Meet Our Team
This weekend of training and personality discovery with Pastor Rebekah Simon-Peter was the greatest time of continuing education I have received in my 34 years as a pastor.
Rev. Paul Duerksen
St. Paul’s UMC
Las Cruces, NM
We accomplished with Rebekah in 1 day what would have taken us 1 year of spiritual formation on our own!
Fr. Doug Wasinger
St. Luke's Episcopal Church
Buffalo, WY
I wish I’d had this when I began ministry!
Rev. Charles Alkula
This is one of the most helpful things I’ve attended in my 14 years of ministry. I believe it will be transformative both for me personally and for the congregation I serve. It will help me make a good place even better!
Rev. Val Colenso
Loved the interaction with both clergy and laity!
Carol Hansen
Lay Speaker
First UMC Billings
I don’t know when I’ve had so much fun learning! It also dove-tailed in perfectly with some of the exercises for the Intentional Interim Training I am taking. I would definitely recommend it to others!
Pastor
New England Conference
Mid Maine District
This was the most insightful, empowering and productive two-day church-sponsored event in my 60 years of participating in numerous programs!
Jane Lee Hamman
Lay Leader
Yellowstone Annual Conference
A definite highlight of the School of Congregational Development for me.
Sarah Kitterman Stevens
Iowa Field Outreach Minister
I brought Rebekah to our Conference to lead this workshop for a Healthy Church Initiative weekend consultation. Fantastic!
Jeff Lust
Provost
New Mexico Annual Conference
Rebekah and Team
Rebekah Simon-Peter
Chief Visionary
Rebekah Simon-Peter is a visionary leader, acclaimed author, and dynamic speaker dedicated to empowering individuals and faith communities to embrace their divine potential. The author of seven books, including Believe Like Jesus: Rising from Faith in Jesus to the Faith of Jesus; Forging a New Path; and Dream Like Jesus, Rebekah challenges and inspires others to move beyond discipleship into apostleship—boldly co-creating miracles with God.
Over the past nineteen years, Rebekah has transformed the lives of thousands of leaders through her award-winning group coaching program, Creating a Culture of Renewal®. As an ordained Elder in the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church, she combines deep biblical insights with practical leadership strategies, helping individuals and organizations cultivate spiritual growth, resilience, and innovation. Rebekah holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont, and an M. Div. and M.A.R. from the Iliff School of Theology. She is a Certified Renewalist. She has also received extensive training in leadership coaching and consulting, and is an award-winning Authorized Partner of Everything DiSC® by Wiley.
Known for her engaging storytelling and thought-provoking perspectives, Rebekah is a sought-after keynote speaker who delivers impactful, unforgettable experiences. She leads transformative workshops that equips leaders with the tools to navigate change with confidence and clarity.
A featured blogger for top faith-based outlets, Rebekah’s work resonates with those seeking deeper purpose, spiritual renewal, and meaningful action. Whether speaking to church leaders, faith communities, or individuals on a journey of self-discovery, she invites others to embrace their inner divinity and rise to new heights of leadership and faith.
To learn more about Rebekah’s work, books, and upcoming events, call (307) 333-5990 or email re*****@***************er.com
Creating a Culture of Renewal® Faculty
Bonnie Marden
Senior Faculty
By empowering church leaders and congregations, Bonnie joyfully fulfills her call to support bold leadership, courageous missions, wise discernment and strategic stewardship. She lives in Massachusetts with her partner Lee and has launched three children into adulthood. Her spiritual disciplines include reading, writing and swimming. Bonnie is the author of “Church Finances for Missional Leaders: Best Practices for Financial Stewardship” – a vision fulfilled through Creating A Culture of Renewal.
Shannon Davis
Faculty
Shannon Davis is the pastor of Memorial United Methodist Church in Farmington, MO and an ordained elder with over 30 years of experience serving churches in Oklahoma and Missouri.
He is an avid Oklahoma State Cowboys fan and plays the violin.
