Rev. Walt Garrett
Benton  FUMC

While Rev. Walt Garrett has been appointed as one of the associate pastors on staff at Benton First United Methodist  Church since 2020, their family has called Saline County home since 2013. 

A native Hoosier, he and his wife (Kenda) moved to Arkansas in 2008 due to Kenda's service in the US Air Force, started their family (Cate - 10, Molly - 7), and is grateful to call the Natural State home! 

Walt has served the Arkansas Conference of the UMC for 12 years in appointments at Jacksonville, Parkview/New Hope, Magnet Cove/Shorewood Hills, and Benton.

Rev. Paul Coy
Mt. Ida  FUMC/Joplin UMC

Rev. Paul Coy, a follower of Jesus, an ordained elder in the UMC, and a close friend is currently serving the Mount Ida/Joplin charge. 

Paul and his wife, Beth are both from Hot Springs and are enjoying the lake life at Lake Ouachita. They have a granson, Kash who fills their hearts with joy and keeps them busy. 

Paul has been called to pastoral leadership in the UMC and we're quite certain you'll enjoy his timely message. May God bless the hearing of the Word!

Rev. Jim Cross
Ashdown/Richmond UMC

Rev. Jim Cross currently serves the Ashdown, Richmond and Wades Chapel UM churches. 

Community is where Jim's heart lies where he participates with the school in many ways. Jim is the "Voice of the Panthers" as he broadcasts sports for the Ashdown Panthers. He does a 30 mile walk to glorify God, raise money for community ministries and bring the community together which has raised over $260,000 over a 11-year period. 

Jim has been married to his partner in ministry Tami for 31 years and they have three grown boys Eric, Austin and Isaac along with two grandchildren Nylah and Zyan.

Rev. George Whitlock
Mt Carmel UMC

Following retirement from a 42-year career in the railroad industry, Rev. George Whitlock answered the call to ministry. He is currently the pastor at Mt Carmel UMC in Benton. Prior to entering the ministry, George served as Lay Chaplain of Pastoral Care with the Community of Hope, Bible and Sunday School teacher and served on Walks to Emmaus in Texas as a pilgrim and speaker.

Ministry at Mt. Carmel is growing as it serves the community through service with CJCOHN, free Food Pantry, open Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter luncheons and clothes closet for the needy and homeless. George is looking forward to seeing God's plan as it unfolds for Mt Carmel and his ministry.

In his spare time George enjoys bowling, reading, walking and spending time with his granchildren.

Rev. Susan Ledbetter

FUMC Bryant

Rev. Susan Ledbetter is the pastor at First United Methodist Church of Bryant. She has previously served as a district superintendant and associate pastor at two churches, Benton FUMC and Bentonville FUMC.

Susan is married to Rev. Justin Ledbetter and they have one daughter, Sadie who is starting her sophmore year of high school this fall. Susan enjoys Camp Meeting for its many traditions, Holy Spirit joy, enthusiastic singing and to be a part of something with such a long history.