Leadership
Trinity believes that every person has gifts for ministry. Some people have particular gifts in leadership and compassion. We elect and ordain these individuals to serve as Elders and Deacons in our congregation. Our Elders serve in three year terms on our Session, the governing body of our congregation. Moderated by our Pastor, the Session is responsible for the ministries of governance and discernment of the congregation. Our Deacons serve in three year terms on our Board of Deacons, the group responsible for the ministries of witness and compassion in our congregation and the broader community. Both Elders and Deacons serve as co-chairs of our various committees, bringing their unique gifts for ministry to the work of the church.
Current Elders (2024)
Bob Bell - Personnel
Carol Minton - Welcome & Fellowship
Mike White - Worship & Music, Generosity & Engagement
David Muegge - CE & Faith Formation, Trustees
Daphne Anderson - CE & Faith Formation
Carrie Arquitt - Mission & Public Witness, Trustees, Generosity & Engagement
Mike Wills - Finance
David Fleetwood - Personnel, Finance
Teresa Olsen - Worship & Music
Max Perryman - Finance, Trustees
Martha Sparrow - Mission & Public Witness, Communications
Current Deacons (2024)
Brenda Havens - Congregational Care
Jerri Ilkiw - Generosity & Engagement
Jan Redfern - CE & Faith Formation
Paula Tindell - Welcome & Fellowship
Karen Cavicchia - Personnel, Communication
Barbara Highley - Congregational Care
Edith Reed - Congregational Care
Mike Simpson - Mission & Public Witness, Communications
Cletus Johnson - Worship & Music
Brenda Kane - Welcome & Fellowship
Colleen Lightwine - Welcome & Fellowship, Congregational Care
Cynthia Oliver - Mission & Public Witness
Staff
In addition to our elected leadership, Trinity employs several full and part time staff to facilitate the work of ministry in our congregation and community.
Rev. Chris Miller
Pastor & Head of Staff
Trinity is thrilled to have Rev. Chris Miller as its first full-time installed pastor. Chris grew up in Missouri, and in the PC(USA), and earned his M. Div from Princeton Theological Seminary. Prior to attending seminary, he worked as a high school debate coach, summer camp counselor, and youth group leader. Chris joined us at Trinity in July 2017, after spending nearly two years as the Associate Pastor at Groomsport Presbyterian Church in County Down, Northern Ireland. Chris is married to Mary Erin and has three wonderful kids.
Carla Wootton
Coordinator of Music Ministries
Carla Wootton is the organist/pianist for Trinity, and recently retired from a 26-year career as a band director in Springfield. She received her B.M. in Music Education with a Piano Performance Certificate and her M.M. in Orchestral Conducting, both from Missouri State University. Carla is married to Tim and has four children, Clay, Cole, Chloe, and Carson. Carla also is a flutist in the Springfield area, playing for MSU’s Tent Theatre, Springfield Contemporary Theatre, Springfield Drury Civic Orchestra, and as an on-call musician with the Springfield Symphony. She enjoys home DIY projects, yoga, and spending time with friends and family.
Robert Reed
Choral Music Director
Robert Reed is the director of the Trinity Chancel Choir. He is a retired educator who earned a B.S. in Music Education (K-12) from Missouri State University and a M.S. in Educational Leadership from Evangel University. During his teaching career, Robert taught vocal music at the middle school and elementary level. He served as principal at Watkins and McBride Elementary Schools in Springfield, and completed his career serving as the Fine Arts Coordinator for Springfield Public Schools. Robert was also the founding Artistic Director of Boys Choir of Springfield. He has served as a choral clinician and adjudicator at the local and state level. In his spare time, Robert enjoys performing in local theatre productions. He most recently was a member of the cast of “Jesus Christ Superstar” at Springfield Little Theatre. Robert has been married to his wife, Sharon, for 31 years. They have two grown sons, Grant and Chandler.
Steve Kane
Treasurer
Steve Kane is the Treasurer at Trinity and oversees our financial operations.