Our Staff

David has been a pastor in United Methodist Churches since 1995. He has served churches from mid-sized to large, including one he and his wife, Nancy started themselves. David and Nancy have three children; Stephanie (Carrie), JD (Alyssa), and Rachel (Seth) and five grandchildren. In addition to his family and the church, David’s passions include the St. Louis Cardinals, Imo’s Pizza, any mission project that alleviates suffering, and vacations with Nancy and his family.

Greg was ordained an elder in full connection in the United Methodist Church in 2012, and serves as Living Word’s Executive Pastor, having previously served as adult ministries director and age-level ministries director. Before becoming a pastor, Greg was an aerodynamics engineer for 23 years. He loves learning, teaching, and numbers. When he isn’t immersed in an Excel spreadsheet, Greg is probably reading classic literature, watching old episodes of Star Trek, or dreaming about the next road trip he wants to take. His wife Karen and adult daughters Celia and Hannah tolerate all of these things.

Amanda and her husband Dan became members of Living Word after moving back to St. Louis in 2008. She has been teaching at Living Word ECC and volunteering with NextGen Ministries since then. Prior to St. Louis, she lived in Champaign, IL where she spent lots of time at church teaching Sunday School, leading High School Youth Group, and directing Youth Club. She has two sons, Ben and Ryan, and loves spending time with family, hiking, and going on road trips. She loves watching college football, Cardinal baseball, and going to amusement parks around the country. She has yet to find a roller coaster she won’t try!

A former elementary and high school vocal music teacher in the Rockwood School District, Donna also served in the church as a director of children, youth and adult choirs. She received her degree in Vocal and Instrumental Education from William Jewell College and a Master of Arts in Educational Processes from Maryville University. She enjoys singing and plays the flute and piano. A St. Louis native, Donna also enjoys spending time with her family (Lane, Landan & Kate, and Lance) and their sweet beagle, Marley.

Originally from Little Rock, AR, Beth has lived in Louisiana, Texas and Missouri. She graduated from Kickapoo High School and Missouri State University in Springfield, MO. She and her husband, John, have lived in Wildwood since 1999 and have been members of Living Word since April of 2000. They have 2 children, Elise and Brett and son-in-law, Brett and granddaughter, Lily. Beth enjoys traveling, fitness training, and spending time outdoors.

Hello! My name is Cassidy Barger and I am a student at Southeast Missouri State University. I am studying Family and Consumer Sciences Education. Some things I love to do are read, watch movies, hang out with friends, and sing. I am so excited to be an intern again this summer!

Amanda grew up in Leasburg, MO and has spent little time away from Missouri. Now she comes to us from Union where
she lives with her four-year-old son, Finn, and husband, Darrel. In her spare time, when she isn’t gallantly chasing after Finn, she likes to play cards, read, and embroider.

Nancy Classen
Organist
Nancy is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and joined the staff of Living Word in January 1 of 1999. She completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Performance from Carnegie Mellon University and her Master of Music from Webster University. Before her Living Word appointment, Nancy served as organist for the Evangelical Redeemer United Church of Christ in south St. Louis. Nancy is a freelance oboist and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chris, and their children. In her spare time she enjoys fitness and the arts.

Joe is a St. Louis native, and has lived here his entire life. He has been married for eighteen years to his wife, Ginny, and between them they have five children, with five grandchildren, and one more grandchild on the way. Joe worked for the Fort Zumwalt School District for six years, and has also been employed as an over-the-road truck driver, a rehabber, and seller/buyer on eBay. His hobbies include metalworking, electronics, plasma cutters, and playing his Fender guitar. He likes to invent anything from toys to tools.



Anna La Manna
Nursery Lead


Holly Mckee
Accompanist



