Debbie Irving is thrilled to co-lead Adult Faith Formation at MUMC alongside Becky Strickland. She is a passionate advocate for Spiritual growth and has a Master of Divinity Degree from Eden Theological Seminary. Debbie has dedicated more than 16 years of her life to faith formation and program ministries at United Methodist churches. Seven of those years she spent serving previously here at Manchester UMC. Her expertise in this field has equipped her with the knowledge and skills to guide individuals of all ages on their spiritual journeys.

After her faith formation work, Debbie pursued further education and earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Missouri, St. Louis. This new chapter in her career involved designing and leading public science education programs that allowed her to combine her love for science with her passion for education.

Debbie and her husband Mark share their lives with two adult daughters and a grandson, whom they cherish and spend quality time with daily. Her other interests include exploring new cultures through reading, traveling, enjoying museums, and finding joy in tending to her vegetable garden on warm spring days. 

Other
Staff

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 »

Becky Strickland

As the daughter of a United Methodist minister, Becky Strickland grew up in Missouri and lived all around the St. Louis and surrounding areas. Music and books have been foundations of her life. Becky received a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from Central Methodist University, as well as a Masters

Learn More »

Austin Shariff

Austin Shariff is Manchester UMC’s new Director of Modern Worship Arts! Austin served as both the Modern Worship Leader and Youth Ministry Director at Dardenne Prairie Presbyterian Church, as well as a member of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s IN UNISON Chorus.

Learn More »