Center for Ministry Staff (cont.)

Sherry B. Johnson, a deacon in full connection, lives out her ordination to a ministry of Word and Service as an associate director at the Center for Ministry. Sherry works with the Pastoral Excellence Project (PEP), funded by Lilly Endowment, Inc. "I see the components of the Pastoral Excellence Project as opportunities to live into Romans 12:2-to "be transformed by the renewing of your minds," says Sherry. "Through Foundational Seminars pastors and lay leaders sharpen their vision of the presence of God among us. Peer Learning Grants make it possible for ministers to grow in skills and in spirit through a self-designed program of study. In Models of Evaluation and Support staff parish committees covenant with pastors for nurture and accountability. These are proving to be transforming experiences that strengthen leadership ability through deepening spirituality."

A native of Hammond, Indiana, Sherry was ordained as deacon in 1997 after three years as a diaconal minister. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a Master's of Science in educational psychology from Indiana University in Bloomington and has completed ministerial studies at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.

Previously, Sherry served as executive director of Bethlehem Center, a United Methodist mission agency, for nine years. She has also been a staff member at the Blessed Trinity/St. Paul Charge and Anderson United Methodist Church.

Sherry can be reached in the Center for Ministry at 601.974.1488 or by email at sherry@centerforministry.com.

Priscilla Coleman is the Administrative Assistant for the Pastoral Excellence Project at the Center for Ministry. She will assist the Associate Director in furthering the development of all components of the Center's Pastoral Excellence initiatives.

Priscilla is a graduate of Jackson State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and a minor in Business Administration. She has worked in the corporate and the church world as an administrative assistant, insurance agent, office administrator, and financial aid officer.

Priscilla's organizational and people skills are a great asset to the staff and the Pastoral Excellence Project. Priscilla's seven brothers, six sisters and parents live in the Jackson area. Her father pastors a local church in Jackson. She can be reached in the Center for Ministry at 601.974.1406 or by email at priscilla@centerforministry.com.

Jim Beam-Ingram, Director of the Mississippi Course of Study School, was born in San Diego, California, but considers Mississippi home. He grew up in Picayune, where he graduated from Picayune Memorial High School and attended First United Methodist Church. He received a Bachelor's Degree from St. Andrews Presbyterian College in 1995 and a Master of Divinity Degree from Duke University in 1998. A United Methodist Elder, Jim has served as a pastor in churches both large and small. He currently pastors Wesleyanna United Methodist Church in Star in addition to working as the MSCOS Director. Jim is married to the Rev. Alicia L. Beam-Ingram, a Deacon in Full Connection who ministers at the Piney Woods School, at the Harrisville Public Library, and through her work as a Christian financial counselor. Jim and Alicia have one cat, one dog, a large extended family, and many friends. Please feel free to contact Jim at 601.974.1488 or cos@centerforministry.com.

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