Welcome to Southminster Presbyterian Church!
Southminster Presbyterian Church is a community of individuals who believe that God calls us together to love God and serve our neighbors. We worship Jesus and care for others just as Christ would. We are committed to relevant, meaningful worship, life-long learning and growth, and serving others with the hope of creating communities of justice, compassion, and peace.
Southminster Presbyterian Church believes that all people are beloved in God’s sight and fully welcomes and affirms all people into our life together regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, physical or cognitive ability, or age. We are committed to the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in our congregation.
Southminster Presbyterian Church is a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Heartland Presbytery. We are also members of More Light Presbyterians and the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, two organizations which work for justice for LGBTQ+ people in the church. We have joined the Matthew 25 Initiative which encourages and challenges us to pursue opportunities that will develop vital congregations, eradicate systemic poverty, and dismantle structural racism.,
When we say “all are welcome” we do our best to practice what we preach.
Staff
Rev. Caroline Barnett is a Presbyterian Minister who has served congregations in Alabama and Missouri. From 2019 to 2023, Caroline served as a pastor and campus minister for First Presbyterian Church of Auburn, Alabama. Prior to coming to Southminster she served multiple congregations in Kansas City, Missouri. Wherever she serves, Caroline is passionate about creating communities where all people can feel God’s presence. Prior to becoming a pastor, Caroline worked as an editorial assistant for Sojourners magazine. Her writing has been published in The Presbyterian Outlook, Sojourners magazine, and as a chapter of the book Hipster Culture: Transnational and Intersectional Perspectives. Caroline attended Kalamazoo College in Michigan and later earned her Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Texas where she was awarded the David L. Stitt Fellowship for her academic scholarship. In her free time, Caroline enjoys reading, hiking, cooking, and spending time with her friends and family. She lives in Kansas City with her dog Bessie.
Joshua Hearn began his church music ministry twenty-five years ago. As a native of central Illinois, he earned a Bachelor of Music degree with distinction in organ performance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His teachers at Illinois included Dana Robinson, DMA (organ) and Chester L. Alwes, DMA (choral literature and conducting). Joshua came to Kansas to pursue the Master of Church Music degree (organ) at the University of Kansas where his teachers included Michael Bauer, DMA (organ, choral conducting, and church music) and Kevin Vogt, DMA (church music and organ improvisation).
He also holds the Associate Certification (AAGO) of the American Guild of Organists and is a member of the Lawrence Community Handbell Choir. When not on the bench, Joshua enjoys traveling and experiencing the many wonderful arts opportunities Kansas City has to offer.
David Shoemaker works with our Youth Group. He worked with the Youth in a volunteer role for 18 years before recently transitioning to the Youth Director Role. David lives in Olathe with his wife Kate and two children Sabella (12) and Dalan (10). Beyond working with the Youth, David is an 8th grade math teacher in Olathe. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, watching his kids participate in their various activities, and rooting for the Chiefs, Royals, KU, and Liverpool Football Club.
Before joining Southminster, Paula grew up in Winfield, KS and is a lifelong resident of the Midwest. She has held various roles in her career, predominately in bookkeeping and most recently as a successful real estate agent with ReeceNichols Realtors.
Paula currently resides in Fairway with her husband Stephen and her son Leo, a student at Rockhurst High School. In her free time, Paula enjoys working in her flower beds, taking long walks with her dogs, and spending time with her family.
Rev. Caroline Barnett is a Presbyterian Minister who has served congregations in Alabama and Missouri. From 2019 to 2023, Caroline served as a pastor and campus minister for First Presbyterian Church of Auburn, Alabama. Prior to coming to Southminster she served multiple congregations in Kansas City, Missouri. Wherever she serves, Caroline is passionate about creating communities where all people can feel God’s presence. Prior to becoming a pastor, Caroline worked as an editorial assistant for Sojourners magazine. Her writing has been published in The Presbyterian Outlook, Sojourners magazine, and as a chapter of the book Hipster Culture: Transnational and Intersectional Perspectives. Caroline attended Kalamazoo College in Michigan and later earned her Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Texas where she was awarded the David L. Stitt Fellowship for her academic scholarship. In her free time, Caroline enjoys reading, hiking, cooking, and spending time with her friends and family. She lives in Kansas City with her dog Bessie.
Joshua Hearn began his church music ministry twenty-five years ago. As a native of central Illinois, he earned a Bachelor of Music degree with distinction in organ performance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His teachers at Illinois included Dana Robinson, DMA (organ) and Chester L. Alwes, DMA (choral literature and conducting). Joshua came to Kansas to pursue the Master of Church Music degree (organ) at the University of Kansas where his teachers included Michael Bauer, DMA (organ, choral conducting, and church music) and Kevin Vogt, DMA (church music and organ improvisation).
He also holds the Associate Certification (AAGO) of the American Guild of Organists and is a member of the Lawrence Community Handbell Choir. When not on the bench, Joshua enjoys traveling and experiencing the many wonderful arts opportunities Kansas City has to offer.
David Shoemaker works with our Youth Group. He worked with the Youth in a volunteer role for 18 years before recently transitioning to the Youth Director Role. David lives in Olathe with his wife Kate and two children Sabella (12) and Dalan (10). Beyond working with the Youth, David is an 8th grade math teacher in Olathe. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, watching his kids participate in their various activities, and rooting for the Chiefs, Royals, KU, and Liverpool Football Club.
Lisa Short serves as the church administrator. She hails from St. Louis, MO and moved to Lenexa, KS with her husband in 2008. Her roles at Southminster include publishing the newsletters, creating bulletins, and giving support where needed. Lisa is a dedicated animal advocate and shares her home with her rescue dog and cat. She has a passion for helping others and assists with care for her Mom who lives in the area. Lisa enjoys nature, reading and gardening.
Rev. Jeff Light is a retired Presbyterian minister, having served churches in Joplin, Missouri, Lawrence, Kansas, Lake City, Colorado, and most recently as interim pastor at Central Presbyterian Church in Kansas City. Most of Jeff’s career though, was in Leadership Development for Sprint, IBM, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Jeff’s two children the Rev. Jessie Light-Wells, and Josh Light grew up at Southminster. Jeff enjoys reading, theater, running, and travel. As a part-time parish associate, Jeff supports Southminster’s ministries through worship leadership, pastoral care, and teaching.
Leadership
We value community discernment and leadership. Members of the congregation serve as leaders, called ruling elders, for three year terms.
Class of 2026
- Susan Anderson
- Denise Blinn
- Ginny Lyon
- Amy Bagnall
- Kärin Forsburg
Class of 2027
- Mark Jorgenson
- Julie Miguel
- Josh Thiele
- Don Milligan
- Rick Newkirk
- Alisa Kozlowski
Class of 2028
- Judy Robinett
- Doug Mitts
- Dave Reid
- Joy Warner
Deacons
Deacons are leaders responsible for the care of others. They oversee our ministries of mission.
Class of 2026
- Bob Baker
- Amy Herring
Class of 2027
- Abigail Singleton
- Marilyn Lake
- Katy Thompson
Class of 2028
- Kate Shoemaker
- Tim Thomas