Leadership

Rev. Brennan Cummings began his appointment as Senior Pastor of Shawnee United Methodist Church on July 1, 2025. A lifelong Christ follower and United Methodist, Brennan first discerned a call to ordained ministry during his late high school and early college years. Since January 2019, he has served as a senior pastor in a variety of settings— from small rural congregations to vibrant county seat churches— bringing a heart for connection, a passion for sharing the grace of God with others, and a love for the local church to every appointment.
 
Brennan is an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church and he holds a Master of Divinity from Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology. He is passionate about preaching, teaching, and building authentic relationships within the church and community.
 
Outside of ministry, Brennan enjoys spending time with his wife, Emily, and their dog, Luna. He also loves traveling, playing guitar, video games, watching TV, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, Royals, and Sporting KC, and striving for mediocrity on the golf course. His favorite Scripture passage is Isaiah 6:8, a reminder of the call to faithful service: “Here I am, Lord. Send me.”

I serve Shawnee UMC as Minister of Care and enjoy working with all members of the
congregation. Previously, I served as Children’s Ministry Coordinator for several years. I now teach adult Sunday School (The Keystone Class) and that is a joy each week.

My husband Ray and I met in the Chancel Choir. We enjoy singing with, and the friendships we experience with the members. I am in a Caring for Kids group at a middle school close to the church. I also am on a City of Shawnee Faith Community + City Partnership which addresses the needs of the city and how best to meet those needs.

I have a son, Danny, and two grandsons, Snowden and Declan. When I am not at church, I love spending time with my family.

I am blessed to be at Shawnee UMC!

It is truly a gift to be called in the ministry of finances, administration, and office management. I started with Shawnee United Methodist Church in May of 2013 as Office Administrator. I feel that it is an honor and privilege that I have been chosen by God as a servant over the Church’s business.
 
I bring many years of experience in church finances and administrative work. I have been in Financing and Accounting for over 25 years. I am truly grateful to GOD to stand alongside my husband, Pastor Erodney Perry in ministry. I believe that we have all been called to “Kingdom Building," which is to help build the body of Christ, and that only what we do for Christ will last. I enjoy spending time with my family, our children, and grandchildren, teaching my grandchildren about Jesus, and being everything God has called me to be.

Christine (McCoy) Phillips has been a part of SUMC her whole life: daughter to Mary McCoy and granddaughter to Phyllis and George Brown. She was a sponsor for Sunday School for many years, and is truly honored for being called into this ministry as the Children’s Ministry Coordinator.
 
Christine was married here at SUMC to her husband Aaron Phillips in 2021. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dogs. She is also an avid Chiefs and Royals fan, and enjoys watching them play. She has also been a teacher for 12+ years at a local pre-school in the metro area.
 
Christine has a true passion for helping kids at any age to learn more about their own faith journey. 

I am delighted to serve as Digital Media Coordinator at Shawnee UMC. I have been an active member of this church since 1977, holding various positions.
 
Recently, I have volunteered with the audiovisual team, which aligns with my interest in creating visual content.
 
When not working as an OR nurse, I enjoy reading, traveling, crafting, and spending time with my husband, Eric, and our two dogs.

I am so thankful to serve as Shawnee UMC’s Music Director. Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Beloit, KS, where I played viola in my both school and community orchestras, as well as singing in church and high school choir. After graduating, I attended Baker University, where I was a member of the orchestra, several chamber groups, and the Baker University Concert Choir. I received my Bachelor of Music Education from Baker in December 2010, and later earned my Master of Arts in Education degree from Baker in 2020.
 
I have led and been involved with choirs and praise groups at several United Methodist churches. I started attending Shawnee United Methodist Church in 2017 and became a member in 2018. During my time at Shawnee, I have been a member of the choir and praise groups, and was part of the Sunday Evening Praise Service, a ministry I hope to help rebuild.
 
I teach PreK-5 vocal music at T.A. Edison Elementary School in the KCKPS school district, where I have taught since moving to the Kansas City area in 2011. My students sing, play piano, play drums, and experience music through games and movement.
 
In my free time, I love to play piano, roller skate, take long walks with my dog, and go on hikes with my husband Art. I also am an avid knitter. I look forward to meeting and singing with everyone in the Shawnee UMC family!

Cindy leads our Church Council, the body that ultimately makes decisions about everything that the church does: mission, ministry, upkeep, and otherwise.

Michael leads the Staff-Pastor Parish Relations Committee, a group that supervises staff, offers feedback to the appointed clergy, and collaborates with the District Superintendent when necessary.