Ron Headshot

A lifelong United Methodist, Pastor Ron Beaton was baptized and confirmed at First United Methodist Church in Kennett – deep in the Missouri Bootheel. He graduated from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky and was active in the Murray State Wesley Foundation, the United Methodist Campus Ministry. It was there that he met his now wife, Kasey. 

Pastor Ron and Kasey both attended Duke Divinity School and earned their Master of Divinity Degrees. Ron was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church in 2014, and has served United Methodist congregations in Montrose, Appleton City, Rockville, Dexter, and Farmington, Missouri.  He also serves on the Board of Ordained Ministry and is the chair for the Order of Elders. 

Pastor Ron has a heart for leading congregations to love God and love neighbor in ways that are imaginative and joyful. He’s passionate about connecting the liturgy of worship with the liturgy of our daily lives.  He has a heart for those on the margins of life, and is eager to join with Manchester UMC in seeking ways to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.” (Micah 6:8)

Pastor Ron and Kasey have two lively children. Isaac loves soccer, playing the piano, and reading Harry Potter. Hannah loves riding horses and doing gymnastics. Pastor Ron enjoys theater, music, traveling, playing golf, eating good food, and cheering on the Duke Blue Devils, St Louis City, and the St. Louis Cardinals! 

Other
Staff

Emily Pikaard

A life-long Missourian, Emily grew up in a small town in the middle of the state, where music and faith were fundamental to her development. As a daughter of an organist, she spent many hours at church and has participated in music ministry for most of her life. Emily sang

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Will Koehl

Will Koehl, Director of Communications and Marketing at Manchester UMC, leads the Communications team and oversees the church’s communication strategy, public relations, and marketing efforts. Will earned his Master’s Degree in Marketing from Webster University and holds an undergraduate degree from Cal State Northridge. Alongside his wife Kristi and their

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Ron Headshot

Rev. Ron Beaton

A lifelong United Methodist, Pastor Ron Beaton was baptized and confirmed at First United Methodist Church in Kennett – deep in the Missouri Bootheel. He graduated from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky and was active in the Murray State Wesley Foundation, the United Methodist Campus Ministry. It was there that he met his now wife, Kasey.

Learn More »