What Is
This Journey?

Dr. Shane Stanford

Shane has enthusiastically stepped into the position as CEO/Founder of the Moore-West Center for Applied Theology after a 30 plus year career as as a pastor/church planter. Most recently, Dr. Stanford was the sixth senior minister of Christ UMC in Memphis, TN. Prior to that appointment, he served congregations in Florida, Mississippi and North Carolina, including as the founding and senior pastor of Asbury UMC in the Mississippi Annual Conference. Shane also served as the director of stewardship and healthy congregations for the Mississippi Methodist Foundation and as the advisor for Church Growth for the Bishop of the Mississippi Annual Conference.

A familiar face to many, Shane served as host of ‘The United Methodist Hour’, a television and radio ministry airing in more than 30,000,000 homes nationwide. As co-host of We Believe in Memphis’ with Maxie Dunnam, Shane brought local and national issues to light through the popular interview-based television program broadcast in the Memphis metro area.

Shane was awarded a doctorate from Asbury Seminary in 2014. He also holds graduate degrees in theology and ethics from Duke Divinity School, where he was awarded the prestigious Jameson Jones Award in homiletics. He is a graduate (cum laude) of the Honors College of the University of Southern Mississippi, where he holds a degree in political science with a minor in history and also has advanced training in marriage and family studies from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Shane has traveled extensively sharing his personal testimony as an HIV- and hepatitis C-positive hemophiliac. He has spoken across the nation, including at the 2006 Saddleback Global AIDS Summit in California and at the Global Gathering for AIDS Awareness in Texas.
He has appeared on several media outlets, including Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, Canada’s Harvest TV and CNN.

Shane is married to his high school sweetheart, Dr. Pokey Stanford, and they have three daughters and two son-in-laws—Sarai Grace Smith (Wesley), Juli Anna Gibson (Jonathan) and Emma Leigh.

As an accomplished author, Shane has written numerous books, including When God Disappears, Making Life Matter, Five Stones, Mosaic: When God Uses All the Pieces, and What the Prayers of Jesus Tell Us About the Heart of God. “I have spent my years as a pastor, teacher and author sharing what it means to “be salt and light’ from the pulpit. Now I’m eager to share the importance of how being in relationship with Jesus along my journey has blessed my life and what it can mean to others along the way.”

Be salt and light. You Matter, Shane

Dr. Kevin M. Watson

Dr. Kevin M. Watson is the Director of Academic Growth & Formation at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is anchored at Asbury’s Tulsa Extension Site. Prior to joining the faculty at Asbury Theological Seminary, Watson taught at Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, and Seattle Pacific University. Dr. Watson received a B.A. from the University of Oklahoma (Political Science), an M.Div. from Wesley Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Southern Methodist University.

Dr. Watson’s calling is to raise up the next generation of leaders for the church. He is passionate about discipling students and loves praying with them. He enjoys preaching and teaching at conferences, denominational gatherings, and within the local church. Watson’s primary area of expertise is the history and theology of the Wesleyan tradition. He has published several books in this area including Old or New School Methodism? (Oxford University Press), Perfect Love (Seedbed), and The Class Meeting (Seedbed).

Kevin also serves as Scholar in Residence at Asbury Church in Tulsa, OK. He is married to Melissa and they have three children.

Michelle Hopson

Michelle Hopson serves on our team as Director of Development. Michelle received her B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Mississippi. She is a former elementary school teacher who has been married to a college football coach (and her high school sweetheart) for over 26 years. The football life has taken them on many adventures and enabled them to together make a difference in the lives of many young men. It has taken them to 14 different cities and universities. She has assisted her husband in many fundraising and alumni events in those 26 years by raising money for his football programs or hosting alumni and team events. She enjoys new adventures and meeting new people. Michelle and her husband, Jay, have two wonderful daughters, Hyde and Hannah, both in college. In her spare time, she enjoys exercise, healthy cooking, time with family and friends, and of course, football! She is excited to tell others about this incredible organization and help further the work of God through partnerships.

Dr. Cynthia Davis

Dr. Cynthia has spent her entire life serving others in various capacities. For 24 years she served as a nurse, nurse manager and nurse educator in trauma and surgical units, cardiovascular intensive care units and recovery rooms. She served students as a college counselor, freshmen experience faculty and test taking specialist. Later she guided applicants and students as the Manager of Admissions and Retention.

After hearing the call of God to serve in a different capacity, she pastored Friendship United Methodist Church. Was asked by Bishop Wills to serve on the Memphis Cabinet as the McKendree District Superintendent. After five years of faithful service she then became the Senior Associate Pastor and Executive Director of Congregational Care at Christ United Methodist Church. Bishop McAlilly then called Cynthia to come back on the Cabinet to serve as the Mississippi River District Superintendent.

