Jimmy and his wife, Debbie, are new to Clinton. They met in the church youth group in their hometown of Houlka, MS. You might say they have been youth group sweethearts for 30 years! They have three children, Ethan, Landon, and Caroline. Their fur-family consists of one dog named Little Bit and two cats, Tails and Dalton.

Jimmy has been in pastoral ministry for 24 years serving churches in central and north Mississippi. He is a graduate of Wood College, Oral Roberts University, and Asbury Theological Seminary. Outside of the local church, he is an active gravel and road cyclist, artist, and fisherman.  

Jimmy’s calling in ministry was shaped within the context of Wesleyan discipleship – accountability, small groups, and the theology of grace. He is passionate about helping churches discover their unique mission within the Body of Christ and experience renewal at all levels through vision clarity. Jimmy and his family are excited to be Clinton Arrows!

Tommy a native of Morton, MS, has a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Masters of Music degree from Mississippi College.   He loves playing tennis and basketball in his spare time.

He has served MS United Methodist churches in Forest, Brandon, McComb, Jackson, and Clinton during his career.  Tommy heads a vibrant music ministry at First Methodist which includes 10 choirs and groups.  There are choirs for all ages, including singing choirs, handbell choirs, and orchestra.

Brenda is a Music Specialist, Piano Teacher, Church Pianist at First Methodist, and Adjunct Music Faculty Member at Tougaloo College. She holds degrees from Mississippi State University, MS University for Women, and the University of MS. Several of Dr. Wilder’s articles have been printed in national publications such as Pedalpoint and Church Musician Today, including an article about technology in her piano studio. She is listed in the 2000 Edition of Who’s Who of American Women and was a featured performer in Jackson, MS, for a National Steinway Tour in 2002. Dr. Wilder resides in Clinton, Mississippi, with her husband, Don. They have two children and eight wonderful grandchildren.

Dr. Wilder has served on faculty at Music Weeks in Glorieta, New Mexico, and Ridgecrest, North Carolina, for the Southern Baptist Convention and on faculty for the Mississippi Piano Camp at Hinds Community College. She has served as a National Piano Guild Adjudicator in Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Colorado, and Connecticut, as well as adjudicator for numerous piano festivals.

Ginny was born in Vicksburg , MS. She has two grown daughters, Vicky Sartin, and Elizabeth Van Egmond. She has three cats and likes to crochet, read, do sudoku puzzles, sew and travel.

Ginny has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mississippi College, majoring in history, with a minor in music. She works at Foreman Perry Law firm as a paralegal. She has played the organ in many cities in Mississippi, and has been playing at FUMC since 1981.

Originally from Illinois, Nikki and her husband Ben moved to Clinton in 2015 for work purposes. Together with Ben, they have three beautiful children that you’ll see running the office hallways. Nikki holds a B.S. from Purdue University. After volunteering in kids’ ministry for many years, Nikki answered the call to vocational kids’ ministry and joined our staff as the kids’ ministry director in 2020. Nikki is excited to assist in the discipleship of your children and looks forward to growing our kids ministry for the sake of the Kingdom.

Lauren is a native of Clinton, MS.  She, her husband, Jon and their two daughters, Madeline and Henley Anne have recently moved back to Clinton after living in Zachary, LA and Biloxi, MS for the past 15 years.

Lauren has a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Education from the University of Southern Mississippi.  She has worked in college student affairs, preschool education and children’s ministry. Lauren is excited to be a part of the Kids Ministry at First Methodist Clinton.

Dianne grew up in Kosciusko, MS. She has called Clinton “HOME” since 1984 and a member of First Methodist Church for over 32 years. She married the love of her life, Chip Alford, and they will be celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary on October 1, 2023.  They share 3 grown sons and 3 beautiful daughters-in-law, Chase Dorsey (Mary Grace), Kyle Dorsey (Casey), and Matthew Alford (Morgan) and two beautiful granddaughters, Kaylee Jo Dorsey (3 yr.), Finley Nichols (9 yr.). and one handsome grandson, Lane Dorsey (19 mo).  Dianne & Chip are best known as DooDah & Zip by their grandchildren and friends.

Dianne came on board as receptionist with First Methodist Church in January 2020 and, took over the role of Office Manager in July 2021. Dianne has over 30 years in management and staffing.   She loves people, her church and community and looks forward to helping our church grow. She is excited to continuing sharing her love and enthusiasm with the people of First Methodist Clinton!