Rev. Shelly McNaughton-Lawrence, Senior Pastor
Shelly joined the staff of Aldersgate in July 2006. She has a deep passion for sharing the love and compassion of the Christian life with people from all walks of life. Shelly grew up attending the Shawnee United Methodist Church in Shawnee, KS, and has been active in all areas of ministry since her youth. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Radio-Television Journalism from Kansas State University and received her Masters of Divinity from the Iliff School of Theology. Shelly has served churches all over the United States, including California, Florida, Iowa and throughout Kansas. She received the Denman Evangelism Award in 2000. Shelly and her husband Eric have two children, Sarah and Sean.
Cameron Miller, Associate Pastor and Young Adult Ministries Coordinator
Cameron and his new wife Karissa are joining us from Springfield, NE. He is a recent graduate from Nebraska Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a minor in Business Administration.
He is currently in seminary at Saint Paul School of Theology, where he is pursing a Masters of Divinity.
Kayla Houck, Children’s Faith Formation Director
Kayla is a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University with a bachelor of science in psychology and education. She is currently in the Masters of Divinity program at Saint Paul School of Theology. Kayla brings a great deal of experience in early childhood education and in church education to her position at Aldersgate. She is bilingual in Spanish, and has a passion for helping children to know Christ and to grow in their faith.
Becky Waters, Worship Arts Director
Becky comes to us with a lifetime of church music experience. She is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music education. Becky also served as the worship pianist for Baker University for many years.
Rev. Jeff Smith, Youth Pastor
Jeff is a long-time member of Aldersgate having joined with his family in early 1997 by transfer of membership from Pennsylvania. He joined the staff as Youth Pastor in October 2020 after being commissioned as a provisional Deacon. He attended the Pennsylvania State University, holding a BS degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, and graduated Saint Paul School of Theology with a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry in 2017.
Jeff’s passion is social justice and mission, having been involved in Aldersgate’s volunteer ministry with Habitat for Humanity, liaison to Project 1020 and volunteer for numerous other mission activities. This passion and his past experience as Adult Sponsor and volunteer in our youth program (AUMY) is invaluable as he leads our youth spiritually and socially within the program.
Worship Pianist, Amy Warner
Long-term Sub
Cyndi Mawhiney, Preschool Co-Director
Cyndi has worked in the early childhood field for more than 20 years. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Kansas State University. Cyndi then served for two years as Director of First United Methodist Church of Topeka’s Day Care, 11 years as a home day care provider, and seven years as Director of the Early Childhood Center at Ellisville United Methodist Church. Cyndi joined the Aldersgate Preschool staff as director in April 2001. With a strong commitment to children and a constant involvement in children’s programs and ministries as both a volunteer and professional, Cyndi emphasizes the importance of providing a safe, nurturing and stimulating experience for all children.
Megan Lynn, Preschool Co-Director
Megan joined the Aldersgate Preschool staff as a co-director in July of 2020. She graduated from Baker University with an Elementary Education degree with an emphasis in special education. Before joining Aldersgate, she taught Kindergarten for six years which gives her knowledge on how to prepare children for elementary school. Megan has a passion for working in early childhood and loves to share God’s love with children all while instilling a lifelong love for learning!
Megan Fish, Media & Hospitality Coordinator
Megan is very excited to be on board the Aldersgate staff as the Media & Hospitality Coordinator! She graduated Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism & Mass Communications with and emphasis in Public Relations in 2018. Her and her family have been members of Aldersgate since 2006. She is very blessed to serve the church that she knows & loves so well!
Larry Welch, Treasurer
Stan Fish, Media Coordinator
Carol Handshy, Bookkeeping Clerk
Carol has been a member of Aldersgate since 1986. Carol has served as a church volunteer by teaching children and adult Sunday School classes, helping with Vacation Bible School, playing in the Bells Angels and singing in the choir. She is pleased to be serving God by assisting with Aldersgate’s financial and bookkeeping needs. Carol and her husband Howard have two children, Terry and Amanda, and two grandsons.
Julie France, Child Care Director
Julie has been a member of Aldersgate since 2002 and volunteers to help with lots of activities that impact children and youth. She joined the Aldersgate staff as Child Care Director in 2012. Julie enjoys caring for young children and guiding her care workers in ways to help children feel at home at Aldersgate. Julie and her husband Erik have two sons and one daughter.
