Steve Patterson – Senior Pastor
Originally from Hobbs, New Mexico, Pastor Steve joined St. Paul July of 2019. He previously ran a successful business in the oil field before becoming a pastor. He studied at Perkins School of Theology at SMU. Some of the more recent places he has worked are, Roby, Miami, Friona, and Dalhart, Texas. He joins us with his wife of 40 years, Sabra. They have two children and four grandchildren. They love traveling, theater, and spending time with their “Glam Kiddos.”
Adam Samuels – Director of Worship Arts
Joining the St Paul staff in 2007, Adam leads the music ministry and is Executive Producer for the weekly Broadcasts. He is also a Conductor for Chorus Abilene’s Youth Chorus and Youth Chorale. Prior to Abilene, Adam served churches in Weatherford, Cleburne, and Corsicana; accepting his first church position in 1993. The first time Adam lived in Abilene was to study for the Bachelor of Music in Church Music at McMurry University. He is frequently a judge and clinician for choral events. In addition to Texas, his ensembles have performed in Brady, Stephenville, Dallas, New Orleans, London, Paris, Salzburg, Prague, and Vienna; not in that order, nor all in one trip.
Adam is married to Holly, and teacher at the AISD Magnet Program at McMurry Univesity. They have two daughters, Rigby and Hazel, and a son, David. As a family, they enjoy watching movies and planning trips to the mountains, the lake, the river, or the beach. Adam is fluent in pop-culture references spanning most Galaxies and Middle Earth, identifies Wookie-Hobbit, and is still waiting on his letter from Hogwarts.
Claudia Anderson – Director of Children and Family Ministry
Claudia was born in Milpitas, California and raised in Abilene, Texas. She graduated from Hardin-Simmons University with her Bachelors of Education and Abilene Christian University with her Masters of Education. Claudia is fluent in Spanish and enjoys teaching others.
She worked for Abilene Independent School District’s Bilingual/English as a Second Language program for 28 years and taught students from around the world. Claudia followed her call by accepting the position of Children and Family Ministry Director at St. Paul in 2018.
She takes a great delight in teaching children about the love of Jesus Christ, playing games, and helping them grow in their faith.
Claudia enjoys reading, staying active, and doing DIY projects. Her favorite scripture is 3 John 1:2, “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”
She has two grown sons and one granddaughter who are her precious heartbeats!
Ashton Medford – Director of Young Adult Ministries & Communications and Media Coordinator
Ashton Medford is originally from Hartley, Texas, a tiny town in the northwest corner of the panhandle. She graduated from McMurry University with a bachelors in Sociology in 2017. She has previously worked for the city of Abilene and McMurry University. She has been volunteering with St. Paul’s Youth for three years. She enjoys reading, watching movies, and making art in her spare time.
Scot Yarbrough- Director of Finance and Administration
My wife, Ann, and I have been married 33 years and have two children: Kyle is a Teacher working in
Bishkek Kyrgyzstan and Katy
Favorite Verse: Isaiah 28:8
I like to play golf and basketball, but not at the same time.
Lisa Barela- Executive Secretary to the Senior Pastor
I grew up moving all over the United States due to my father being in the United States Air Force. His last assignment before he retired was at Dyess Air Force Base, Abilene. I am one of four children and all of my siblings (my older brother, younger sister and younger brother) still live here in Abilene, as do my parents. We always attended a United Methodist Church wherever we lived.
I married Jim Barela in 1981 and we have two children, Julia and Jacob; and four grandchildren, Mason, Dean, Caleb, and Bethany. I enjoy spending time with my family (especially my grandchildren), going to the beach, working in the yard, painting, and sports.
I joined St. Paul United Methodist Church in 1987 and became active in several committees, usually serving as the secretary. Our children, Julia and Jacob, also became active in children’s activities, then youth activities; and joining the church when they went through Confirmation Class.
I began working at St. Paul in 1991 as the Senior Pastor’s Secretary and have the pleasure of working with the whole congregation. My main objective is to give administrative support to the Senior Pastor and the members of the church.
Favorite Sport: Football
Favorite Saying: Lord, help me become the person my dog thinks I am.
Favorite Time of the Year: Fall. The weather is beginning to cool down, the colors of the trees change into beautiful browns, reds, yellows; and mostly, football season begins.
Glynell Hughes- Membership Secretary
John Clay- Building Supervisor
Margie Barrientos- Housekeeping
Linda Chapman – Congregational Care
Linda Chapman shares congregational care duties with Susan Mouser. Together, they oversee the prayer teams and the visitations to hospitals, residential facilities, and home-bound members.