What do you enjoy most about your ministry: I love meeting with people one on one to be an encourager as they grow in God's grace and find God's purpose for their lives. It is amazing to see the transformation that happens when people have a deep relationship with Jesus Christ!

Favorite quote: "Faith is a place of mystery, where we find the courage to believe in what we cannot see and the strength to let go of our fear of uncertainty." -- Brene Brown, "Gifts of Imperfection."

Top three books/podcasts: I am a voracious reader and there are too many to list, so I will share my current favorite podcasts: "The Bible Project," "Unlocking Us" and "Daring to Lead" by Brene Brown. This was really hard to choose!

Preferred genre of music: Oh, another hard choice. I have eclectic taste in music from Christian music, pop and some country. Pop Christian right now and especially Lauren Daigle, who really speaks to me.

Hobbies/volunteering/other careers: I am blessed to coach other pastors in the conference on Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.

What I enjoy most about my ministry: The kids! I love seeing young people questioning and learning about the Bible and their faith.

Favorite quote: That's a hard one. I'd like to get really deep here but one thing my mother always said that I seem to remember a lot is "It is what it is." That has always helped me be more accepting of things in my life.

Top three books: Oh, but there are so many to choose from! Of course, the easy answer is the Bible because of all the wonderful stories. Other personal favorites include: "The Hobbit," "Lord of the Rings" and "I and Thou." So, clearly I enjoy good fiction but have a deeper side, too.

Preferred genre of music: I love music! Especially jazz and classic rock.

Hobbies/volunteering/other careers: Outside of church I keep busy reading, geocaching and munzeeing, crafting, and I love a good puzzle. I haven't had a career outside the church in more than 20 years but I do substitute teach for Columbia Public Schools--that is more an act of kindness than a job.

What do you enjoy most about your ministry: I'm very passionate about music and I love getting to serve God and lead others in ministry.

Favorite quote: "Trust the process."

Top three books/podcasts: I love the "She" podcast by Jordan Lee Dooley, the  "Whoa, That's Good" podcast by Sadie Robertson Huff, and a book I enjoyed last year was "Where the Crawdads Sing."

Preferred genre of music: Indie folk!

Hobbies/volunteering/other careers: I am a music teacher, pianist, and choral conductor in the Columbia area. I also love hiking with my puppy, Beau.

What I enjoy most about my ministry: This is literally my dream job. I love designing worship, directing the choir, helping lead services and working behind the scenes. I'm also serving in communication and membership.

Favorite quote: "This, too, shall pass."

Top three books/podcasts: "The Wisdom of the Enneagram," "How to Win Friends and Influence People," and the Harry Potter series.

Preferred genre of music: Since I have spent the last 15 years immersing myself in contemporary Christian music, I would say that's my favorite. I also like choral arrangements of spirituals.

Hobbies/volunteering/other careers: I spend most of my free time working out, walking with friends, and hanging out at home with my husband and twins. I also teach piano to beginning through early intermediate students.

What do you enjoy most about your ministry: Helping those who stop by the church office with a question or who need assistance planning a meeting or event.

Favorite quote: "We do not remember days...we remember moments."

Top three books/podcasts: Favorite children's book -- "Charlotte's Web," favorite classic novel -- "To Kill a Mockingbird," last great read -- "A Gentleman in Moscow."

Preferred genre of music: country/country rock

Hobbies/volunteering/other careers: I'm a Certified Tourism Ambassador which gives me the chance to talk about Columbia's restaurants, shopping, festivals, etc. I actively follow most Mizzou sports and also serve on the board for the Boone County Chapter of the Mizzou Alumni Association.

What I enjoy most about my ministry: The children.

Favorite quote: Treat others the way you want to be treated.

Preferred genre of music: I am open to all music.

Hobbies/volunteering/other careers: Art, woodworking, home improvement.

What do you enjoy most about your ministry: Serving people and helping them get involved.

Favorite quote: "Live. Laugh. Love."

Top three books/podcasts: The Harry Potter series, the "Scene on Radio" podcast, various cookbooks -- print and digital.

Preferred genre of music: '80's, '90's, some popular music of today

Hobbies/volunteering/other careers: Bowling, walks with family (including my dogs), Mizzou football and other sports. Also, I am an human resources assistant/legal assistant at a local law firm.

What do you enjoy most about your ministry: Working together as a team with other staff to provide for the needs of our church family.

Favorite quote: From the movie "Jeremiah Johnson:" Griz -- "You've come far, pilgrim." Jeremiah -- "Feels like far."

Top three books/podcasts: "Taken" by Robert Crais; "Trophy Hunt" by C.J. Box (I like all of his books a lot. This is his first in a series regarding his main character, hero and family.); "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey.

Preferred genre of music: classic rock

Hobbies/volunteering/other careers: Sierra Club, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Democratic National Committee, reading, bass fishing, waterfowl and deer hunting, living an outdoor lifestyle.