Rev. Dr. Stephen Handy, Pastor
Stephen is the lead pastor visionary, strategist and partnership collaborator of the gospel message of Jesus Christ at McKendree UMC. He is a passionate communicator that desires to speak God’s truth so people of different cultures, experiences, neighborhoods, and all of God’s unique diversity can be reconciled through the unity in Jesus Christ. Stephen is a strong advocate of restorative justice, serving the poor and needy, and participating in life groups for spiritual formation and accountability.
Stephen and Shelley are married with three children and live in the Greater Nashville area. His go-to scripture is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all through Christ who strengthens me.”
Ezra Howe Director of Children, Youth and Tweens
I am the director of Children and Youth at McKendree UMC. I graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University and currently studying at Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville. Previously, I have served as an intern Youth Pastor at the Asheville Nazarene Church, Associate Minister at the Coastal Church North Port and was part of the Sarasota YMCA Children’s Program Organizer Team. I am passionate for inter-religious dialogue and early Christian education. I believe that God loves without condition of race, class, and religion, and that a Christians’ responsibility is to bridge differences through communication, understanding, empathy and sympathy. I also believe this work of diversity in the Kingdom on earth begins in early Christian education.
Rev. Jeremy Simpson Minister of Worship and Community
Jeremy Simpson is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, bringing a wealth of experience in spiritual leadership, community engagement, and organizational development to his role as Minister of Worship and Community at McKendree UMC Nashville. He holds a Master of Arts from Western Theological Seminary and a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University. He is the proud father of Jayden and Zoe.
With a background as a minister, church planter, and music educator, Jeremy has dedicated his career to fostering inclusive environments. He is the founder of The Belonging Collective which is committed to fostering belonging and community. Jeremy’s work is deeply rooted in his commitment to social justice and the arts, aiming to create spaces that nurture the growth and well-being of all individuals. Currently, he is the Director of Admissions and Recruitment for Bexley Seabury Seminary, A seminary beyond walls.
Anthony Creasy DayCare Director
I joined the McKendree team as a preschool teacher in 2009 then moved into a new role as the centers Atelierista and Pedagogical Coach in 2018. I bring exceptional skills as a provocative early educator where my knowledge and understanding of developmentally appropriate and progressive early childhood education programing, and strong gifts in leadership and communication. I have earned both an AAS in Early Childhood Education, and a BS in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Communications and Child Development. I’m a participating collaborator in the Middle Tennessee ECE community. For more information on McKendree Daycare, click here.
Bobby Lee Smith Executive Director Restoration Pointe
mckendreebobbylee@gmail.com
Luke 22:27 NIV For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
I am so grateful to have answered the call of servanthood and to bare-witness that being part of the Restoration Pointe Ministry for the past eight years at McKendree United Methodist Church has blessed me and my family beyond measures. Having the opportunity to serve, each day, our unhoused, displaced and homeless neighbors, in leadership with a supportive staff and caring congregation continues to strengthen my Faith as a believer and servant of Jesus Christ, who is among us and as one who serves.
McKendree UMC 