His wife, Jan, and their three sons (one married) are very musical. They let him play fiddle but ask him not to sing. They have three cats.
Charlotte Pridgen-Randolph
Apprentice Faculty
The Rev. Dr. Charlotte Pridgen-Randolph is a retired Ordained Elder in the New England Annual Conference where she served for 35 years.
She is a graduate of Tuskegee University (TU), Boston University (BU), Andover Newton Theological School (ANTS) and United Theological Seminary (UTS). Before becoming a pastor, Charlotte was a nurse clinician and administrator at Boston City Hospital, now Boston Medical Center. Upon finishing seminary, she became the first Director of the Black Ministries Program at Andover Newton (ANTS).
Charlotte served as Pastor of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Dorchester, MA and retired as Pastor of the United Methodist Church of Newton, MA.
She is an avid reader, a singer of songs, and an enthusiastic plant lady. Charlotte is married to LaVergne, her husband of 36 years. They have four adult children and a grandson.
Monica Jefferson
Faculty-in-Training
The Rev. Monica Jefferson retired in 2024 after 31 years of service as a United Methodist clergy woman. She graduated from Saint Paul School of Theology, Kansas City in 1997 and was ordained in June 1998. She was most recently Senior Pastor of St. Andrew UMC. She served as conference staff to Bishops Sherer and Bishop Robert Schnase as the Associate Conference Council Director for the Missouri East Conference. Always active in the community, Monica collaborated with 20 churches to found St Louis North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony that has become a national model of racial justice and cultural competency that continues today.
She says, “Bridge building and the ministry reconciliation is wonderfully messy work that continues to stretch people to live Christ-centered spiritual lives, always striving to strengthen our faith and make a positive difference.” Monica is married to Dennis and they have one daughter, Shaunta Terea Jefferson.
Rebekah Simon-Peter Coaching and Consulting Staff
Ann Miller
Special Projects Coordinator
Ann’s background includes founding and managing non-profit organizations, community organizing, freelance writing, and marketing. With a life-long passion for peace and justice, Ann has marched the streets from coast to coast, and, with husband Cole, works on social justice issues, primarily through his two non-profits.
Ann has one son, Christie, and she and Cole are “2nd parents” to a young couple from Iraq. They are also the world’s most doting grandparents to grandson Sumter and granddaughter Celia, and willing servants to four-legged family, Scooby, Blaze, and Big Boy.
Don Sumalinog
Virtual Assistant
Don enjoys participating in a variety of sports and has a genuine curiosity for trying new foods and learning new things. In his downtime, when he’s not reading comics, he values simple moments that allow him to recharge.
With over three years of experience as a virtual assistant, Don brings reliability, adaptability, and a steady approach to supporting teams and managing day-to-day tasks. He’s always open to learning, growing, and finding better ways to be of service in both his work and everyday life.
Austin Peavler
Program Coordinator, Executive Assistant and Office Manager
Austin is a Wyoming native whose deep appreciation for the outdoors informs his grounded, service-oriented approach to both work and life. He is known for his thoughtful presence, strong organizational support, and genuine commitment to helping others thrive.
Outside the office, Austin enjoys time in nature, reading, baking, and connecting with friends. He shares his home with his two cats, Billy and Diana, and is continually seeking meaningful ways to contribute to his community and support others in their personal and professional growth.
Elisabeth Smith
CCR Guide and Mentoring Coordinator
Elisabeth Smith grew up in South Carolina and attended Agnes Scott College, graduating in 1983 with a BA in History and Bible. She attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated in 1986 with her MDiv. Elisabeth was ordained in 1984 and served United Methodist Churches in South Carolina from 1987 to 2002. She moved to the New England Annual Conference in 2002, serving churches in Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine. She is currently pastor of the Searsport (ME) United Methodist Church and the North Searsport (ME) UMC.
Elisabeth completed Creating a Culture of Renewal in 2023. Before her current position on Staff, she served as CCR Faculty.