MEET OUR STAFF
Dr. Gary Harber
Gary has a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Divinity from Oral Roberts University. He has pastored several United Methodist congregations over a 35-year span, the last 21 years of which were as Senior Pastor of St. James Church where he retired in June of 2019. We are beyond blessed to welcome him back from retirement as SJC's interim, Executive Pastor.
Gary and his wife Sherian have two grown children, Sherri and Tommy; one grandson, Noah;
and three Shih Tzus.
Gary and Sherian both love to travel. Their adventures include 29 trips to Israel and other biblical sights throughout the world, preaching and ministering in India, as well as attending various Bible prophecy conferences across the U.S.
Gary's favorite verse is Isaiah 46:9-10, "Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’
Willie Davis
Pastor of Worship
With over 40 years in the music ministry, Willie’s experience covers all aspects of local church and evangelistic ministry. His local church ministry consists of both denominational and non- denominational church leadership.
His ministry outside the local church grew from traveling in international evangelism with Pastor Carlton Pearson and then traveling several years worldwide as music director for Christian recording artist, Carman. Willie Davis is the founder and president of Willie Davis Ministries and, although he continues to travel, one of his greatest passions is being the Worship Pastor at St. James Church.
Percillia McCrary
Assistant Director Children's Ministries
Percillia grew up in the Tulsa area and has always had a passion for children. From the time she was in elementary school she said she wanted to be a teacher. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at Northeastern State University in 2010 and has been a full time teacher at a rural school in Okmulgee county since her graduation.
Percillia served in the children’s department at her childhood church from the time she was in high school, until she and her husband Jerome began attending St. James in 2012. She couldn’t pass up the opportunity to serve as a leader during Vacation Bible School her first summer at St. James, and her role has grown from there! She has served as the Assistant Children’s Director since 2016.
Percillia and Jerome became foster parents in 2017, but took a break after their last placement and after finally becoming pregnant and giving birth to baby B in April 2019.
Robyn Peters
Administrative Secretary
Robyn grew up in southwest Oklahoma, and at 13, started playing the piano and singing with the little children's class in their United Methodist church. She completed her Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing at Oklahoma State University. She and husband Mike are thankful for their grown children, Savannah & Trevor, Micah & Lance, and Ryan.
Over the years, Robyn has taught/served in Sunday School, VBS, children's programs, youth events and outreach. Robyn has worked at St. James since 2013, and is thankful for opportunities to share God's love with others and to help connect people who are serving God!
Her favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths."
David Lysinger
Facilities Manager
David came to St. James in January 2008 after a long career in customer service. David , a lifelong Oklahoman, attended high school and college in Tulsa and began his working career in his father’s supply business at the age of 15.
David grew up in the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, and while on a trip to London in 1998, got acquainted with the Anglican Church of England and fell in love with its rich tradition and old Christian values. David has been a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Tulsa for the last nine years.
David serves as the Facilities Manager at St James, overseeing daily maintenance and cleaning. He also serves as Facilities Manager at Faith United Methodist Church in Tulsa.
David’s favorite bible verse is Isaiah 43:18-19, “Remember ye not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing.”
Jason Canady
Jason is an Ozark Christian College graduate, class of '98 with degrees in Biblical Literature and Christian Education. He also has a Master's in Theology and Apologetics. He's been in ministry for almost two decades and is from Bartlesville.
Jason and his wife Robyn have two children, Dylan and Mailelani. He loves to read, loves the Sooners, Red Sox, and Liverpool FC.
Jessica Spears
Jessica has always had a heart for working with children. She completed her Bachelors in Social Work at Texas Woman’s University and her MSW at Texas A & M-Commerce. Jessica followed her passion for children into a career in child welfare and child therapy. It was there that she saw how a strong relationship with Jesus impacts the health of a family. After working as an Assistant Children’s Director at St. James, Jessica is excited about leading the department in helping children and their families grow closer with Jesus.
Jessica and her husband Matthew have three children, Alexandra, Dylan, and Isaac.
Her life verse is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Dana Jones
Assistant Director Children's Ministries
Dana and her family are originally from Ohio. They relocated to Tulsa in 2012 and began attending St. James Church. She joined St. James staff as Assistant Director of Children's Ministry spring of 2017. Dana attended the University of Toledo and her educational background is in Special Education. She has an intense passion for teaching children the word of God as well as the importance of praise and worship. She and her husband Colin have three children, Laila, Cadin and Charlie.
"It's such an amazingly pure thing to watch children begin their journey with the Lord."
- Dana
Tamie Elliott
Tamie has worked in the accounting field for over 20 years, and more than half of those years at St. James. She really enjoys her work and is blessed to know she is able to serve in such a way. Tamie enjoys running and has participated in a 5k and 15k run. Recently, she came in 8th in the women’s group of the 5k Tulsa run. She loves to cook, especially with her friend, Laura.
Tamie's favorite Bible verse is: Psalm 37:4, “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Michele Powell
Communications
Michele began attending St. James in the year 2000 and joined our church staff in 2018 as Communications Coordinator.
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She has a BA in Mass Communication from Montana State University and an MS in Mass Communication: Media Management from Oklahoma State University.
Her love for stories and storytelling began as both features and crime reporter for television news. Today, she is only telling one story, on multiple platforms, and is passionate about seeing it reach those who are yet to hear.
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One of Michele's favorite Bible verses is 2 Peter 1:3, "Everything we could ever need for life and complete devotion to God has already been deposited in us by his divine power. For all this was lavished upon us through the rich experience of knowing him who has called us by name and invited us to come to him through a glorious manifestation of his goodness."