Lead Pastor

Michael Nichols is our Lead Pastor and prior was our Minister of Contemporary Worship. Michael has been a composer, guitarist, and vocalist for the last 18 years and is passionate for seeing people connect to God through authentic, heartfelt worship. He is also an independent writer about issues at the intersection of theology and culture. Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Studies with an emphasis in Worship Leadership, as well as a Master of Arts degree in Christian Ministry.

Director of Music

 Susan began playing piano and organ for services at the United Methodist Temple in 1974. After marrying Brian in 1987, they moved to Holy Loch, Scotland where Susan started a choir and played for services at the US Navy Chapel, and played the piano and organ for various church services and weddings throughout the area. Upon returning to the States, Susan developed the music program for the newly formed Kings Bay UMC in St. Mary's, GA. After several years of playing and singing at Sparta First UMC in TN, Susan returned home to Russellville in 1998 where she renewed her service as Organist at the UMT. She has been our Music Director since 2022 and has accompanied the deGraffenried Chorale since 2011. Susan and Brian have three adult children who continue to each participate in church music. Susan holds a B.S. Degree in Accounting from WKU, and an MBA degree from Brenau University

Administrative Assistant

Kristin takes care of many things around the church with her support role in the office. She has been on staff since 2023 but has been with our church since 2008. She grew up in St. Louis and attended Central Methodist University in Fayette Missouri. She graduated with a bachelors of science with a religion minor.  She has been with to her husband Brandon for 20 years and they have 5 children together and a menagerie of pets.