentucky, is our new Associate Minister. He graduated from Georgetown College and received his Masters in Divinity from Asbury this spring. He served a church in Scott County during his ministry training.  Dustin spent six years as a middle school Social Studies teacher and academic coach prior to answering the call to ministry.  His wife, Emily, is from Buckner in Oldham County and has been a middle and high school math teacher. They have four sons ages 7…
Director of Music Ministries & Organist

Dr. Jim McFarland

Jim McFarland became the Director of Music Ministries at St. Paul in the spring of 2013. Jim earned a Bachelor of Music in Church Music at Union College in Barbourville, KY. He also holds an M.M. and D.M.A. in organ performance from the University of Kentucky. A lifelong United Methodist, Jim has served in various denominations throughout his music ministry. Jim has been married to his wife, Becky, for 22 years, and they have two sons – Andrew and Patrick. In addition to his passion for music ministry, Jim enjoys reading and spending time outdoors.
Director of Koinonia Worship

Dr. Lori Elbert

Lori has been on staff since 2001. Lori helps leads the Koinonia worship service. Lori also assists with the Welseyan and Caroler choirs and Music Camp. Lori holds a Bachelor of Music from Oklahoma Baptist University, Master of Church Music from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Worship Studies from the Institute of Worship Studies. Lori and her husband, Bruce, have four children, Nina, Gideon, Deborah, and Peter, and a granddaughter, Sofia.
Assistant Director of Music Ministries

Karla Temple

Karla has been a part of the music staff at St. Paul since 1996. She teaches the preschool music class and directs the Wesleyan Choir. Karla is an alto soloist and section leader for the Chancel Choir. Karla holds a B.A. in Church Music from Asbury College and a Master of Church Music from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Karla and her husband, Tom, reside in Oldham County and have twin sons, Nathan and Evan.
Co-Directors of Youth Ministry

Janet and Billy Sewell

We are pleased to announce that Billy and Janet Sewell have been hired to as Co-Directors of Youth Ministry! Billy and Janet have been serving as our Interim Youth Directors for the last nine months and have done an amazing job. Whether its leading regular youth events, retreats, “Gronk” nights, or special events, Billy and Janet provide fun, relational, and formational opportunities for the kids in a safe and supportive environment. They are very much loved by the youth and their families and have been an integral part…
Director, Communications & Outreach

Sara Ferebee

Sara has been a member of St. Paul since 2003 and joined the St. Paul staff in 2018. Sara has a multidisciplinary communications background that includes design, photography, copywriting, and film editing. Sara holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Psychology from the University of Louisville, a certificate from the Rocky Mountain School of Photography, and a master’s degree in Spirituality from Bellarmine University. She is also a trained Spiritual Director. In her spare time, Sara enjoys walking in the…
Financial Administrator

Brooke Heitz

Brooke was born and raised in Louisville. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Kentucky and spent her early professional career working for various institutions before becoming a stay-at-home mom in early 2014. Brooke lives with her husband Paul-Victor and their three children – Ava (age 8), Victor & Oliver (both age 5) – in Strathmoor Manor, where she has served as Commissioner for the past five years. She is excited for this opportunity to put…
Director of Family and Children’s Ministries

Tracy Martin

Tracy was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, but has called Louisville home since 2010. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from Hardin-Simmons University and a Graduate Certificate in Editing from the University of Chicago. Tracy also works as a copyeditor and enjoys camping, biking, and swimming. Her home in Shelby Park is loud and happy with her three daughters, dog (Ollivander), and sweet friends.
Custodian

Tony Fowler

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