While attending seminary at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, Tony was appointed to serve as the minister of Dexter Avenue UMC in downtown Montgomery. He served at Dexter Avenue UMC for five years, and during that time, led them through a church re-start and it became River City Church, which was known for its focus on inner city missions. Tony served First Methodist Church in Brewton from 2015-2018, and has been the Senior Minister of Prattville First Methodist since 2018. In 2020, he completed his Doctor of Ministry degree in Church Leadership from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.. Throughout his ministry in the local church, Tony’s pastoral heart is rooted in the leading and power of the Holy Spirit as evidenced through an abundant response from people in each setting through baptisms and professions of faith. Tony is married to the former Carmen Stegall and they have 3 children. Tony is an ordained elder in the Global Methodist Church and is CMCA's first Senior Pastor.
tony@christmethodistauburn.com
Gary Klarenbeek has had a burning passion for choral music since he was a youngster being raised on a farm in Northwest Iowa. He received his Bachelor's Degree with a degree in Church Music and Organ and Voice Performance. He has served churches in Iowa, St. Louis, Houston, Naples, Florida, and most recently Auburn, Alabama for the past 23 years. He has received inspiration from many noted choirs including the Tabernacle Choir, the former Crystal Cathedral Choir under the direction of Donald Neuen, and the St. Olaf Choir. He is known for his eclectic programming through community outreach concerts usually performed with full professional orchestra utilizing a diverse mix of styles from the classics to the Pops. He lives by the choral mantra of "classic and traditional never have to be boring" and strives to make church choral music vibrant and exciting for the singers. He has recently developed a choral seminar entitled "Everything I Learned About Choral Music I Learned from 'Sister Act'" which he is making available to other churches across the country. He is married to his wife of 45 years, Julie and they have two grown daughters (one a professional singer) and six grandchildren.
gary@christmethodistauburn.com
After serving 40 years as a registered nurse and 26 years serving our country in the Army Reserves, Sherry retired. However, retirement has not slowed Sherry down as she worked toward completing her training as a Certified Lay Minister in the Global Methodist Church while serving CMCA and the community.