Cynthia received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Mississippi (Jackson, MS), her Master of Science in Counseling from the University of Memphis (Memphis, TN), and her Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary (Dayton, OH).

Cynthia and her husband, Dr. Elvernice “Sonny” Davis have four children and two grandsons, Jalen and Blake.

Dr. Sonny Davis

Elvernice “Sonny” Davis has spent his entire career dedicated to ministry. Sonny was an active-duty chaplain in the United States Army for 30 years, retiring in 1998 as a colonel. After retiring from the army, Sonny joined Methodist Healthcare as Senior Vice-President of Health and Welfare Ministries. After eight years of service, Sonny spent three years as the Executive Director for the United Methodist Neighborhood Centers of Memphis, Inc.

Sonny received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Science from Rust College, a Master of Divinity Degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center, and a Master of Arts degree in Sociology from Long Island University. He received his Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in 2005, with a special focus on the Black Church and Public Health.
Sonny has conducted numerous small group workshops on understanding racism and faith in the workplace. He believes his academic, pastoral, and military experiences have afforded him unique insights into resolutions for contemporary social issues.
He is the author of the book “Reflections of an Army Chaplain.”

Sonny and his wife Cynthia are proud parents of four adult children and two grandsons, Jalen and Christian Blake. Sonny loves pastoral ministry, gardening, traveling, and golf. He is a retired member of the Mississippi Annual Conference.

Dr. Ronnie Kent

Ronnie is a husband, father, grandfather (10 spectacular kids 12 years and under), retired pediatrician, and Bible fellowship teacher. He received his B.S. in Biological Engineering at Mississippi State University. He received his medical degree from University of Mississippi Medical School. He completed his residency in pediatrics at University of Mississippi Medical Center. He recently retired after 41 years of practice in Hattiesburg, MS. He and his family have been members of Temple Baptist Church since moving to Hattiesburg. He and Anne have been married for 44 years and have been blessed with three children and their families: Emily who is married to Troy have three children; Mary Brooke, Winston and Hudson; James who is married to Jessica have four children; Covington, Wylder, Roman and Ellie; Grace who is married to Casey have three children; Caleb, Eve and Kent. Ronnie’s life verse is Romans 5:2 “We confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be” and he looks forward to using his role directing the Faith and Wellness division of Servant School to seeing that become a reality in everyone’s life.

Dr. Kim Reisman

Kim is an author, pastor, teacher, and theologian. She received her BA from Emory University in Atlanta, GA, her MDiv from Yale Divinity School in New Haven, CT, and her PhD from Durham University in the UK. In addition to her work with the Servant School, Kim serves as the Executive Director of World Methodist Evangelism, a ministry that equips the global Wesleyan Methodist family of Christians to share the good news of Jesus Christ. She has written numerous books, most recently, Embrace: Showing and Sharing the Love of Jesus (Abingdon, 2019). Kim lives with her husband John in West Lafayette, IN where she enjoys music, hiking, reading, needle crafts, and jewelry making. They have a son and two daughters – Nathan, and his wife Sarah live in Memphis, TN; Maggie lives in Denver, CO; and Hannah and her husband John Watkins live in Atlanta. In all her work, Kim seeks to serve God by awakening, strengthening, and enlivening the faith commitment of individuals as well as empowering communities of faith to become visible witnesses to the love of Christ for the world.

Dr. Bryan Collier

Dr. Bryan Daniel Collier is the Founding Pastor and Lead Pastor of The Orchard Church in Tupelo, Mississippi. With its five sites throughout northeast Mississippi, The Orchard is focused on Growing Deep in the Love of Jesus and Branching Out to others with that love. Prior to planting The Orchard, Bryan served four pastorates in The Mississippi and Kentucky Annual Conferences of The United Methodist Church. In 1991 he earned a BS degree, Cum Laude in Education from Mississippi State University. He began his Masters of Divinity Program at Asbury Theological Seminary in the fall of 1991 and while serving pastorates in Kentucky earned his degree in the spring 1994. Receiving a Beeson Fellowship Grant in 1997, his research focus was in the arena of systems theory and it’s impact as a tool of the leader. Bryan adapted much of MIT Professor Peter Senge’s seminal work, The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of The Learning Organization for church use. In 2022 Bryan began his 26th year in pastoral ministry. His interests include leadership issues, church for the unchurched and cultural dissection. He is passionate about helping people at all stages of faith Grow Deep in the love of God and Branch Outto others with that love. His passion extends to helping leaders and organizations facilitate this growth. To that end he is the author of Becoming An Orchard, Xulon Press, 2006 and The Go-To Church, Abingdon Press, 2013.

