Rev. Sarah Wimberley

I grew up in Charleston, Mo, as the child of two public school teachers. After attending Kentucky Wesleyan College and Southeast Missouri State University, I began my career at the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk's office in Illinois while also substitute teaching. I later transitioned to working with children's residential facilities, serving at both Kemmerer Village in Assumption and Chaddock in Quincy, IL.

After working in Hannibal for several years, I moved to Independence, Mo., where I married my husband and raised my daughter. We currently live just off the Independence Square.

My ministry journey began in 2001 when I started seminary, following three years as a substitute teacher and elementary school volunteer.

Since graduating from seminary and completing my residency, I served as the pastor at Glenwood Park UMC for eight years and Northern Boulevard UMC for ten years. In July 2020, I was appointed to St. Mark's UMC, where I have served for the past five and a half years. Beyond the local church.

I am the president of the Independence Ministerial Alliance, a Junior Service League Sustainer, and a member of PEO and the Independence Chamber of Commerce. I am a Domestic and Community mediator, listed with the Missouri Bar Association.  I am also currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Spirituality, Innovation, and Adaptive Leadership at Saint Paul School of Theology.

My husband and I are the proud parents of two Independence School District graduates and have two young grandchildren. My entire immediate family is fortunate to live on the same block.