Staff

Rev. Kyle Hern
Pastor

A United Methodist pastor for over 40 years, Kyle is a 1973 graduate of Central Methodist University.  He was awarded a Master of Divinity degree by Saint Paul School of Theology (KCMO) in 1976, and was ordained an elder in the Missouri Conference of the United Church Methodist in 1977.  He has served the UMC in Missouri in a number of places including a six-year stint as a District Superintendent in the Kansas City area. His last full-time pastoral appointment was St. John's United Methodist Church located on Ward Parkway in Kansas City, MO where he served for nine-years prior to his retirement in 2014.  A clergy member of the Missouri Conference, Kyle has participated in Volunteer-in-Mission trips to India/Nepal, Africa, Central America, and Cuba, and was a leader in developing The Mozambique Initiative and the wells project there.  He also was very involved in the ecumenical movement in Missouri for many years.

Current interests include the study of creation spirituality/theology, advocacy for women's rights and reproductive choice, studying and practicing compassion with a small group called The Community of Compassion, Democratic Party politics, facilitating a group called The Community of Hope, Resistance, and Renewal, and relationship coaching and consulting.  He is a student and practitioner of the emerging discipline of positive psychology.

Kyle and his wife of 43 years, Marie, have three grown children: Nathan (Melissa), Lindy (Matt), and Jon, and one grandson, Joey, by way of Nathan and Melissa.  They live in the Red Bridge area of south Kansas City with their little dog, a yorkie-poo, named Bear.

Kyle also enjoys traveling with Marie, playing with Joey, KC Royals baseball, Missouri Tiger football and basketball, hiking, reading, and writing.

Becky Stevens
Vocal Music Director

Becky has a degree in Music Education and Music Therapy. She went to undergraduate school at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and attended KU for graduate studies.

She began as the vocal music director in the fall of 1998 and loves the opportunity to work with many talented church members in the choir and through special music. She works to bring a variety of music to the worship service.

Upon arriving in KC, she and her husband Jeff started looking for a church that would fit their views on inclusivity. They were excited to find Trinity UMC where they felt the people were warm, welcoming, and genuinely interested in making all people feel at home in the church.

Robert H. Rowlett
Instrumental Music Director

Robert earned his Bachelor's degree in organ performance and sacred music at the University of South Dakota. He holds a Master's Degree encompassing organ and voice performance and music pedagogy from UMKC. His service began at Trinity in the fall of 1987. 

He serves as the instrumental music director and organist at Trinity. While at Trinity, he works from his studio instructing students in piano, voice, and organ. Currently he serves on the staff at the Community of Christ world headquarters in Independence presenting organ recitals and playing for services year-round. He also serves as the choral accompanist for the Turner Unified School Districts high school and middle school.