Meet the Good Shepherd Staff: Kevin Shelton

Full Name:
Kevin Kent Shelton
What should we call you?
Kevin, although I do answer and dig “Rev Kev”
Where did you grow up?
Springfield, Missouri
How long have you been at Good Shepherd (GSUMC)?
A little over 3 years (Appointed February 1, 2004)
What's your title at GSUMC?
Associate Pastor
What exactly do you do at GSUMC?
Direct the Transformation Group – Adult Discipleship ministries.
In Sunday morning worship, I’m a praying kinda guy leading the Prayers of the People,
Except on average one time a month where Dave and I switch and he prays and I preach.
Work with Dave, Marsha, and Colene on planning worship.
Work with Marsha and Dave in coordinating our New Member groups.
Work with Marsha and our Lay Ministry Chair for our Lay Ministry Committee and its work
(STEP, Mentor training/support, volunteer recognition, Nominations, etc.)
Work with other committees.
Work with Dave and Tammy on Youth Confirmation. I’ve been a mentor the last several years.
Maintain the Good Shepherd Web Site.
Teach Disciple Bible study for 9 months each year.
What is one of your favorite aspect of what you do here?
Building community and witnessing spiritual transformation happen. That rocks!
From whom do you take Spiritual inspiration?
Jesus, scripture, my wife, my kids (and grandkid), Henri Nouwen, Brennan Manning, Ann Weems
What 3 CD's are you listening to the most lately?
State Radio (“Us Against The Crown”)
Soundgarden (“SuperUnknown”)
Garden State Soundtrack
What books would your recommend to the people at GSUMC?
The Bible (always and forever), A Generous Orthodoxy (by Brian McClaren), Velvet Elvis – Repainting The Christian Faith (by Rob Bell), The Ragamuffin Gospel (by Brennan Manning), Valis (by Philip K. Dick)
If I was interested in doing what you do at GSUMC what advice would you give?
Love God and people, and pray that Jesus can open the door for your spiritual gifts and your passions to love
Even more.
What didn't I ask that you just can't help sharing?
I love film, and there’s lots of great film out there for folks to rent and see:
“The Gospel of John” (narrated by Christopher Plummer, starring Ian Cusick who is currently in the “Lost” TV show),
“The Miracle Maker: The Story of Jesus“ (we saw part of this in worship, with the voices of Ralph Fiennes, Ian Holm,
William Hurt, and others)
“A Scanner Darkly” (a great anti-drug sci-fi film, with Keanu Reeves),
“Millions” (a story about money, two little boys, and saints… check it out),
“Garden State” (a young man tries to find meaning in life and in his relationships while mourning the death of his mom).
I’ve got a lot more…