Pastor Emily Elliott
Grace and peace to you!
I have over twenty years of experience in spiritual formation, sacred music, and worship leadership. My undergraduate degree in music education comes from Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas, with a concentration in vocal music with a secondary instrument of percussion. I also have a certificate from the Christian Music Summer School at Perkins School of Theology at SMU in Dallas, TX. My coursework included: Biblical Faith & Theology, Church Liturgy and Worship Styles, Choral Conducting & Leading Choirs of Children, Youth and Adults, Hymn Selection & the Lectionary, Music in Christian Education, Church Music Organization & Staff Relationships, and Handbells. I am also a member of The Fellowship of Worship Artists, formerly The Fellowship of United Methodist Musicians and Worship Arts, or FUMMWA. I was accepted into the Master of Divinity program at Saint Paul School of Theology in the fall of 2022. I am projected to graduate in the Spring of 2027.
In 2021, I completed a candidacy for ministry program, a mentoring program, and licensing school while also being appointed as a District Superintendent Appointment or DSA at Stull UMC in Lecompton, KS. My candidacy and license were approved at the Spring 2022 District Committee on Ordained Ministry session in the former Topeka district. When Stull UMC decided to disaffiliate, I was appointed to Waverly UMC in Waverly, KS, in July of 2022. I began my fifth year of Pastoral Ministry on July 1st, 2025, with my appointment to Grantville UMC
I am goal-oriented and have a strong work ethic. I am excited when I can work my creative muscle on new and existing projects, and I especially like it when I can be collaborative and work with a team. I tend to work from a place of curiosity and possibility, and I am always learning and enjoy sharing what I learn with others.
Being a United Methodist gives me a firm foundation to live a life of discipleship and continue to support my call to ministry and journey through faith. Methodism gives me the tools of spiritual principles and practices that guide me to living a life of intention that nourishes my soul and keeps me connected to God. I strive every day to live up to John Wesley’s Five Marks of a Methodist by loving God, rejoicing in God, giving thanks, praying constantly, and loving others. These marks of character define who we are as Methodists and give us a solid foundation as we grow spiritually, striving for perfection in love throughout our lives. I also believe in a practical theology and a faith that is a living expression of the qualities that a follower of Jesus Christ would embrace and share with the world. This living theology draws us into relationship with others while also transforming our lives as we become more deeply connected to God. This journey of growth and discovery begins with our Wesleyan understanding of grace and our way of salvation.
Peace,  |