Bryan is a sports enthusiast, a voracious reader and enjoys baseball and the outdoors. He has been married to Wendy for 31 years and they have two grown children–a daughter Olivia and a son, Houston.

Dr. David Watson

David F. Watson is Academic Dean and Professor of New Testament at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. He has authored or edited a number of publications, including Key United Methodist Beliefs (with William J. Abraham), Wesley, Wesleyans, and Reading Bible as Scripture (edited with Joel B. Green) and has written articles for a variety of publications, ranging from the Journal of Biblical Literature to Weavings to Good News. His most recent book is Scripture and the Life of God: Why the Bible Matters Today More than Ever (Seedbed, 2017). He serves as Lead Editor of Firebrand and blogs at www.davidfwatson.me, and he is one of the hosts of “Plain Truth: A Holy-Spirited Podcast.”
David, his wife, Harriet, and their children attend Stillwater Church in Dayton, Ohio.

Dr. Phil Tallon

Dr. Phil Tallon (PhD, University of Saint Andrews) is an Associate Professor of Theology at Houston Baptist University, where he also serves as Dean of the School of Christian Thought. His work focuses on the intersection between Christian theology and human creativity. He has written over 30 essays and articles on theology and the arts.

Dr. Tallon is the author of The Poetics of Evil (Oxford, 2012), The Absolute Basics of the Christian Faith (Seedbed, 2016), and the co-author of The Absolute Basics of the Wesleyan Way (Seedbed, 2021). He is the co-editor of The Philosophy of Sherlock Holmes (University Press of Kentucky, 2011). His next two projects are a book on horror movies and a book on visual art and Christian doctrine.

Dr. Tallon lives in Houston, Texas with his wife, three younger children, and husky dog. His oldest daughter is away at college. He‘s on Twitter: @oldhundreth.

Dr. Ray Cummings

Dr. Ray Cummings has pastored churches in Mississippi and Alabama and has served in ministry for 30 years. He now resides in Purvis, Mississippi and serves Hattiesburg Community Church as an Associate Pastor. He is a graduate of William Carey College and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Cummings received his Doctorate in Ministry degree in 2001 with a specialization in Church Growth and Evangelism. He and his wife, Amanda, have 3 sons and one daughter. They have a non-profit named after their daughter called “Mercy’s Mission” that feeds and educates children in an orphanage in Goma, Congo. Dr. Cummings in the co-author of “The 41 Series” – a series of 41-day devotionals that culminate in spiritual victory on Christmas and Easter. Ray loves preaching, writing, hunting, and anything sports related.

Dr. Chip MacGregor

Chip MacGregor is the president of MacGregor Literary, Inc. A former publisher with Time-Warner and Hachette Book Group, he has been working in the publishing industry for more than three decades, and made his living as a freelance writer and editor for several years. The author of numerous books, including a couple of bestselling nonfiction titles, he began working as a literary agent in 1998. Chip has represented hundreds of titles, including numerous award winners and bestsellers, even hitting #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. Sixteen years ago he began his own literary agency, and during that time has proven to be one of the busiest literary agents in the United States. A seminary grad with doctoral studies at the University of Oregon and a post-doc at Oxford, Chip is a well-known speaker at conferences and via online writing sites. He and his wife live on the Oregon coast.

Ann Lowery

A former marketing specialist, Ann has come out of “retirement” to join the JourneyWise team working closely with Shane to keep operations and projects in the network running smoothly. A life-long United Methodist, Ann proudly graduated from the once Lambuth College in Jackson, TN where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and was a member of the Lambuth Concert and Show Choirs 4 years with a concentrated study of Vocal Performance. In 2001, Ann left her career in advertising and the corporate world to raise her family but continued to share her passion for music as a featured soloist, directing children’s choirs and children’s theatre for 20 years. Ann and her husband, Bailey are proud parents of 3 adult children: their daughter Tanner (who is married to their favorite son-in-law, Hank Cohen) and two sons, James and Will. When not keeping JourneyWise team projects on track, Ann enjoys DIY home projects, occasional rounds of golf and doing life together with family and friends.

