Leadership at Shandon

Leadership at Shandon is shared work. Our clergy and staff are paid professionals, but congregation members participate equally in both the joys and the responsibilities of leading the church. The staff oversee the day-to-day tasks, while the Session (similar to a board) is the official decision-making entity in most things, including our identity and our vision for the future. Deacons help us care for one another in more comprehensive ways. Trustees manage our investments, including property. In leadership at Shandon, as in everything else, we are the church together.

Staff Members

  • Rev. Jenny McDevitt

    SENIOR PASTOR
    AND HEAD OF STAFF

  • Rev. John Cook

    ASSOCIATE PASTOR
    FOR DISCIPLESHIP

  • April Martin

    April Martin

    PASTORAL ASSOCIATE
    FOR YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS

  • Heather Woolard-Lawson

    DIRECTOR OF
    CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

  • Matthew McCall

    DIRECTOR OF MUSIC & MEDIA

  • Dr. Jabarie Glass

    DIRECTOR OF THE CHANCEL CHOIR

  • Dr. Robert Walker

    CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR

  • Catherine Teal

    FINANCIAL MANAGER

  • Lyndsey Hunter

    OFFICE MANAGER

  • Gerald Taylor

    FACILITIES MANAGER

  • Carolyn Bennett

    CHILDCARE COORDINATOR

  • Georgia Shaw

    RECEPTIONIST

Session

Session members are elected by the congregation and serve a term of three years. In addition to serving on Session, they also participate in one of the official ministry areas of the church. Ministry areas are all chaired by Session members. In addition to congregation members, installed pastors also serve on Session. The Session meets monthly, with additional meetings when necessary. The Clerk of Session is elected by the Session for the purposes of keeping minutes and is not a voting member.

Members of Session:

Rev. Jenny McDevitt, moderator
Rev. John Cook

Class of 2026
Amy Fraley
Henry Hall
Chase Hicks
Marie Maynard
Ellen McDuffie

Class of 2027
Jenna Cox
Elizabeth Crouch
Jon Edwards
Peyton Hassinger
Caroline Kearns

Class of 2025
Cappy Boswell
Hugh Jacobs
Jen Lutterbie
Sandra O’Neal
David Ross

Clerk of Session:

Scott Phinney

Deacons

Deacons, also elected by the congregation for a term of three years, provide care and nurture to those in need within Shandon’s community. This often takes the form of phone calls, visits, and sending notes. This does not replace the effort of our clergy, but rather amplifies that care, providing direct connection for as long as is needed or appreciated. Deacons are those who are recognized as leading with compassion, empathy, and gentleness. Deacons meet monthly for ongoing training, mutual support, and care updates.

Staff Liaison:

Rev. John Cook

Class of 2026
Dia Dooley
Dale Marshall
Bryant Roberts
Susan Scott
Johnny Timmons

Class of 2027
Edie McNeish
Judy Medlin
E.J. Pavy
Mary Rogers
Linda Tyler

Class of 2025
Hall Gladden
Betty Gurnell
Meghan Hazelwood Hall
Israel Rivers
Lauren Tinman

Trustees

Trustees at Shandon oversee the church’s investments, including property. They meet quarterly, with additional meetings when necessary. They, too, are elected by the congregation and serve a term of three years.

Staff Liaisons:

Rev. Jenny McDevitt
Robert Walker

Class of 2026
Graham Garlinghouse
Cheryl Holland

Class of 2027
Nancy Blair Parr
Craig Phinney

Class of 2025
Cathy Hazelwood
Leck Patterson, Chair