Leadership

Desi Sharp Brumit is a native Oklahoman and a life-long United Methodist. She has served The United Methodist Church as an Ordained Elder in the Oklahoma Annual Conference since 2014. Desi was appointed as Senior Pastor to Shawnee St. Paul’s in July of 2022 and has loved every moment since. She is continuously amazed at the great work God is doing in the world and inspired by the people who join in with that work with such enthusiasm! St. Paul’s is alive with the joy of service and mission. Desi enjoys preaching and teaching and getting to spend time with God’s people from every walk of life. She is always happy to grab a cup of coffee and chat about whatever’s on your mind.
When she is at home, Desi likes spending time with her husband Jason and their pets, and visiting with their family; two fantastic stepdaughters, a grandson, her parents, three brothers and sisters-in-law and her nieces and nephews. Desi likes relaxing with a book whenever she has a chance, and she loves to travel. She and Jason look forward to visiting as much of the world as possible.
Desi received a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Oklahoma City University, attended Seminary at Boston University, where she graduated with honors with a Master of Divinity, and she holds highest honors with a Master of Business Administration in Nonprofit Administration for Ministry Leaders from Dakota Wesleyan University.

Galatians 3:28 – There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.
 
Luke 10:27 – Jesus answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.

Tate Monroe has been in ministry for close to 30 years, serving as a worship leader and filling pulpits in The United Methodist Church. He has also operated as a worship design consultant at conferences around the country. Today, Tate enjoys leaning into his love of God and scripture to teach, preach and lead for the healing of the human spirit and the encouragement of a more just and equitable community. As Director of Discipleship and Development, Tate Monroe works to fulfill the mission of Shawnee St. Paul's by connecting members of the church with the community of Shawnee and Pottawatomie County. By doing so, Tate looks for opportunities for the congregation to serve their neighbors, regardless of the many "isms" society may place on them. Mr. Monroe believes that sharing the love of Christ and creating a place of belonging for all of God's children is the most important and fulfilling part of the job. Tate also serves as a commissioner of Art and Culture for the city of Shawnee, as a director on the board of Shawnee Bridges Out of Poverty, and a teacher of Children's Theatre for Silver Lining Arts Academy. Tate is married with four children and values his time with them above all else. He enjoys theological conversations with his wife, Tiffany, road trips with his family, listening to books while on long walks and connecting with God through nature and music.    

Sharon has been part of the Shawnee St. Paul's family for 25 + years.  She has been the music director for many years.  One of her favorite memories is when she and her husband Steve  joined the church, the choir and handbell choir came down and stood with them.  

Karen has been part of the St. Paul's family for over 50 years. She started at St. Paul's as a toddler in the nursery and grew up as an active member in the church and youth group.  After graduating from East Central in Ada,  she was offered a job as a teacher in Dallas, Texas. When St. Paul's started broadcasting their Sunday worship, she rejoined the church and became an active member, even though she was still living in Dallas.  Karen naturally gravitated to welcoming others who were worshiping online and became the "official" online worship host during the COVID shutdown.  

Karen has her Bachelor's in Elementary Education from East Central University, a Master's in Library Science from Texas Woman's University, and a Master's in Education from Concordia University.  Karen is an official "Book Nerd" and loves to read.   She retired from the Dallas Independent School District after 34 years as a teacher and librarian and moved back to Shawnee with her husband Michael.  They have 4 daughters,  Katie, Susan, Elizabeth and Emily, 7 grandchildren (one more on the way)  and a dog.    

Proverbs 3: 5-6   Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
_{^{The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.}}