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 to provide communications support. Her role has evolved to include community outreach as well. Sara has a multidisciplinary communications background that includes design, photography, copywriting, and film editing. She is also a trained Spiritual Director and holds a Master’s degree in Spirituality from Bellarmine University. She enjoys walking labyrinths and meditating on the St. Paul sanctuary windows, both of which she is…
Certified Lay Minister
Bob Helvey
Bob joined the St. Paul staff in November of 2019 as Ministry Assistant. A native of Pikeville, KY and the oldest of five children, Bob worked as Financial Advisor for 35 years. Then, he spent 15 years in his second career as a high school teacher before joining the staff of St. Paul. He and his wife Marilyn have three children (Sarah, Jenny, and Paul) and three grandchildren (Andrew, Isaiah, and Athena). Bob received his Bachelor of Science degree from…
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
The Personnel Committee is pleased to share that Tracy Martin will be moving into the role of Family and Children’s Ministries Director beginning May 1, 2023. Tracy has served as the part-time Administrative Assistant at St. Paul since January 2023, and in that time has proven to be a valuable team member. Most notable is her love for the Lord and her eagerness to share that with others, especially children. She has worked directly with St. Paul’s children on many…