Our Ministry Leadership
Rev. Kati Collins,
Pastor
Pastor Kati came to our church in April 2024. She has ministered in congregations throughout the Midwest, including Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and now Missouri. She studied at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia, and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Ministry at Perkins Theological of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. She is married to Robbie Collins and they have two beautiful little girls, Abigail and Samantha. Pastor Kati enjoys having her family as a part of her ministry in this season. As a young adult, she lived in the Czech Republic for two years serving as the assistant to the minister in an Evangelical Czech Brethren Church, where she taught English Classes and organized community events to connect the church people with the larger community. Kati studied music during her undergraduate degree and has played Flute and Piccolo with Symphonies, Bands, and Chamber Ensembles. She also enjoys watercolor painting and making art with her kids. She has been exploring Columbia with her family, and her favorite parts of this community are the nature, the art scene, the activities for children, and our church!
Audra West,
Director of Christian Education
I love working with children and youth, so serving as the Director of Christian Education here at First Presbyterian is a wonderful blessing for me.
I grew up in Oklahoma and completed my degree in Elementary Education at Oklahoma City University. I taught for 20 years in the public schools before finding my new calling in Christian Education.
I enjoy my life here in Columbia with my husband Jason, and our son Garrick, who are also both part of the FPC Family. I enjoy spending time with my friends, working in the yard and taking walks to enjoy God's creation.
I have always placed a high importance on the value of a strong church family in the development of young people. The words found in Proverbs 22:6: "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it” keep me motivated to lead our FPC church family in support of today's children and youth in their faith development.
Administrative and Support Staff
Noreen McNelis,
Office Coordinator
I recently relocated to Columbia, Missouri from Long Island, New York. Two of my children moved here several years ago and I have been planning to join them for quite some time. Another very important reason that I have moved here is to join my four amazing grandchildren, who range in age from eight months to eight years.
The two previous positions I held in New York were Coordinator positions at a school for disabled and medically fragile children. It was a wonderful and caring environment which was very important to me.
I became very interested in working for the First Presbyterian Church when I saw the involvement and care given to the community. I am very pleased to be chosen as your new Office Coordinator and look forward to working with you.
Fran Muench,
Financial Coordinator
Fran joined the FPC staff as Financial Coordinator in June 2019. Her career background includes experience in operations leadership, project management, and financial services. Fran is a graduate of William Woods University, and she earned her Chartered Financial Consultant designation from the American College of Financial Services.
Fran grew up in the Presbyterian Church as a pastor's daughter. She, her husband, and their two adult children are all ordained Elders at Trinity Presbyterian. She enjoys working with the FPC staff, church members, and parking renters.
Church Officers
Elders
As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government of the people, so the New Testament church provided persons with particular gifts to share in discernment of God’s Spirit and governance of God’s people. Accordingly, congregations elect persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, having demonstrated skills in leadership and being compassionate in spirit. Ruling elders are so named not because they “lord it over” the congregation (Matt. 20:25), but because they are chosen by the congregation to discern and measure its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life.
Deacons
The ministry of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, sincere compassion, and sound judgment are chosen for this ministry.
The ministry of the church is shared by pastor and people, so that all together may fulfill the mission to which we are called in Jesus Christ. All participants of the congregation minister to one another and in the community. As the living body of Christ, the church is called to proclaim the good news of salvation, to present the claims of the Gospel on people’s lives, and to demonstrate Christ’s love in service to the world.