OUR STAFF

We warmly invite you discover the community of faith that is Wells Church — a place where people of any and all backgrounds can experience the love and grace of God.  If you have questions for any of our staff, feel free to reach out through email or call the church office to speak with them.

  • Rev. CHRIS CUMBEST

    The Rev. Chris Cumbest began his ministry at Wells in July 2019. Chris came to Wells from his most recent assignments at Shiloh UMC and Little Zion UMC near Pelahatchie in Rankin County, Mississippi. He has served at Crossgates UMC in Brandon, St. Paul UMC in Ocean Springs, Alta Woods UMC, First UMC in Lucedale, Flora/Bentonia UMC and First UMC in Clinton. In 2006, he served in a major state role as Coordinator of Church Recovery for the Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church after Hurricane Katrina. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and Duke University Divinity School. Read full bio. Email Chris

  • Rev. Sue Keen Hyland

    Rev. Sue Keen Hyland serves as Wells' associate pastor. Sue comes to Wells from Court Street United Methodist Church in Hattiesburg and previously served as youth director at a United Methodist church in Memphis. She is a Millsaps graduate. Email Sue.

  • Chuck Reynolds

    Chuck Reynolds is the director of the Wells Church Choir. He also serves as director of Bands for the Madison Central School zone, where he supervises instrumental music instruction at Madison Middle School, Rosa Scott High School, and Madison Central High school and conducts the Madison Central Symphonic Band and the Jaguar Marching Band. Chuck holds a specialist degree in educational leadership from Arkansas Statue University, a Master of Music Education degree from Mississippi College, and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Delta State University. Email Chuck.

  • Ashley Rogers

    Ashley Rogers is the director of the children's ministry. Ashley is a teacher at McWillie Elementary in the Jackson Public School District. In 2017, Ashley was chosen as Jackson Public Schools' Teacher of the Year. Ashley, a native of Mandeville, La., is a Millsaps graduate. She is married to Jared Rogers, and they are parents to two children, Elizabeth and Ben.  In June of 2018, she was awarded the Harry Denman Evangelism Award by the Mississippi United Methodist Conference. Email Ashley.

  • Dr. Jeff Parker

    Dr. Jeff Parker is the minister of counseling for Wells Church.  Jeff is a licensed clinical psychologist who earned his Ph.D. from the University of Maine. He worked for 22 years at the Jackson VAMC and is now a professor in the Department of Psychiatry  and Human Behavior at UMMC, director of the Division of Psychology, and co-director of the Center for Innovation and Discovery in Addictions (CIDA). He has worked extensively in assessment and treatment of addictive disorders. Jeff also serves as the Wells lay leader. He's married to Debbie Konkle-Parker, and they have two children and four grandchildren. Email Jeff.

  • Jane Everly

    Jane Everly, pastoral assistant, is a retired educator from the Jackson Public School District, where she served as a teacher, program coordinator, and school principal. In 2012, Jane was named the JPS Administrator of the Year and the Mississippi Congressional District Two School Administrator of the Year, one of four finalists for the state award. She holds an undergraduate degree from Belhaven University, two graduate degrees from Mississippi College, and a Ph.D. from Jackson State University. Jane is a parent to one daughter, Anna.  Email Jane.

  • David Hampton

    David Hampton, pastoral assistant, is a retired journalist who spent 37 years in various writing and editing positions at Mississippi newspapers. David is a graduate of the University of Memphis. He covered politics and government and served as The Clarion-Ledger’s editorial director for 26 years. He has won numerous awards for his opinion writing, and in 2012, was inducted into the Mississippi Press Association Hall of Fame. His wife, Peggy, is former communications director for Jackson Public Schools. Email David.

  • Elaine COllins

    Elaine Collins is the nursery coordinator for infants and toddlers. Elaine has more than 40 years of experience in the field of childcare and ensures that the nursery is warm and nurturing experience for our youngest members of the congregation.  Elaine is married to Wendall Collins and they have three children, six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. 

  • Loy MOncrief

    Loy Moncrief is the landscape coordinator. Gardening is both a hobby and a passion for Loy. He also has practiced yoga for over 40 years and enjoys singing in the church choir.  Loy is the proud father of one son.

  • Kay Smith Olliver

    Kay Olliver is the Wells Church treasurer. Kay is a Mississippi College graduate and worked for 23 years in the accounting department of Trustmark National Bank before retiring. She has three sons and four grandchildren. 

  • Jamie Ward

    Jamie Ward is the pianist for the Wells Church choir and music ministry. Jamie studied piano as part of her undergraduate degree from Mississippi College and as an adult. She also plays the harp, the accordion, and several other instruments.