Our Pastor
Interim Pastor, Ben Shinn
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Ben Shinn is a third generation United Methodist minister. Growing up as the son of an Air Force Chaplain, he has lived throughout the United States and overseas. He attended the University of Maryland (Munich Campus) his first two years of college and received his undergraduate degree from SMU. He is also a graduate of Perkins School of Theology at SMU.
Ben has served churches in varied settings throughout his career. He started out his ministry as an associate at Lakewood UMC in East Dallas. He was the founding pastor of Buckingham UMC in suburban North Garland. He has served Oak Cliff UMC; Kavanaugh UMC in Greenville; Plymouth Park UMC; and Walnut Hill UMC. He also served as the Assistant to the Bishop with Bishop William B. Oden. He retired on July 1, 2012 after 44 years of active ministry. He is certified as an Intentional Interim Minister and served as the Interim Minister at First UMC Kaufman from March 2013 through June 2013; at Wesley UMC Sulphur Springs from March 2014 through June 2014; at Christ UMC Farmers Branch from April 2015 through July 12, 2015; at First UMC Sachse from February 2016 through June 2016; at St. Mark’s Mesquite from March 19 through May 7, 2017; at First UMC Winnsboro from September 17 through October 31, 2017; at McKenzie UMC/Forest Hill in Honey Grove from January 1 through June 30, 2018. Ben's wife, Mary, is a flutist and organist/pianist. She is the flute specialist at Highland Park High School. She has played in the North East Texas Symphony for many years. She is currently the organist for Lake Highlands United Methodist Church, playing there two Sundays each month. Ben and Mary have two married daughters: Ruth Anne, who lives in Austin, TX, and Laura, who lives in Buda, TX. He and Mary have three granddaughters: Emma, Chloe, and Hannah. Ben is an avid golfer and also enjoys working in his yard, and reading. He has a regular burger group which meets every Thursday. |