Our Staff

Russell’s St. Paul story reaches back decades! As a teenager, he met his wife, Sylvia, at St. Paul and married her in the sanctuary; their officiant was Rev. Dr. Cyril Stone, Sylvia’s grandfather. Before “coming home” to Abilene and St. Paul, he graduated from Hardin-Simmons with a double major in music and Spanish, a master’s degree in Choral Conducting from Sam Houston State, graduate theological work from Perkins School of Theology, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Wesley Theological Seminary. His doctoral work focused on the connection between theology and the arts. 

Russell’s free time is spent on their ranch, quilting, watching British mystery shows, and being a grandfather to four perfect grandchildren. 

Ask Russell about his relationship with The Lion King!

Dave was searching for a church dedicated to reaching out to those in need and found St. Paul in 2023. He quickly connected with the community and embraced opportunities to serve. Dave earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music from McMurry University in 2018. When the position for Director of Worship and Music became available, he felt a calling to serve St. Paul in this new role. Dave is excited to engage with the congregation in fresh ways and contribute to the welcoming hospitality he has cherished in his time here.

Dave and his wife, Samantha, are blessed with three beautiful children and a lively shepadoodle. He also teaches children as an educator in Abilene ISD. Outside of church and school, you might find Dave at the driving range, a baseball game, or tending to his front yard.

Abigail has worked in youth and children’s ministry for over 13 years. She believes that young people are not only the church’s future, but a vital part of its ministries now. Her number-one priority is to encourage, support, and equip young people for ministry and life after adolescence. Abigail also understands the importance of family faith formation. Her approach to student ministries is holistic and collaborative, encouraging families to learn and grow together.

Abigail hails from Mississippi but fell in love with Texas in 2017 after moving for a full-time youth ministry position. She also fell in love with a Texas boy in 2020, the Rev. Ricky Harrison, McMurry University’s Chaplain and Director of Religious & Spiritual Life. Together, they enjoy stocking their shelves full of books, going on long road trips, cooking lots of yummy meals for family and friends, and sharing the love of God everywhere they go. Abigail and Ricky have one fur child, Polly, who was found as a stray at St. Paul UMC. The Holy Spirit brought her home to where she belongs!

Abigail is currently a graduate student pursuing her MDiv at Brite Divinity School, a part of the TCU family. She is also pursuing an MSW to provide licensed pastoral counseling for families and plans to be ordained as a Deacon in the United Methodist Church upon completion of her schooling.

Lisa joined St. Paul in 1987 and began her position on staff in 1991! Lisa’s expertise has guided and directed St. Paul for decades, and her patient presence helps numerous pastors and lay people gain their footing in the church. She assists the office staff, handles wedding arrangements, is a friendly face for funeral communications, and visits homebound members. She has many favorite memories of St. Paul but reflects fondly on a Youth ski trip where the snow was so deep they had to walk to the main lodge! Lisa’s spirit is filled when working with members, meeting new people, and using her creativity to design newsletters and advertising elements for the church.

Lisa spends lots of time with her close-knit family — siblings, children, and grandchildren! She takes her planning nature home with her and prides herself on being the “cool aunt” who plans the fun birthday parties, family events, and vacations.

Mark saw the door God was opening for him and joined our St. Paul staff in September 2023. Mark has an accounting degree from Hardin-Simmons University, and he would tell you his second career was in banking as a Commercial Loan Officer.

Mark is just getting started at St. Paul is already pleased with the warm welcome and friendly atmosphere. He and his wife have been married for over 40 years, and he’s a proud grandparent. Mark spends his free-time with his creative pursuits and owns his own custom laser engraving business! Contact him for laser engraving and church finance needs.

Jeanine joined St. Paul almost a decade ago and leads the church as the head instrumentalist. She has a gift for playing any instrument nearby (yes, that’s a challenge) and can often be found playing her sneaky renditions of famous songs as prelude and postlude for worship — you’ll have to listen closely to hear her inspirations! She received a dual Bachelor’s in Music Education and Music Therapy from Radford University with a dual emphasis in trumpet and piano; she taught elementary music, choirs, and various math and science courses at parochial schools throughout mid-Michigan before heading to the University of Kentucky to begin a Masters in Musicology. While in Lexington, Jeanine became well-known as a collaborative pianist and independent piano teacher. In addition, she completed her Master’s in Music Therapy at Colorado State University and went on a brief performance tour through Sydney (Australia) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).

In her free time, you’ll find her writing a journal of Schnessa’s thoughts, her sheltie puppy, and training “the girls” to win big in showcase arenas and provide companionship to others as therapy dogs.

Glynell has attended St. Paul since 1955, when she became a student at McMurry College. She married Harold Hughes, who was a beloved member of the choir and graduated from McMurry in 1959 with a degree in English and History.

Glynell has served on nearly every committee at St. Paul, and for Methodists, the list is never-ending! She is a preacher’s kid, taught 5th grade Sunday School, was an MYF counselor and began working with the membership records at the request of then pastor Dr. David Hamblin. She sings in the choir and plays handbells. Her children were raised in this church and remain active in their churches.

The people of St. Paul have been friends and special people to Glynell; she calls them all family! It’s a blessing and a pleasure to her to be an active member of God’s church — and this church.

St. Paul has always been home for Austin. His grandparents were members, his parents raised him in the congregation, and he’s been part of the St. Paul family since babyhood. Over the years, his gifts for sound and technology found a natural place in worship, and he has faithfully served as St. Paul’s technology engineer for the past decade—keeping everything from the livestream to the lighting running smoothly each Sunday.

By day, Austin works as a mechanical engineer after earning his degree from McMurry University; by night, he trades blueprints for barn chores as a rancher. His professional precision and creative problem-solving make him the perfect fit for blending faith and technology behind the scenes.

When he’s not wrangling cables or cattle, Austin enjoys quiet evenings at home with his cat, Pig.