Nicolet Bell

Nicolet comes to the JourneyWise team after serving in Adult Ministry & NextGen Ministry at Christ United Church in Jackson, MS. In her position, Nicolet led family ministry efforts and women’s ministry. Nicolet has written and developed Bible study curriculum for adults and youth at the local church level. Prior to that, she served as a youth pastor for 3 years at St. Matthew’s UMC in Madison, MS. Nicolet has been the guest speaker at countless women’s and youth retreats and has a true passion for sharing God’s Word. Nicolet has a Master’s and Undergraduate degree in Communication Studies from The University of Southern Mississippi and is currently pursuing her seminary degree at Wesley Biblical Seminary. Nicolet has completed collegiate study in marketing, is a small business owner and served as Vice President of her local Chamber of Commerce. Out of all the hats she wears, her favorite is being wife to Dr. Preston Bell and mom to baby Josie.

Steve Casteel

Steve is a retired pastor with 46 years of experience. He serves as Executive Director of the Hour, a 50 year old media ministry. He is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in Social Work and a certificate in Corrections. Steve is passionate about Missions, community development, and recovery ministries. He is the Co-founder of The Road to Recovery movement. He has a personal Mission statement of “Live Loved.” He loves story telling, encouraging leaders, and visioning. He has been married to the love of his life Cindy for 46 years. Cindy is a retired teacher. They have two children, Cari and Matt. They also have a very spoiled schnauzer named Charlie Tucker. Steve collects comics and is an avid reader. He serves as the Director of Church Relations and Serving Ministries for the Moore-West Center.

Bryant Thaxton

Bryant Thaxton has composed and produced acclaimed musical works and recordings for nearly a decade. Working closely with the largest private school in the state of Mississippi, Bryant wrote and arranged three award-winning marching band field shows in addition to a number of symphonic concert pieces. Building from his foundations of assisting with Thaxton Studios since childhood, Bryant has developed a fruitful business partnership with his father, delivering intriguing themes and soundtracks for their groundbreaking productions while continuing to help out with the filming and post-production processes. Most recently, Bryant and his father Anthony won two Emmy Awards (Best Documentary and Best Music Composition) for their work on the documentary Walter Anderson: The Extraordinary Life and Art of The Islander. Bryant brings his talent and expertise to the Moore-West Center as a graphic designer and podcast producer.

Anthony Thaxton

Anthony Thaxton has won awards as a painter, an educator, and a television producer and filmmaker. He directed the acclaimed documentary, Walter Anderson: The Extraordinary Life and Art of The Islander (which was nominated for 4 Southeast Emmy Awards and won two—Best Documentary and Best Musical Score). Anthony’s vibrant watercolors have been featured on television and in numerous books, including Stations of the Cross and Love Letters: An Illustrated Courtship. He has produced Palate to Palette, for five seasons on Mississippi Public Broadcasting. Anthony’s photos and videography have been featured on Good Morning America, Fox and Friends, CNN.com, and in the pages of Charles Stanley’s In Touch Magazine. He directed Morgan Freeman and Dolly Parton on projects. He is currently directing a major documentary on the life of famed writer Eudora Welty. Anthony is married to Amy Bryant Thaxton, and they have two children, Bryant and Sydney. Anthony lives in Raymond, Mississippi, where he owns his own production company, Thaxton Studios.

Dr. James Kent

James received his doctor of psychology in clinical psychology at Wheaton College in Wheaton Illinois and his masters degree in business administration at the University of Southern Mississippi. He attended Mississippi State University for his undergraduate studies (Go Dawgs!).

Prior to joining our team James worked in healthcare as a psychotherapist and with patients to treat a variety of mental illnesses. He has experience treating individuals, couples, and families, as well as experience as a consultant. He has a special interest in working with faith-based organizations and communities to further equip the Church to help individuals and families with mental health challenges and well-being.

James and his lovely wife, Jessica, have four children: Covington, Wylder, Roman, and Ellie. They live in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and are active in Temple Baptist Church. James enjoys spending time with his wife and kids doing outdoor activities. Something you may not know about James is that he and his family live in the country on a tree farm.

Dr. Pokey Stanford

Pokey is a wife, mother, teacher, professor and advocate. She received her B.S. in Elementary Education at the University of Southern Mississippi. She received her her M.Ed. in Elementary Education and Reading from Meredith College in Raleigh NC. She and her husband (Shane) returned to Mississippi where earned a M.S. and Ed.D. in Special Education.

Pokey grew up in the United Methodist church and was active in leadership and discipleship development throughout her life. She and Shane married at 19 and have lived in the abundance of God’s blessings for over 32 years. They have three daughters: Sarai Grace Smith who is married to Wesley and lives in Orlando, FL; Juli Anna Stanford Gibson who is married to Jonathan and lives in Knoxville, TN; and Emma Leigh Stanford who is in college in SanDiego, CA.

Pokey is very excited to lead Servant School for Moore-West Center. She is passionate about teaching and learning for children, youth, young adults, and adults of all ages.