Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Stephen T. Hale. He and his wife Rev. Michele Shahan-Hale arrived June 2024. Rev. Michele serves Dow and Edgewood UMCs.
His educational background includes: A Doctor of Ministry in Congregational Development in 2005 from the Seabury Theological/Seabury Institute, Evanston, IL. A Master of Divinity Degree in 1998 from Phillips Theological Seminary, Tulsa, OK. A Master of Health Administration in 1986 from the University of Washington, Seattle, WA. A Bachelor of Arts, Health Services Administration in 1983 from St. Mary’s College, Associate in Arts, Liberal Arts in 1976 from Spokane Community College, Spokane, WA. A Diploma in Respiratory Therapy in 1972 from the College of California Medical Affiliates, Okland, CA. Lastly a Certificate of Completion in Emergency Medical Services – Paramedicine in 2021 from Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City, OK.
He started his ministry career in 1993 in the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church serving as Full-Time Licensed Local Pastor at the New Horizon United Methodist Church, Woodward, OK, growing the congregation from 45 to 105 members over three years. In 1998 he served as Senior Pastor, starting as a Probationary Elder finishing as an Ordained Elder in Full Connection at New Hope UMC & Redemption Ministries, Enid, OK, growing the congregation from 70 to 135 members over five years. Over the next ten years
He served at St. Paul’s UMC, Lawton, OK; Eastern Abaco Region of the Bahamas Methodist Church; FUMC Lindsay, OK and Chapel Hill UMC, Oklahoma City, OK. In each of these appointments the congregations experienced significant growth. His last appointment before retiring in August 2022 was as senior Pastor of the FUMC of Laverne and Rosston, OK serving from 2016 to May 2022. After enjoying a couple of months of retirement he began serving as an Intentional Interim Minister as an Elder in Full Connection at the
FUMC, Greenwood, MS where attendance grew from 55 to 80. In June 2023 he accepted a quarter time appointment at Colbert UMC, Colbert, OK where he has served until being appointed to McAlester FUMC.
Stephen was born in Norman, OK, his birthday is July 4th. His father worked as a Pipeline Engineer requiring him to frequently relocate. Stephen attended public schools graduating from Concord High School in California.
He has lived and worked in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas. The only state he has not been to is Hawaii. He is flexible and learned to adapt to many cross-cultural situations. He loves to teach Scuba Diving, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, fishing from his boat, and he used to fly small private planes. He is passionate about Mission work serving and leading in The Bahamas, Belize, Mexico, Chile, Bolivia, and many places in the United States. His love of the Walk to Emmaus has led him to be the Spiritual Director for 8 walks. He has also served as Community Spiritual Director for the Pioneer Country Emmaus, Pioneer Country Chrysalis, Kairos Prison Ministry of Oklahoma as well as NW Oklahoma Emmaus.
Stephen’s heart is with Jesus in ministering to the least, the lost and the broken.
Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Letters with a Minor in Classical Cultures and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma, a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary, and is pursuing a Master of Education in Literacy and Language Arts from Oklahoma State University. She is a Licensed Local Pastor in the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church. She is pursuing full ordination as a Deacon in full connection. Ms. Mitchell is a kindergarten teacher for McAlester Public Schools and is the Director of Children's & Youth Ministries for McAlester FUMC. She lives in McAlester with her three sons and enjoys spending time outside, especially in her flower beds, spending time with old friends, making new friends, traveling, and reading.
I grew up, and attended high school, in Indianola, after moving there from San Antonio. I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and my Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University. I currently work as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist. I reside in McAlester with my husband, Dustin, and our daughter Chloe. During my free time, I enjoy coffee with friends, being with Dustin and Chloe, reading, and following my daughter and all her activities. Reynada is pursing Ordination as a Deacon in Full Connection in the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church.
I have been working with students in ministries and school for about 10 years now. I currently work at Will Rogers Elementary School as the kindergarten, first and second grade STEAM teacher. I graduated from McAlester High School in 2013, and received my B.S. in Elementary Education from Oklahoma Baptist University in 2017. I have always had a passion for teaching children and sharing God’s love. I am married to Aaron Cathey and we have a beautiful daughter named Bailey and a handsome son named Dean. My family and I are members of First Baptist Church of McAlester, where I have attended since I was a child. I am so excited to help your students grow!
My name is Geneva Edwards. I was raised in Hartshorne, Oklahoma, and attended school there from kindergarten through twelfth grade. My three adult children live in Missouri and Oregon. After college, I lived in Missouri until 2020, when I returned to the Durant area and now I reside in McAlester. Music is my passion. I have taught many different subjects and grade levels throughout my career. Currently, I am teaching 1st Grade at Will Rogers Elementary. Before this school year, I was their music teacher for three years. I started their Honor Choir, and we traveled around the Hugo community performing.
Debbie has been a dedicated volunteer leader in our contemporary music offering for over a decade. Currently serving as coordinator, she leads weekly Praise and Worship teams each Sunday and for special services.
My name is Camry Kuykendall, I was born and raised in Ada, Oklahoma. I attended school in Ada and graduated from Ada in 2014. I have been living in McAlester for 5+ years. I have been attending church all of my life. I am married to my husband Matt. We have three wonderful children. Zayde, Ryder, and Skylar. I have babysat and helped with Boy Scouts throughout the years and I worked for a cleaning service for 2 years. I also worked for McAlester Public Schools for 2 years one as a substitute teacher and the other as a para-professional. I enjoy working with children and look forward to helping your children grow.
Camry serves as the Administrative Assistant to our serving pastors and coordinates all office and congregational business needs. Camry is available on site on a daily basis to help facilitate any office tasks.
My name is Donna Stewart, I was born in Paris, Texas. I was a foster mom in Kansas and I owned my own restaurant. I moved back to Oklahoma to take care of my mother. I have a son named Cameron, and I have 3 beautiful granddaughters. I love children and it’s important to me to help your children grow in their faith.
Cara has served as the church treasurer for 26 years. Cara oversees all church financial transactions including budget planning, reporting and record keeping and is a graduate of East Central University.
Kyle is the father of two young children and is a working partner in a Light Repair and Custodial company. He has been caring for our facilities and helping keep the buildings clean since 2025.
Angela has grown children and is a working partner in a Light Repair and Custodial company. He has been caring for our facilities and helping keep the buildings clean since 2025.