Rev. Jim Perkin
Senior Pastor
I am blessed to have a wonderful family. In 1998 I married the love of my life, Mary Lynn, and we have three wonderful children. Landon is now a Junior at Oklahoma City University studying Computer Science. Sadie is attending East Central University, seeking her BSN RN and eventually moving on to be a Nurse Practitioner and work in Labor and Delivery. AJ is a Sophomore in Edmond Public Schools. Mary Lynn is currently a music educator in Edmond Public Schools and is an incredibly accomplished flautist, having played in many churches across Oklahoma (including Nichols Hills UMC when she was studying at OCU) as well as in the Lawton and Oklahoma City Philharmonic. She also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sacred Music from OCU. As incredible and accomplished professional person as she is, the best thing about her is her ability to see right into the heart of people and love them for who they are.
I graduated from Oklahoma City University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion and from Phillips Theological Seminary in 2010 with a Master of Divinity degree and high honors. I love to play my guitar and sing, sports (playing and watching), and hanging out with my family. I spent 6 years volunteering with Good Times Community Theatre of Poteau, Oklahoma building sets, and designing and running lights and sound for their productions. I served on their board of directors for 4 years, the last two as President of the Board. I love to laugh, play, and simply be with other people. I have a passion for helping people find a relationship with Jesus Christ as well as helping others connect with God in a deeper way. I accepted my calling into ministry when I was 15 years old in the outdoor tabernacle at Camp Egan near Tahlequah. It was a powerful experience in my life that continues to shape me today. I had a wonderful pastor that saw the same gifts in me and encouraged me to preach in Sunday Morning worship a few times a year even at 15 years old.
I have been working in the church since I was 18 years old, beginning as a very part-time youth director while in college at OCU. Other past ministry experiences include appointments as pastor at Poteau, Snyder, Indiahoma, Moore First, Nowata, and Denton (KS) United Methodist Churches. I served as youth pastor for a few Oklahoma and Missouri United Methodist Churches. My wife and I also have had the privilege of being family counselors at the United Methodist Boys Ranch near Gore, OK.
I am very glad that God has granted me the opportunity to be your pastor.