Senior Minister - Rev. David Jones

David is a third generation Methodist Pastor who has been serving the United Methodist Church for over 25 years. His grandfather, great grandfather, and great uncle were all Arkansas Methodist pastors. He is married to Rita Bates Jones and has one daughter Stephanie who is married to James Gray. They have presented Rita and David with two granddaughters, Skiler and Emma Gray.

David’s love in the church is Disciple Bible Study and Emmaus. David believes strongly in a lay lead church with every member in ministry to our Lord, Christ Jesus. If you are in search of a place to serve please contact David or any member of the church staff.

Mark Kelly Norman has been a pastor in the United Methodist Church for the past 20 years. He began his ministry at the age of 19 during his junior year at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has been married to Rev. Natasha Murray- Norman, pastor of Parkview/ New Hope Charge here in Benton. They have two children: Kelly and Mylas. Mark’s passion is preaching and teaching God’s word. He also works closely with the evangelism and youth teams. Mark believes that when your belief is strong and your purpose just, no obstacle can stand in your way.

Garry is the founder of Daily Bread Counseling. Daily Bread Counseling continues to be a primary source of Christ-Centered Counseling for individuals, people in relationships, groups, and couples since 1997. Daily Bread has four locations: Benton, Hot Springs, Little Rock and Dardanelle. To arrange for a confidential appointment with one of our contracted Counselors you can contact Daily Bread Counseling at 501-847-2229 or 1-877-847-2229 or visit http://www.dailybreadcounseling.org

Deborah Kelley is excited to be a part of the growing Youth Ministry Program at First United Methodist Church.  She graduated from the Benton School District and attended Henderson State University where she graduated with a degree in English and a minor in Psychology.  Today she lives in Benton with her husband, Jay, and their two sons, Caleb, 6, and Samuel, 3.  Deborah loves singing, playing sports, reading, and spending time with her family. Please come and visit Benton First Youth and be part of the fun while growing in your relationship with Christ and others.

Director of Christian Education - Barbara Nix

Barbara Nix is a life-long resident of Benton. She was a teacher in Benton Public Schools for 38 years and was elected State Representative for Arkansas in 2008. She was named Benton Teacher of the Year in 2006-2007. She is a life-long Methodist and taught first grade Sunday School with her husband Bobby at FUMC, Benton for 22 years. She is a member of the Roundtable Sunday School Class at FUMC and is currently on staff as Director of Children’s Christian Education at FUMC, Benton. She is the District Coordinator for the South Central District Children’s Council.

Finance - Sissy Lasage

Sissy has been a Methodist since birth. She now calls Arkansas home and has been in the state since 1993 after being born in Tennessee and moving to Texas. She was married in 1996 to her husband who is a native Arkansan and they have three children, a son and two daughters. Sissy and her family love to be outdoors and to spend time with one another. Sissy holds an Associate’s Degree from TCJC in Texas.

Donna Hogue was born and raised in Benton and is a lifelong United Methodist. After graduating from Benton High School, she attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Following her husband’s retirement from the U. S. Air Force, Donna and her family returned to Benton. Donna has been employed at FUMC Benton since 1995.

Paula is a life long Methodist and calls Arkansas home even though her early years were spent in Texas.  She is the proud mother of one daugher, Kari. Paula loves people, her family, books, knitting and people!!

David's background in technology and specifically IT will ensure the church stays above the curve using technology to enhance our worship experiences as well as maintain the staff computers and church's network.