Pastor
Prior to moving to Shawnee Wesley United Methodist Church, he served for seven years at Stroud First United Methodist Church. He also served as the director of the Wesley Foundation the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.
Gérard completed his seminary education at Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina in May 2011. Prior to his seminary education, Gérard completed graduate studies at Oklahoma State University where he earned a Master of Sciences degree in Agricultural Economics in May 2005. Gérard is also a graduate of Africa University – a United Methodist related institution of higher education located in Zimbabwe. It is at Africa University where Gérard earned a bachelor’s degree of Science in Agriculture and Natural Resources in May 2002.
Gérard is a native of the small east African Country of Burundi. He is married to Alina, a native of Romania in Europe. Gérard and Alina have three girls Alexia, Nadine and Théa.
Gérard enjoys and treasures meeting new people and hearing every person’s sacred story.

Administrative Assistant

Youth Director
Zach came to Wesley in 2018. Before coming to Wesley, Zach was a Sports Coordinator for the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City. He was a activate member of the Youth Camps, he is currently a Dean for Camp Spark. Camp Spark is a United Methodist camp for 6th grade through Graduated Seniors at Canyon Camp.
Zach played baseball growing up and was able to enjoy playing it in college as well. He is a huge fan of the Sooners, Thunder, and St Louis Cardinals. Zach enjoys playing a multitude of sports. He plays in adult leagues for softball and basketball. He also enjoys to play golf and disc golf with his friends. When Zach is not being active, he enjoys playing video games, board games, and reading a good book.
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Food: Macaroni and Cheese
Favorite Dessert: No Bake Cookies or German Chocolate Cake
Favorite TV Show: The Office
Favorite Quote: “Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too.” Yogi Berra

Children’s Director
Hello Church Family,
I am Kimberly Bussell, and I am the new Children’s Director for Wesley UMC. Some of you I have gotten to know me, but there are still so many faces that I haven’t met. I grew up in McAlester my entire life, and my parents still live there. It was my home church where I fell in love with God, and from there each chapter of my life has brought me closer to Him. I went to college at ECU where I graduated there with a degree in Elementary education. I have been married to my husband, Jacob Bussell, for 10 years now. We have three children, Josiah, Elizabeth, and Emma. I currently stay home with my youngest, but come next year I will be back in the workforce of education.
I am so excited to be a part of the church and to work together to help grow the children’s program. I have had my hand in in children’s ministry ever since my home church that I grew up in allowed me to help in extended care. I had the privilege to teach Sunday School for the past year and a half at my previous church. I truly enjoy teaching children and watching their love for God blossom and mature. My goal for each child that comes through our children’s ministry is to have a strong foundation of the Bible, Old and New Testament. I want them to know of God’s great love and how through each book of the Bible, you can see God’s love.
Nursery Director
