Our Church Staff

Rev. Dylan Ward

Senior Pastor 

Rev. Ward was appointed to St. Paul UMC in July 2024.  Dylan began ministry while a senior in college in 2012. After graduating from Northeastern State University in 2013, he attended Phillips Theological Seminary, earning his Master of Divinity in 2017. He was ordained an Elder in 2019. Before coming to St. Paul, he served the United Methodist churches of Woodall, Braggs, Adair, Foyil, Inola, and Wesley—El Reno.  

Joanne Nilsson

Administrative Assistant

Joanne received her Associate of Science in Business Administration from Bacone College. She has over 35 years of experience working in the church office and the administrative field. She and her husband, Mark, have two grown children and seven grandchildren.   

Lynnette Lewis

Business Administrator

Lynnette manages the church’s financial records, and oversees the church building maintenance and repairs. She received an Associate degree in Medical Office Management and Medical Transcription. Her experience includes managing medical offices, bakery, property and real estate. She and her husband, Cameron, have four children and four grandchildren.

Ineta Bebb

Director of Music Ministries

 Ineta oversees the choir programs and the maintenance of the church’s organs, pianos, and handbells. She earned her Bachelor of Music Education and her Masters in Vocal Performance at Kansas University. She’s served as the Director of Music Ministries at St. Paul since 1982. Prior to that, she taught music at university and public schools. She and her husband Martin have two grown children, Stephanie and Michael, who each have their own families. 

Barbara Kent

Director of Youth Ministries

Barbara coordinates our St. Paul youth Ministries, which include Sunday School, a mid-week Youth Bible Study, summer camps, and so much more. She grew up in Alaska with her two brothers and one sister and moved to Oklahoma at the age of 23. She has lived in Muskogee for more than 14 years with her two children and has a deep connection to our community and its residents.

Beth Dunn

Early Childhood Coordinator  

Beth cares for our littlest ones at St. Paul in the Nursery & preschool department. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from NSU and has been at St. Paul since 2013.

AJ McCleland 

Custodian

 AJ attended the Art Institute of Houston, TX, for Culinary Management in Restaurant & Catering. He was born and raised in Muskogee and received his GED from Talking Leaves Job Corp. in Tahlequah. He and his wife, Michelle, have been together for over 9 years. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, and trading card games with his friends. 

Abigail Shaw

Director of Children's Ministry &

Learning Tree Director

 Abigail grew up in Tulsa, closely connected to her church, where a love for ministry first took root. While attending NSU, she entered ministry professionally and has spent the past ten years serving with children, youth, and young adults. Abigail now directs our children's ministry and teaches the 3 & 4-year-old class at Learning Tree Preschool, creating a joyful and nurturing space for young learners. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Northeastern State University. 

Stephanie MacInnis

2&3's Teacher & Sunday Nursery

 Stephanie MacInnis is a proud mom to a three-year-old and has a strong background in childcare. She has served in the St. Paul UMC nursery for more than three years and is excited to join the Learning Tree team. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys baking, reading, and spending time in nature. 

Sidney Hayes

Teacher's Aide

  Sydney Hayes, from Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, has been a part of the United Methodist Church since childhood. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education after earning a degree in Psychology from Connors State College. Sydney is excited about the year ahead and looks forward to getting to know the kids and their families. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and her two dogs and reading a good book.